Stretching along the northern coast of the Peloponnese, Xylokastro gazes across the blue waters of the Corinthian Gulf, backed by pine forests that sweep down from the slopes of Mount Trikala. Today it is a lively seaside town known for its beaches and the famous Pefkias pine forest, yet its story reaches deep into the history of Corinthia—an area continuously inhabited and contested since antiquity.
Ancient Period – Between Pellene and Sikyon
In antiquity, the region that now includes Xylokastro lay between the powerful city-states of Pellene, Aegira, and Sikyon, forming part of the greater territory of ancient Corinthia and Achaea. Archaeological finds in the nearby area of Sythas, Rethi, and Evrostina indicate the presence of Mycenaean and Classical-era settlements, small coastal communities linked to maritime trade and agriculture.
This was a coastline of scattered villages rather than a single urban center—an area serving as a crossroads for travelers moving between Corinth and Patras, and a natural stop for fishermen and merchants navigating the eastern Corinthian Gulf.
The nearby ancient Pellene, located inland, was a member of the Achaean League and played an important role in regional politics. Xylokastro’s coast may have served as Pellene’s port area or anchorage, as the land gently descends to a sheltered shore suitable for small ships. The fertile plain and mild climate made it ideal for vines, olives, and grain cultivation, sustaining the local population for millennia.
Roman and Early Christian Eras – A Land of Estates and Villas
Under Roman rule (2nd century BC onward), the region experienced a period of relative prosperity. Roman colonists and wealthy locals established villa estates along the fertile coast, combining agricultural production with seaside leisure. The discovery of ancient walls, pottery fragments, and coins around the modern town testify to continuous habitation.
During the Early Christian and Byzantine eras, small basilicas appeared along the Corinthian shoreline, reflecting the spread of Christianity through rural communities. The old coastal road, which roughly corresponds to today’s route, linked these settlements to Corinth, which became the seat of an important metropolitan bishopric.
Byzantine and Medieval Period – The Frontier of Empires
In the Byzantine period, the area that would later become Xylokastro was part of the theme (province) of the Peloponnese, centered around Corinth. The population retreated slightly inland during times of raids, especially during the Slavic incursions (7th–9th centuries), when many coastal settlements were abandoned or fortified.
The mountain villages of Trikala, Evrostina, and Stymfalia flourished during this era, serving as refuges for the inhabitants and forming a defensive network overlooking the gulf.
With the Frankish conquest (13th century), after the fall of Constantinople in 1204, the region passed into the hands of the Principality of Achaea. Medieval documents mention coastal “castles” or watchtowers guarding the shoreline—rudimentary fortifications built of wood and stone to protect from pirates and to signal inland villages in case of attack.
It is precisely from such a “wooden fort”, (xylino kastro) in Greek, that the modern town would later take its evocative name: Xylokastro.
Ottoman and Venetian Period – Life Between Empires
During the Ottoman period (15th–19th centuries), the area remained a coastal agricultural zone, with small settlements attached to the inland communities of Trikala and Evrostina. The population cultivated raisins, olive oil, and cereals, exporting them via small harbors along the Corinthian shore.
For a time in the late 17th century, under the Venetian occupation (1687–1715), the region experienced a brief revival in trade and fortification building, but the Ottoman return restored the area to its quiet, rural rhythm.
Local tradition maintains that the name “Xylokastro” began to appear more widely in the 18th century, referring to a wooden defensive structure near the shore—possibly a Venetian watchtower that had decayed into a timber frame. Around it, fishermen and farmers began to settle permanently, forming the nucleus of a new coastal community.
Modern Period – From Independence to a Seaside Resort
After the Greek War of Independence (1821–1830), Xylokastro gradually emerged as a distinct settlement. Its location between Kiato and Derveni made it an ideal waypoint on the growing coastal road network of the new Greek state.
By the late 19th century, Xylokastro had developed into a small but prosperous town. The construction of the railway (1890s) connecting Corinth with Patras was transformative: Xylokastro became an accessible seaside retreat for merchants, travelers, and Athenian visitors seeking fresh air and sea bathing.
During this same period, the Pefkias forest—a naturally occurring coastal pine grove—became a symbol of the town. Locals protected and expanded it, recognizing its beauty and its importance in shielding the coast from erosion. The pine-scented air and calm waters made Xylokastro one of the first health resorts of the northern Peloponnese.
In the early 20th century, the town blossomed into a cultural hub. Among the visitors and residents was the poet Angelos Sikelianos, who found inspiration in the harmony of sea and forest. Elegant seaside villas, guesthouses, and cafés appeared, giving Xylokastro a cosmopolitan flair.
World War II and Reconstruction
During World War II, the town suffered from occupation and scarcity like much of Greece, but its people endured, rebuilding rapidly in the post-war years. The 1950s–60s saw the expansion of tourism, as better roads and cars brought Athenians and Europeans alike to the Corinthian coast. Xylokastro’s long promenade, beaches, and family-run hotels became part of the Greek summer landscape.
Today – A Blend of Nature, Heritage, and Leisure
Modern Xylokastro retains the relaxed elegance of its past. The town center balances neoclassical houses and modern cafés, while the Pefkias pine forest—now a protected natural monument—still defines its identity. Archaeological traces in the surrounding hills remind visitors of its ancient roots, while the rhythms of sea, mountain, and vineyard continue much as they have for centuries.
