The area has taken its name from a wooden castle that had been built there in the period of the occupation by the Franks (1204 - 1261 A.D.).
A short flashback in the history of Xylokastro…
The entire area, from Xylokastro to the village of Trikala, boasts a significant historical tradition. In the ancient years, in the location of modern Xylokastro used to stand the town of Pellini, which played a major role in the flourishing of the ancient Greek civilization, being an important commercial, financial and marine power of those times.
In the recent past, the main source of income for Xylokastro was the export of raisins. By the sea front were located the large warehouses where the raisins were stored prior to their export, with the British markets as main destination.
A tour of the traditional resort town of Xylokastro…
The first thing to impress you in Xylokastro is the forest of Pefkias. It is a strip of natural pine-forest along the coast of Corinthian Gulf, bordering with the crystal clear water of the sea. From early 1900's on, Xylokastro used to be the vacation destination for many famous personalities, and since 1919 it had been recognized as a summer resort of foreign visitors to Greece.
The pine forest of Pefkias was the location where two popular Greek movies were filmed, "Laterna, Ftohia ke Filotimo" and "Kokkina Fanaria".
The pine forest of Pefkias actually includes 83 species of flora and it has been characterized as an "Aesthetic forest".
In your tour of the enchanting area of Xylokastro you can visit the church of Agios Vlassios, the church of Faneromeni built in a paleochristianic architectural style, as well as the church of Agios Gerassimos where many church relics are on display in a dedicated room.
Between the villages Kamari and Loutro, close to Xylokastro, falls into the sea the stream named Fonissa, after passing through the famous gorge with the same name. This gorge attracts many hikers, as it is a challenge to walk through. The descent through the canyon starts from the village Korfiotissa and along the route one can see many wonderful waterfalls and caves.
Along the Corinthian coast, beautiful beaches can offer you moments of relaxation. You have the choice to swim in the clear waters or just relax with a coffee enjoying the excellent view to the colourful blue and green landscapes of the Corinthian nature.
Some of the beaches you can visit are the beach of Xylokastro and these of Pefkias and Sykia.
Escape to Xylokastro…
Xylokastro is a popular resort town, due to its natural, protected pine-forest and the Blue-flag beaches.
With a significant tourist infrastructure, the area offers many choices for an impeccable service. Neat looking hotels and rental rooms, as well as many restaurants, taverns, cafés, bars and all types of stores, offer their services to the visitors.
Xylokastro also has a lively nightlife, especially during the summer period..
The municipality of Xylokastro offers a rich cultural activity all year round, while many local cultural clubs are active in the area.
Xylokastro is an ideal base for nearby excursions to places such as the mountain village of Trikala where you can practice many activities or pay a visit to the Athletic Centre of Ziria.
Xylokastro is a popular resort destination attracting thousands of visitors every year. An abundance of natural waters, beaches, hiking routes, areas of unique natural beauty, make up the picture of this idyllic place that has developed to one of the most important tourist destinations of Peloponnese.
Visit Xylokastro and spend unique moments of cosmopolitan life combined with the tranquillity and peace of mind offered by the aesthetic forest of Pefkias and the crystal clear waters of the Corinthian Gulf. |
