Xylokastro: A Paradise Where Mountain and Sea Meet

Xylokastro boasts beautiful beaches and the unique Pefkias Aesthetic Forest. The region is full of natural wonders and rare landscape variations. The seaside promenade of Xylokastro is ideal for walking in any season, while the bike lane along the beach offers a delightful experience for cycling enthusiasts.

Location
Xylokastro is situated on the western coast of the Corinthian Gulf and is connected by road to the major cities of the Peloponnese via the national highway. The area is easily accessible from Athens (only 120 km away) and is a popular destination for summer holidays.
History
The area holds historical significance, with archaeological finds attesting to human presence here since antiquity. The town has developed a modern tourist infrastructure, yet remains closely tied to traditional Greek life and culture.
Tourism
Xylokastro offers beaches with clean waters and beautiful landscapes, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and various water activities. The area around the town is covered with dense forests, including pine forests that reach right up to the beach, offering magnificent natural scenery.

Sights

Ancient Sicyon: A historic city near Xylokastro, with archaeological findings dating back to ancient times.

Pefkias Forest: The Pefkias Forest is located next to the shoreline of the Corinthian Gulf, at the eastern end of Xylokastro, in the Municipality of Xylokastro-Evrostini. Originally created for aesthetic purposes, the forest is considered partly natural (though some non-native species have been planted).
It was designated a “Forest” in 1926 and an “Aesthetic Forest” in 1974. It stands out for its beauty and is known because the poet Kostas Karyotakis referred to it in his verse “the green shore of my homeland” (from the poem “Sleep” in the collection “Nepenthe”). Although he was not originally from the area, his grandfather lived here permanently. The forest also inspired Angelos Sikelianos, who built his summer house at one end, which still survives today.
The dominant tree is the Aleppo pine, but there are 83 plant species, including lentisk, myrtle, chaste tree, holm oak, tamarisk, mock orange, Spanish broom, buckthorn, stone pine, cypress, Judas tree, carob, Phoenician juniper, strawberry tree, oleander, plane tree, alfalfa, wild olive, laurel, eucalyptus, and more.

Leisure and Entertainment
The Municipality of Xylokastro–Evrostini ideally combines mountain and sea. What does this mean? In just 30 minutes, you can go from the plains to the mountains—or the reverse. This proximity also means a wide palette of entertainment options.

Swim to the sound of music, enjoy gastronomic experiences both savory and sweet, watch movies with friends and cinema stars, sip cocktails and dance until dawn, and much, much more. An endless list of entertainment options awaits you in our area, so you can create your own memories—whether written by the sea or in the mountains!