Another magnificent area Koroni is a small town and a former municipality in Messinia. Since 2011 it is part of the municipality Pylos Nestor, of which it is a municipal unit. Known as Corone by the Venetians and Ottomans, the town of Koroni (population 1,397 in 2011) is located on the southwest peninsula of Peloponnisos, on the Messinian Gulf, fourty five minutes southwest of Kalamata city. The town is located on a hill below an impressive Venetian castle and reaches to the edge of the gulf. The town was the seat of the former municipality of Koroni and it also includes the uninhabited marvelous for many reasons island of Venetiko.
Koroni is a really picturesque destination, graphic and with lots of activities available for tourists that are flooding the place. Don’t forget to walk to the narrow streets and check the local shops and tavernas!
According to an ancient folk tradition, the name Koroni came from the copper coin Kourouna, which was found during an excavation searching for the foundations of the walls. It is indicated that “Koronia” was the original name of the town that it was given due to its founder Epimilidis thats was born in Koronia of Viotia. The locals, however, had trouble to get used to the name of the village so they decided to the change its name into Koroni that stays until these days.
In Koroni is placed the ancient Messinian town of Assini, which was identified with the Homeric Epia, one of the cities that Agamemnon also had promised to Achilles during the Trojan War. The area was inhabited since ancient times and there are signs such as seashells, vases and many more that confirm this claim. Koroni had great prosperity from the thirteenth to the seventeenth century and, along with Methoni, it was a key port for the trade to and from the East. Koroni, as well as Methoni, were widely known in the southeastern Mediterranean Sea as the “eyes of Venice” as they used to call them in old times. Following ninteenth century, the economy continued to be flourishing and this fact has led Koroni to be the center of commerce and crafts of the surrounding areas. The magnificent castle of the town is standing stately at the top of the settlement and there is no person that will stay there and will not visit this unique fortress. The castle of Koroni, on the south-eastern edge of the Messinian Gulf, is the least well preserved of all that exist in Peloponnese, a fact that gives it immeasurable value!
In Koroni, similarly as throughout the prefecture of Messinia, you’ll find a rich traditional cuisine and plenty of pure and healthy native products. The main agricultural foods produced in Messinia are olives, grapes, raisins, figs, citrus and fruit and vegetables.
Some of the specialties of the local cuisine are salads, boiled goat, scrambled cod with garlic, roast pork, and sage-smoked sausages unique to their taste and quality.
Try even marvelous “diples”, “lalagia” and oil bagels. Don’t forget to shop the far-famed Kalamata olives, honey, that are of excellent quality, “pasteli”, “ouzo”, balsamic vinegar, “trachana”, noodles, herbs and organic products.
Koroni is out of competition when it comes to products and food. Everyone knows that there is a place that definitely loves the good food. Try the local tavernas and restaurants and you will remember us!
Koroni has a lot of significant sights and areas worth visiting like the Venetian Castle of course which is the first sight you should visit, the monastery of Agios Ioannis, the church of the Virgin Mary of Eleistria as well as other not so well known sights as the masterpiece of Karapavlou that you will see while entering the scenic Koroni and the headquarters of the metropolitan church of Agios Dimitrios while reaching the traditional central square. This church is a royal rhythm of Ionian art and was built in 1864. In the small palm tree there, is the statue of Bishop Grigorios and the building where the historical and archaeological collection of Koroni is stored.
Nearby famous beaches worth to visit are Zaga beach, Memi beach, Kalamaki beach, Peroulia beach, Kolonides beach, Gargarou beach, Castle of Koroni beach. Other beautiful beaches in the area where you can swim and enjoy the sun are the beaches of Agia Triada, Artaki, Tsapi and Faneromeni.
Spring Breaks
Visitors who head to Koroni between late March and May should expect to find clear skies and temperatures that hover between fifteen and twenty five degrees, making sightseeing pleasant and creating perfect walking conditions. It’s not uncommon for water temperatures to be warm enough for swimming throughout the early Spring also. The important Easter preparations that take place this time of year, where you see locals flooding the streets for the biggest celebration of Christianity. Next day is followed by music, dancing, eating and drinking as a tradition. By avoiding the summer rush, tourists should be able to find smart deals on flights and accommodation, making Spring a good season for budget travellers to visit Koroni.
