Open All Year in Finikunda, Messinia, Peloponnese, Greece
Margaret Williamson
This description of Camping Thines was published (with photographs) in the February 2007 edition of the MMM - the Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly, the UK's premier magazine for motorhomers.
Introduction: Camping Thines is a small, modern, family-run site on the south coast of the Messinian Peninsula – the westernmost of the three fingers at the foot of the Peloponnese, in the deep south of the Greek mainland. It lies on a long sandy shore in a cove contained by headlands and a short walk east brings you to the fishing harbour/summer resort of Finikounda in the next bay. In summer the campsite's Blue Flag beach is good for swimming and sail-boarding, with a Windsurfing Centre just up the lane. In winter the village is peaceful, though its cosy tavernas – and Camping Thines - remain open.
We first came across Camping Thines one Easter Sunday afternoon and were immediately invited to join the extended family and resident campers at their Easter festivities, with plenty of spit-roast lamb, local wine, music and dancing. We had come for 3 days and stayed 3 weeks – it's that sort of place. It has since become one of our regular winter retreats in our favourite country of Europe.
The site has 60 level hard-standing pitches, each with electricity, divided by bushes and shaded by trees. It is one of the best-equipped campsites we know in Greece. There are central fresh water taps, dustbins and a ground-level chemical toilet dump. The new fully-tiled facilities have ample clean toilets, hot showers, wash-basins and mirrors. The large indoor kitchen deserve a special mention, with free use of electric hotplates, chilled/filtered drinking water, fridges and freezer, as well as 10 washing-up sinks. Outside under cover are tables and benches and there are barbecue facilities. The covered laundry area has 2 front-load washing machines and 8 deep sinks with hot water. No need for tumble driers in this climate!
During the high season, the campsite has a mini-market with fresh bread, as well as a bar/café selling snacks and evening souvlakis. Finikounda has a doctor's surgery and all the essential shops – a couple of small supermarkets, a bakery, a good butcher and a newsagent (who always stocks the weekly English-language 'Athens News', plus British papers in the summer). There is a wide range of bars, cafes, tavernas and restaurants, serving good food with cosy fires in winter, and all within walking distance of the campsite. More shops, as well as the post office, garage, pharmacy, hairdresser or dentist are to be found 10 km west in Methoni.
Exploring further, the twin medieval castles at the harbours of Methoni and Koroni are Venice's oldest possessions in the Peloponnese. You can wander freely among the houses, gardens and convent which now occupy Koroni's citadel. Methoni's splendid fortress is on a moated promontory, with opening hours but no entry fee.
Camping Thines is well located as a stage on a tour of the Peloponnese, or you can simply rest here to enjoy the winter peace, spring flowers, Easter celebrations or summer sun, on a fully equipped beach site by a picturesque fishing village.
AT A GLANCE
Country: Greece
Region: Messinia, Peloponnese
Location: 1 km west of Finikounda
Name of site: Camping Thines
Address: 24006 Finikounda, Messinia, Greece
Telephone: (+30) 27230 71200
Fax: (+30) 27230 71027
Email:
Website: Appears on two Finikounda websites, best found by Googling 'Camping Thines'
Dates of opening: All year
Charges (2006): Motorhome + 2 adults + Electricity: High Season €18.00 Low season €10.00 (Long-stay rates can be negotiated - expect to pay around €8 inclusive)
Summary: A recently built campsite with good facilities, run by a helpful friendly family. On a sandy beach, within walking distance of shops and restaurants in the fishing village of Finikounda. Very peaceful in winter. A short drive from the castle-towns of Methoni and Koroni.
Directions: From Methoni, at the south-west corner of the Messinian Peninsula, take the main road following the coast towards Koroni. After 10 km, just before Finikounda, turn right at the 'Camping Thines' sign. The campsite is on the left, less than half a km along the lane, opposite the beach.
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