Koronisia: Churches, Fortress and Cultural Routes

Koronisia brings together religious buildings, fortress architecture and routes with cultural significance. It also has a harbor that supplies fish and an annual swimming event in the surrounding area.

Routes, Church and Island Group

One of the main routes within Koronisia leads to the historic Church of Panagia. It stands on a hill on the island, offering panoramic views across the waters of the gulf. Another route in Koronisia was revived as a cultural route and, according to local tradition, is associated with the life of Osios Onoufrios. This cultural route passes through the three islands of the Koronisia island group. The routes therefore differ in their focus: the main route leads to Panagia and its views across the gulf, while the cultural route connects the tradition of Osios Onoufrios with a path across the island group.

Fortress and Church Architecture

Koulia Fortress is round and has two towers of equal height, positioned opposite one another along its perimeter. Cultural events are occasionally held there; at times, Koulia also serves as a lending library. The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary comprises the katholikon, outbuildings and a bell tower. The architect A. Orlandos dated the founding of the monastery associated with the church to the late 10th and early 11th centuries. An olive mill and the Chapel of Saint Onoufrios are also located near the church.

Harbor and Local Fish Cuisine

Boats and fishing boats are anchored in Koronisia’s harbor. They supply local fish tavernas with gilthead seabream, mullet and the famous shrimp from the Amvrakikos Gulf. Those interested in regional cuisine will find a direct link between the harbor and local dishes: the fish and shrimp mentioned are among the supplies provided to local tavernas.

Swimming Crossing and Getting Your Bearings

The Amvrakikos Gulf Swimming Crossing takes place annually in late July in the area around the destination. The 11- and 3-kilometer routes usually finish in Koronisia; the two distances are eight kilometers apart. If you want to plan your trip around the event, check the dates for that year’s edition in advance. For geographical orientation, a narrow strip of land connects Koronisia to Salaora. In the wider destination of Arta, the Tsoukalio Lagoon near Koronisia is home to the rare and endangered Dalmatian pelican. The figure given for the lagoon—approximately 35 pairs—may vary seasonally. The Salaora Information Centre in Arta has an exhibition on the human and natural environment of the Amvrakikos Gulf. It includes a relief map of the region, live images from the pelican colony and audiovisual information for visitors. The lagoon thus illustrates one specific aspect of the area’s wildlife, while the exhibition in Salaora brings together the natural and human environment of the Amvrakikos Gulf.

Discover more destinations: Árta, Vourgareli, Rodavgi, Anatolí, Lákka, Mesopirgos, Agios Spiridon, Trapezaki

View the wider travel guide: Arta.