Chrani comprises a mini-market, a local café, bakery, a low-key garden bar and 5 good tavernas. Some offer free Wi-FI. It has a lovely shingle/sand beach which stretches for half a mile and has three beach-bars towards its northern end. All around are trees, shrubs and flowers: it remains green here even in high summer.
The medieval small town of Koroni, built on a small promontory extending into the sea, is one of the highlights of the Messinian peninsula. Known for its impressive Venetian fortifications that hide a maze of narrow cobbled lanes lined with decorated houses, as well as the ruins of a 12th century church, the town below boasts an attractive waterfront leading to the harbour via an array of cafes and tempting taverna restaurants. To the south of the town the beach of Zaga boasts a 2 kms stretch of fine golden sand. To sum up, Koroni condenses the best of Greece - history, charm and fishing village character plus a superb beach - into one small powerful package.
To make the most of the area from both Chrani and Koroni car hire is a good idea. Finikounda, Methoni and Pylos are within an easy drive, as are traditional inland villages and some truly stunning (oft deserted) beaches.
Blessed with superb beaches, Finikounda is the prettiest seaside village of the Messinian peninsula. Being at the southern tip it is also the most remote, although can be busy for the short high season period. The three golden, uncrowded beaches here are of coarse sand (with some fine shingle outcrops) and shelve into a turquoise sea.
In season some dozen good tavernas, known for their fresh fish, offer good dining choice and there are a number of small village shops, cafés and bars. Some nightlife there is, especially in peak, but for most of the year the village is low-key and relaxed.
Buses run west to Methoni and Pylos and there are a couple of taxis but for further exploration car hire is recommended. A booklet of walks in the area is available locally. For a beach-orientated holiday in what is still an unspoiled area, Finikounda is hard to beat.
