Tyros and Astros: Sea, Kayaking and Tsakonian Villages

South of Nafplio, the coast of Kynouria in eastern Arcadia is one of the least crowded seasides of the Peloponnese. Two places stand out: Astros, with its history and its long beach, and Tyros, a Tsakonian village of windmills, small coves and clear water. Here is our local guide.

Astros – where a constitution was written

The inland town of Astros has an important place in Greek history: in 1823 it hosted the Second National Assembly of the Greeks, which adopted a revised constitution during the War of Independence. The old school founded by Karytsiotis is now a listed building and houses the Archaeological Museum, with finds from Kynouria – mainly from the Roman villa of Herodes Atticus near the village of Eva.

About 4 km from town, Loukous Monastery has a beautiful early 13th-century church of the Transfiguration, with ancient pieces from the nearby Roman estate scattered in its courtyard.

Paralio Astros peninsula with harbour and turquoise sea

Paralio Astros – castle, port and beach

Four kilometres from the town, the seaside village of Paralio Astros has a fishing port, a long sandy beach and a castle on the hill above the harbour, with wide views over the Argolic Gulf. Just behind the beach, the Moustos wetland is a peaceful place for birdwatching. See it all with our City Tour in Astros or the Astros City Tour and Food Experience, and explore the coast from the water with our Sea Kayak Tour in Astros.

Tyros – windmills and Tsakonian tradition

Tyros lies about 21 km south of Astros and is in three parts: Ano Tyros on the slopes of Mount Parnon, Kato Tyros, and the seaside village facing the Aegean. Three old windmills stand on the hill above the harbour, close to the remains of the ancient town, where a sanctuary of Apollo Tyritas was found on Profitis Ilias hill. The ancient traveller Pausanias described Tyros as a port of fishermen – and fishing boats still moor in its little harbour today.

Tyros is part of Tsakonia, and its traditions, recipes and dialect are still alive. Discover them on our Tyros City Tour and Food Experience, where you cook classic Tsakonian and Greek recipes in a local tavern.

View of Tyros town and bay from the hilltop

Beaches and coves

The coast around Tyros is lined with sandy and pebbly beaches – from Lygaria with its blue-green water to small coves such as Krioneri, Tserfos, Tigani and Zaritsi. A 2 km walkway runs along the seafront. The best way to reach the hidden spots is by sea: our Sea Kayak Tour in Tyros visits Tigani beach and the “Lovers’ Cave”, with stops for swimming and snorkelling.

Walking around Tyros

Easy paths link the windmills, the old castle, the port and Cape Trikeri with its caves from the old bauxite mines – perfect for families. Join our Hike around Tyros, combined with a swim in summer, or the Lepidas Waterfalls hike from Agios Ioannis near Astros.

Kayakers paddling on calm water seen from Tyros beach

Where to stay

Paraskevas Beach Hotel, Tyros
Further south in Leonidio: Agroktima Leonidio, Archontiko Hatzipanayioti

See all our partner hotels.

Getting there

Astros is about 170 km from Athens. We offer private transfers such as Lagkadia – Astros & Leonidio – see all transfers. Continue south to Leonidio for climbing and Tsakonian food.