Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
beaches and little ports. This former pirates' lair is especially beautiful at dusk, when the
setting sun turns the terrain shades of pink, violet and black - the effect is especially dra-
matic when viewed from an elevated point.
In centuries past, Fourni's remoteness and quietude attracted pirates seeking refuge,
though today those headed here are travellers seeking a cool getaway - and some of the
Aegean's best seafood.
A clue to the area's swashbuckling past can be found in the name of the archipelago's
capital, Fourni Korseon. The Corsairs were French privateers with a reputation for auda-
city, and their name became applied generically to all pirates and rogues then roaming
the Eastern Aegean.
Nowadays, Fourni Korseon offers most of the accommodation and services, plus sev-
eral beaches. Other settlements include little Hrysomilia and Kamari to the north, plus
another fishing hamlet on the islet of Thymena. In the south of the main island, the mon-
astery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos stands serene over the far coast.
Sights & Activities
The island's rolling hills are ideal for
hiking
, and trails inevitably find a beach. The
nearest to Fourni Korseon,
Psili Ammos Beach
, waits 600m north on the coast road,
with umbrellas and a beach bar that hums all night.
Along the coast road heading south,
Kampi Beach
is excellent. Further along about
2km,
Elidaki Beach
has a gentle sandy bottom, followed by the small-pebbled
Petroko-
peio Beach
.
Near Fourni's southernmost tip, near the
Monastery of Agios Ioannis Thermastis
,
the fine, sandy
Vlyhada Beach
lies before the more secluded
Kasidi Beach
.
Fourni's other main settlements,
Hrysomilia
and
Kamari
, are 17km and 10km from
Fourni Korseon respectively (approximately a 30-minute drive on winding upland
roads). Both are tranquil fishing settlements with beaches, but limited services. The trip
from Fourni Korseon to these villages is spectacular, opening onto myriad views of slop-
ing hills and hidden coves.
Sleeping
Most accommodation is in Fourni Korseon, though sleeping in the smaller settlements is
possible, as is free beach camping.
Archipelagos Hotel
HOTEL $$$
