Located on the south-west coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, Foinikounta is a charming seaside village framed by sun-drenched beaches. It was originally founded by the Phoenicians as a port for sea snail fishing and was brought back to life in the 1840s by villagers fleeing persecution in Crete.
Spend your days relaxing on Paralia Foinikounta, a Blue Flag beach dotted with umbrellas and sun loungers for rent. Backing the pebbly shores are plenty of restaurants where you can dine throughout the day, including Yialo Yialo, Almiro Gliko and the Gusto Coffee House. Boat rentals and dive excursions can be arranged at Foinikounta’s marina.
Elevated views across Foinikounta can be enjoyed on the road that connects east to Moni Chrisokellarias, an abandoned monastery that comes to life during the annual Easter celebrations. Further north is the beautifully restored Monastery Grivitsanis, which is believed to have been founded around the turn of the 13th century.
Getting there
Foinikounta is around an hour’s drive from Kalamata and Kalamata International Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Foinikounta and the village is small enough to explore on foot.