Koroni Holidays

Koroni was once known as Corone, during a three-century period when it was ruled by the Venetians. Used as a stop-off point by Italian ships on their way to Levant, the town was also visited by pilgrims making the journey to the Holy Land. Today, Koroni’s social life centres on a clutch of seafront tavernas, and a town square crowned by a petite church.

This caramel-coloured sweep of sand stretches out for two kilometres, on the southern side of the peninsula. It’s backed by little more than wildflowers and trees, so there’s a real away-from-it-all feel. Team that with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, and you’ve got quite the stunner on your hands.

You’ll find the second-largest city in the Peloponnese an hour’s drive from Koroni, perched by the seaside. Kalamata found fame for its olives, which are sold all across the world, so it’s become something of a gourmet favourite. It delivers on history and culture, too, with half a dozen museums and a 13th-century castle to its name. The ancient city of Messini’s close by, as well.