Summer Sun
Sunscreen and shades are essential for a Summer visit to Koroni, and the dry heat, which is possible to exceed 40 degrees, can feel stifling. If you intend to visit Koroni at this time, don’t attempt to pack too much clothes into your trip. Arrange several of lazy beach days and make sure your hotel room or apartment is air conditioned. Greek holidaymakers flock here during the summer months, so you should expect crowded beaches so book your lodgings earlier as well.
Autumn and Winter in Koroni
As the temperatures drop, also do the tourist numbers, and the early Autumn is a very pleasant time to visit Koroni. During September the waters are still warm enough for swimming, and you’ll have plenty of space for splashing into. Sightseeing becomes more comfortable as the heat becomes less oppressive, so October, November and forward are good times of the year to explore the mountains. During the Winter, there are fewer international flights to Kalamata, but it is always possible to fly in to Athens and take the transport through the beautiful newly created highway and inside the graphic villages along the way.
Koroni the famous little coastal town of Messinia has all the Messinian Gulf at its feet. It has 2000 inhabitants and is situated southwest of Kalamata, from where is 52 kilometers away.With the first glance, the visitor sees the imposing Venetian Castle and the port town lying at the foot of the village.
Koroni offers quiet family holidays but also some nightlife for the younger ones that coming from nearby villages to enjoy! The endless natural beauty, the graphic landscape, the vital historical sights and the warm hospitality of people there fascinate every visitor. Small walks will help you explore the mysterious medieval city embraced by the glamor of the sea.
Driving: You’ll be able to drive from Athens to Koroni in about three hours thirty minutes on the National Road. Its not a bad drive and you will pass some attention-grabbing countryside. After all it’s a lot more interesting for the passenger than it’s for the driver who should keep his eye on the road in order to be alert for all the crazy things Greek drivers do. However even that may be amusing and if you’re a good driver you will not have any issues. Rent a Car
By bus: Coach services are operated by KTEL between Athens, Koroni.
The trip time depends on bus schedule. Ticket value depends on bus schedule also.
You don’t have to pre-book for a price ticket. You’ll pay at the terminal, before bus departure or on the bus. If you’re there half an hour before departure you must find a seat. Find a Bus
By taxi: You’ll be able to rent or hire a taxi transfer from Athens directly to Koroni through the contact form and also you can arrange the price with the driver! This can be a simple solution if you don’t wish to drive all the way by yourself! Taxi Transfer
Another magnificent area Koroni is a small town and a former municipality in Messinia. Since 2011 it is part of the municipality Pylos Nestor, of which it is a municipal unit. Known as Corone by the Venetians and Ottomans, the town of Koroni (population 1,397 in 2011) is located on the southwest peninsula of Peloponnisos, on the Messinian Gulf, fourty five minutes southwest of Kalamata city. The town is located on a hill below an impressive Venetian castle and reaches to the edge of the gulf. The town was the seat of the former municipality of Koroni and it also includes the uninhabited marvelous for many reasons island of Venetiko.
Koroni is a really picturesque destination, graphic and with lots of activities available for tourists that are flooding the place. Don’t forget to walk to the narrow streets and check the local shops and tavernas!
According to an ancient folk tradition, the name Koroni came from the copper coin Kourouna, which was found during an excavation searching for the foundations of the walls. It is indicated that “Koronia” was the original name of the town that it was given due to its founder Epimilidis thats was born in Koronia of Viotia. The locals, however, had trouble to get used to the name of the village so they decided to the change its name into Koroni that stays until these days.
In Koroni is placed the ancient Messinian town of Assini, which was identified with the Homeric Epia, one of the cities that Agamemnon also had promised to Achilles during the Trojan War. The area was inhabited since ancient times and there are signs such as seashells, vases and many more that confirm this claim. Koroni had great prosperity from the thirteenth to the seventeenth century and, along with Methoni, it was a key port for the trade to and from the East. Koroni, as well as Methoni, were widely known in the southeastern Mediterranean Sea as the “eyes of Venice” as they used to call them in old times. Following ninteenth century, the economy continued to be flourishing and this fact has led Koroni to be the center of commerce and crafts of the surrounding areas. The magnificent castle of the town is standing stately at the top of the settlement and there is no person that will stay there and will not visit this unique fortress. The castle of Koroni, on the south-eastern edge of the Messinian Gulf, is the least well preserved of all that exist in Peloponnese, a fact that gives it immeasurable value!
In Koroni, similarly as throughout the prefecture of Messinia, you’ll find a rich traditional cuisine and plenty of pure and healthy native products. The main agricultural foods produced in Messinia are olives, grapes, raisins, figs, citrus and fruit and vegetables.
