Tyros - Kynouria

Tyros is 21 km from Astros and is divided into Ano Tyros, which is perched on the slopes of Mount Parnon, Kato Tyros, and the coastal part of the town which faces the Aegean Sea.

Photos

Tyros is 21 km from Astros and is divided into Ano Tyros, which is perched on the slopes of Mount Parnon, Kato Tyros, and the coastal part of the town which faces the Aegean Sea.

Our old friend the Greek traveller and historian, Pausanias, mentions Paralia Tyros as "a port of fishermen” so in that way, nothing much has changed over the last 1900 years!  It is still a fishing port, and it’s a great place to have a look at fishing boats moored in the small harbour. You can also have a stroll along the 2km pedestrian walkway that follows the beach. The houses have tiled roofs which makes the village somewhat reminiscent of an island village, and of course it is surrounded by the lush green Arcadian landscape. You can find whatever you need in the way of tourism services here. 

If you are feeling energetic, you can climb up the hill above the harbour. The remains of an ancient city and cyclopean walls have been discovered here, and there are three windmills on the other side of the hill. You get a great view of Lygaria beach with its clear blue-green waters, and you can follow the path down for a swim.  All in all, it’s a lovely beach with sand and fine pebbles and olive trees as a backdrop. There are also other beautiful small beaches such as Krioneri, Tserfos, Tigani and Zaritsi near Tyros.

Ano Tyros is built up the hillside overlooking the sea. There are some good hiking routes which start in the village and take you to the Paleochora plateau. The Byzantine castle of Orionta (Reonta) is a few miles to the northwest of Tyros. There used to be a fortified settlement based around the castle, but it was abandoned in the 17th century as the residents went to live in Prastos which was developing rapidly at the time. You can see the remains of a 3 m square tower and another one that is completely ruined. According to sources, the castle was used by the Greek fighters during the Greek War of Independence.

Tyros and the surrounding villages are part of the historical Tsakonia district.

Did you know that

On the summit of the Prophet Ilias Hill to the south of Tyros, an ancient sanctuary to Apollo Tyritas was discovered. This means that this was the site of the ancient town.

The Tyros Run (www.tyrosrun.gr) is organised here in May.

Location

Find the destination on the interactive map below.