Koroni

Koroni is a small town at the southern end of the Messinian Bay. It is built amphitheatrically, with picturesque houses, its waterfront and imposing castle on the edge of the peninsula. Koroni has been important since the Byzantine times, but it was fortified by the Venetians in the 13th century and along with Methoni were two of the most important centers of Venice in the eastern Mediterranean.

Inside the small town, which preserves intact its historical identity, you will walk on the cobbled steps and admire the sights: the manor of chieftain Karapavlos, the traditional central square, the Cathedral of Saint Demetrius, which was built in 1864, and the imposing clock of 1909. Around the square is everything: shops, public services, banks, bakeries, etc. From the left of the square you will head to the picturesque port of Koroni, with the old manors, cafes and taverns.

A small grove of palm trees, with the beautiful church of Panagia Eleistra is one of the places not to be missed, as well as the beautiful beach of Zaga. Off the coast of Koroni lies the island of Venetiko, while further west the island of Schiza, which can be reached by tourist boats.

Koroni except for the beach of the Castle and the small beach in front of its harbor is surrounded by many beautiful sandy beaches, easily accessible after breathtaking routes in the lush landscape planted with olives. Finikouda with the beautiful beach on the road to Methoni, but also the road north to Petalidi unfolds beaches and beautiful locations.

Pausanias mentions two versions for the name of Koroni. According to the first one, it took its name from Koronia of Boeotia as settlers from that city led by Epimilidis founded it. According to the second one, a bronze koroni (currency) that was found during the construction of the walls was the reason for naming.

Koroni is 51 kilometers from Kalamata, 30 kilometers from Methoni and 39 kilometers from Pylos.

Uncle in Koroni

A phrase that… if you have not used, you have certainly heard: “He has an uncle in Koroni”, is said wanting to emphasize the power. During the Ottoman occupation, the general commander of Morias was the pasha of Tripoli. It is said that the only lord who did not obey to his authority was the bey of Koroni, because, according to the custom of the time, in Koroni was sent as bey a close relative of the sultan. Thus, the bey of Koroni was under the administration of the pasha of Tripoli, but he was affecting him significantly and the pasha did not dare to refuse him any favor.