The seaside Peloponnese village of Finikounda, situated between Methoni and Koroni, is a well-known attraction for locals and visitors from afar. Its small beach features a superb sandy shore with lovely waters and a small harbour that looks out to a small island complex, Messenian Oinousses, in the southwest of the Peloponnese. Sapientza, the biggest of these islands, hosts a stone lighthouse from 1885, while the group is completed by Schiza and Agia Mariani, the smallest of the three with a church of the same name at its centre.
Finikounda is approximately a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Athens. The journey may be split in half with a stop for coffee in Tripoli, at the town’s Agios Vassilios square, and a quick visit to the War Museum. Finikounda is an idea spot for those in search of relaxation and nature-lovers. The village has five camping facilities, four of which are on the same beach.
The area spread out behind the small harbour is the most picturesque part of the village. Old whitewashed two-storey houses, some of them neoclassical in style, paved alleys and an assortment of small shops, from cafes to neighbourhood stores and tavernas, are hidden amid the narrow streets. The beach to the front is serviced and in summer an inflatable theme park is added to the water. Beach bars and tavernas are also to be found here. A great way to explore the wider area and the group of islands situated opposite Finikounda is by boat and two rental companies operate in the village, alongside a scuba diving centre.
Do not restrict your beach time to Finikounda’s main beach as other even more impressive beaches exist in the area. West of the village, Anemomylos-Mavrovouni is a much bigger beach with a superb sandy shore, incredible waters, greenery and youthful vibes. The Minagiotikos river flows through the middle section of this beach, where one side is clearly a lot sandier and features small dunes and sea daffodils.
This beach has four camping facilities and also offers water sports such as canoeing and surfing. Slightly further west, Koubares, a superb beach is also sandy, backed by trees and shrubs. With clean waters this spot is ideal for quieter swims away from crowds, as is a smaller beach situated between Koubares and Anemomylos-Mavrovouni. Further out west, between Koubares and Methoni, Labes, a wide sandy beach with clear seas is among the area’s best-known. It is also serviced and has a water sports centre.
East of Finikounda, Loutsa , a nice beach surrounded by abundant greenery, is endowed with exceptional waters and offers a well shaded camping facility for visitors who prefer relaxed, simpler living. Beyond the camping grounds a section of the beach is serviced. Ligonammos is similarly serviced and ideal for families.
Kantouni beach situated below the area’s Venetian Tower is quiet, offers transparent waters and a slightly more rugged natural beauty as a result of the surrounding rocks and dense vegetation. This beach is reached via a trail, approximately 800 metres long, starting from Loutsa. If you have time, turn left at the middle of the trail and head up to the tower for views of the coastline. You may also drive to Mikro Marathi and Megalo Marathi, two lovely, non-serviced beaches that are both ideal for swimming amid serene conditions. Slightly beyond the Marathi beaches, Tsapi beach, easily accessed and serviced, has a camping facility and tavernas.
Accommodation
Viva Mare Foinikounta: A charming complex with studios and apartments, all equipped with small kitchens. (+30 2723071315).
Αnemi apartment: Small single-space houses accommodating between 2 to 4 persons, they all offer fully equipped kitchens. (+30 2723071332).
Pelagia’s Apartments Finikounda: Very well-kept apartments, fully equipped with balconies offering views of the sea and village. (+30 6976138594).
DION ZOIS: Maisonettes and apartments within a lush setting. (+30 6977141909)
Food
Tsapofagas: Old-school taverna with casserole recipes and grilled dishes close to the beach. (+30 2723071150)
Yialo Yialo: Charming restaurant at Finikounda beach with a full sea view. (+30 2723071479)
Dionysos: Directly in front of the harbour, Dionysos offers a lovely view from its tables set just off the beach. (+30 2723071229)
Read also:
Messenia: Medieval castles, traditional flavours, wonderful sea
Meteora: Top hiking routes – trails, monasteries and rocks of an awe-inspiring place in Greece
9 picturesque destinations in Greece, ideal for excursions close to nature
