Welcome to Finikounta
Finikounta is a picturesque little village built on the shore of the sea, located between Methoni and Coroni, in the south-western part of the Peloponnese, in the Messinia Prefecture. It is located at a distance of 295 km from Athens and 60 kilometres from Kalamata the capital of the prefecture.
Finikounta has approximately 700 inhabitants, and its own elementary school. The Church and the Central Square of the settlement complete discretely its profile; while the nearby attractions of the broader region of Methoni’s municipality (such as the Castle and the impressive Lighthouse of Oinousses), among many other things, create a pleasant ensemble for the tourists, which covers all tastes and constitute a pole of attraction for many visitors from all over Greece.
In the past
Finikounta is mentioned for the first time in the 2nd century A.D. in the inscriptions of Greek traveller and geographer Pausanias. According to historical accounts, this Mediterranean site was founded by the Phoenicians, in today’s post of Anemomylos.
During the 19th century, Finikounta was a small fishing village, where many people from Lachanada, who were refugees from Crete, settled down.
The village was originally named Tavern because of the fishermen, who landed on the beach to rest and to enjoy good wine and fresh fish. Finally at the beginning of the 20th century (1930) Finikounta took its final and official name.
Nowadays
Today Finikounta has evolved into a popular tourist destination. A lot of reasonable grounds contributed to that: the long and beautiful sandy beaches that surrounds it, the mild climate, the beautiful sea and the picturesque harbour, where the locals ‘ small fishing boats are dancing in the rhythm of the waves, the magnificent hinterland and the very romantic course between Methoni and Koroni.
Crystal clear waters embrace, the magnificent beaches of the region, among which, the beach of Methoni, Phoeniki, Loutsa, Tsapi and Mavrovouni, stand out as the most beautiful beaches in Messinia.
During the day you can enjoy your coffee in one of the cafés overlooking the harbour. In the evening you can dine in a restaurant, exploring the tasteful local cuisine.
How to get here
By Car:
Finikounta is located at a distance of 295 km from Athens.
- Once you get on Attiki Odos towards Elefsina, continue your trip on the national highway Athens-Corinth for approximately 80 km (40-50 minutes).
- Leave Corinth behind you and follow the road towards Tripolis and then Kalamata (attention to road signs in order not to miss the exit).
- Five kilometers before Kalamata follow the signs to Airport / Messini.
- After you reach Messini follow the signs to Pylos and finally follow the road signs which will lead you to Finikounta.
Total travel time: 200-220 minutes
By Bus:
There are itineraries from Athens to Finikounta (stopover in Kalamata, Methoni or Koroni). The departure point is at the main bus station of Athens. (KTEL Busses Kifisos – Kifissou 100, on the national road of Athens). For more information please call:
- KTEL Busses Athens: (+30) 210 – 5124910, 5124911, 5134273
- KTEL Busses Prefecture of Messinia: (+30) 27210 28581
- KTEL Busses in Kalamata: (+30) 27210 28581