Some of the specialties of the local cuisine are salads, boiled goat, scrambled cod with garlic, roast pork, and sage-smoked sausages unique to their taste and quality.
Try even marvelous “diples”, “lalagia” and oil bagels. Don’t forget to shop the far-famed Kalamata olives, honey, that are of excellent quality, “pasteli”, “ouzo”, balsamic vinegar, “trachana”, noodles, herbs and organic products.
Koroni is out of competition when it comes to products and food. Everyone knows that there is a place that definitely loves the good food. Try the local tavernas and restaurants and you will remember us!
Koroni has a lot of significant sights and areas worth visiting like the Venetian Castle of course which is the first sight you should visit, the monastery of Agios Ioannis, the church of the Virgin Mary of Eleistria as well as other not so well known sights as the masterpiece of Karapavlou that you will see while entering the scenic Koroni and the headquarters of the metropolitan church of Agios Dimitrios while reaching the traditional central square. This church is a royal rhythm of Ionian art and was built in 1864. In the small palm tree there, is the statue of Bishop Grigorios and the building where the historical and archaeological collection of Koroni is stored.
Nearby famous beaches worth to visit are Zaga beach, Memi beach, Kalamaki beach, Peroulia beach, Kolonides beach, Gargarou beach, Castle of Koroni beach. Other beautiful beaches in the area where you can swim and enjoy the sun are the beaches of Agia Triada, Artaki, Tsapi and Faneromeni.
Spring Breaks
Visitors who head to Koroni between late March and May should expect to find clear skies and temperatures that hover between fifteen and twenty five degrees, making sightseeing pleasant and creating perfect walking conditions. It’s not uncommon for water temperatures to be warm enough for swimming throughout the early Spring also. The important Easter preparations that take place this time of year, where you see locals flooding the streets for the biggest celebration of Christianity. Next day is followed by music, dancing, eating and drinking as a tradition. By avoiding the summer rush, tourists should be able to find smart deals on flights and accommodation, making Spring a good season for budget travellers to visit Koroni.
Summer Sun
Sunscreen and shades are essential for a Summer visit to Koroni, and the dry heat, which is possible to exceed 40 degrees, can feel stifling. If you intend to visit Koroni at this time, don’t attempt to pack too much clothes into your trip. Arrange several of lazy beach days and make sure your hotel room or apartment is air conditioned. Greek holidaymakers flock here during the summer months, so you should expect crowded beaches so book your lodgings earlier as well.
Autumn and Winter in Koroni
As the temperatures drop, also do the tourist numbers, and the early Autumn is a very pleasant time to visit Koroni. During September the waters are still warm enough for swimming, and you’ll have plenty of space for splashing into. Sightseeing becomes more comfortable as the heat becomes less oppressive, so October, November and forward are good times of the year to explore the mountains. During the Winter, there are fewer international flights to Kalamata, but it is always possible to fly in to Athens and take the transport through the beautiful newly created highway and inside the graphic villages along the way.
Koroni the famous little coastal town of Messinia has all the Messinian Gulf at its feet. It has 2000 inhabitants and is situated southwest of Kalamata, from where is 52 kilometers away.With the first glance, the visitor sees the imposing Venetian Castle and the port town lying at the foot of the village.
Koroni offers quiet family holidays but also some nightlife for the younger ones that coming from nearby villages to enjoy! The endless natural beauty, the graphic landscape, the vital historical sights and the warm hospitality of people there fascinate every visitor. Small walks will help you explore the mysterious medieval city embraced by the glamor of the sea.
Driving: You’ll be able to drive from Athens to Koroni in about three hours thirty minutes on the National Road. Its not a bad drive and you will pass some attention-grabbing countryside. After all it’s a lot more interesting for the passenger than it’s for the driver who should keep his eye on the road in order to be alert for all the crazy things Greek drivers do. However even that may be amusing and if you’re a good driver you will not have any issues. Rent a Car
By bus: Coach services are operated by KTEL between Athens, Koroni.
The trip time depends on bus schedule. Ticket value depends on bus schedule also.
You don’t have to pre-book for a price ticket. You’ll pay at the terminal, before bus departure or on the bus. If you’re there half an hour before departure you must find a seat. Find a Bus
By taxi: You’ll be able to rent or hire a taxi transfer from Athens directly to Koroni through the contact form and also you can arrange the price with the driver! This can be a simple solution if you don’t wish to drive all the way by yourself! Taxi Transfer