Koroni Beaches, Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece

Today the first part of a guest post about the Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece, sent by Maggi from FaceDestiny & GreeceDonkeyDroppings. Thanks Maggi and off we go to Greece...

Think of Greece as a holiday destination and I can predict the picture that will come to mind: intense blue sky and sea, sandy beaches, blindingly white houses, and more likely than not it will be an island you're thinking of. It's hardly surprising given the number of islands that form part of Greece. And that's exactly how it was for us on our first visits.

After a few years we decided we wanted to explore mainland Greece and we liked what we found so much that we actually moved to the southern Peloponnese at the beginning of 2008.

The Peloponnese is that big piece at the bottom left of Greece on the map, attached to the rest of the mainland by the Corinth Canal. At its southern end it splits into 3 peninsulas and we live on the western most of the 3, just on the inside of the southern tip. We're around 4 hours' drive from Athens, accessible by bus and train as well as hire car, and there are some charter flights into the local airport at Kalamata, a mere 40 km away, in summer.

For those who do make the journey, which includes a fair number who drive their motor homes down from northern Europe, the effort is definitely worth it. Many return year after year and some, like us, find they don't want to leave, adding to the growing non-Greek population.

Driving down the peninsula from Kalamata you're never more than a couple of kilometers from the sea as the road passes through small towns and villages.

Our little piece of paradise is Koroni, a small town that is a tourist spot in traditional Greek fashion. By that I mean it doesn't try too hard: it hasn't 'sold its soul' for tourism. If people want to come, this area will welcome them, but if they don't come life will go on. Accommodation is in small hotels or self catering units, the latter ranging from cheap and cheerful to large, well appointed apartments. The town sits on a slight promontory with sea on 2 sides and mountain views to the opposite peninsula, so a good view from your balcony and a short walk to the beach are virtually guaranteed.

The town center has just 2 streets: the harbor front lined with cafes, tavernas and shops and the main shopping street behind with more small shops.

Away from the seafront, houses crowd the hillside, connected by lanes, alleys and stairways. Above the harbor is a ruined Venetian fort with a small monastery and a tiny chapel, and excellent views. It's easy to see why the Venetians chose this as a base.

The main beach starts at the town end where it's called Zaga, and stretches along the shoreline, becoming Memi beach a couple of kilometers along the coast. It's mostly fine golden sand, shelving gently into the stunningly clear sea, and great for children. It's so long it never feels crowded even in August. Most people stay close to the few cafe-bars, but if you're prepared to walk a hundred meters or so you'll most likely find yourself alone.

You can get by without transport here but it's better if you have access to a car. This puts several other beautiful beaches within range: Vounaria/Peroulia a little to the north, crescent shaped Amoudi just along the coast, remote Tsapi, then into the small tourist area of Finikounda with several fine beaches to choose from.

But the most stunning of all is Voidakilia, just the other side of Pylos, with its horse-shoe of fine sand and sheltered bay. Pylos itself is worth a visit. Linear B script was discovered here (so my nephew tells me) and there's a castle to explore. Or you can just sit in the lively square sipping an ouzo and watching the world go by. Methoni boasts a bigger Venetian fort that you can wander around.

To be continued in the next post...