Finikounda, also referred to as Finikoundas or Finikountas, is officially recognized by this name and was formerly known as Taverna or Paralia Lachanadas. Positioned along the coast near Methoni, it falls within the administrative boundaries of the Pylos – Nestor Municipality in Messinia.
Currently thriving as a prominent fishing village situated on its namesake beach, Finikounda has experienced significant growth in tourism. Located south of Lachanada—its harbor—the settlement lies adjacent to Loutsa at the southwestern extremity of an imagined south-facing isosceles triangle formed by Cape Akritas (also called Kapo-Galo or Kavogalo).
The region boasts a deep historical heritage closely connected with Messinia and neighboring areas such as Methoni and Pylia. In antiquity, it was part of King Nestor’s domain in Pylos. Some scholars hypothesize that Phoenician settlers may have originated along this segment of the Peloponnese coast; however, such claims are still debated within academic circles. Historically documented from at least the mid-19th century onward, it began as a modest fishing settlement founded by residents fleeing Crete from Lachanada during the 1840s. Its earliest designation was “Taverna” between 1879 and 1928—named after a local tavern associated with "Tavern of Bagasas" (Panagopoulos), believed to be its first inhabitant—in 1928 it briefly adopted the name “Lachanada Beach,” until 1930 when it officially became “Finikous.”
In recent years, Finikounda has ascended to prominence among Messinia’s most popular tourist destinations due to its extensive sandy beaches. The village offers diverse accommodation, including numerous guesthouses and hotels—as well as five campsites.
The bustling pedestrian street brims with lively lighting and activity, attracting visitors who browse shops selling souvenirs, clothing, fashion accessories alongside fish taverns, restaurants, café-bars, and confectionery establishments.
A notable attraction for many dine-in visitors is Elena’s Taverna—a longstanding restaurant established forty-five years ago by Mrs. Elena Tsonis and her family. She personally prepared exquisite Greek dishes like stuffed meats, moussaka, pastitsio, tourlou, baked goat—and her renowned zucchini flowers. Her husband supplied fresh seafood daily while providing live bouzouki music.
Although Mrs. Elena passed away two years ago, her family-operated restaurant continues to enjoy widespread acclaim. The panoramic vistas from their terraces remain unrivaled in beauty. Owners Elias & Chef Nikos Tsonis—Elena's sons—warmly invite guests to experience their traditional tavern atmosphere firsthand.
Elena Taverna owners Elias & Nikos Tsonis