News/Events

Dear members and friends of the "Polihni" Association, we would like to inform you that yesterday the first informative signs were placed in Poulithra. The signs concern the first 3 of a series of paths that the Association started to maintain and mark, paths which, apart from being a transport network between the village and the surrounding areas (Pigadi, Fokianos, Pyrgoudi etc.), are a link between the history of yesterday and today. More information here.

Wander around and get to know our place through pleasant hiking trails in the protected area Natura 2000 (GR2520005), which pass through points of interest, such as the archaeological site "Polihni", points of natural beauty (Mana cave and the surrounding area), points of historical and cultural importance (watermill, bridges, springs, etc.) and the traditional settlement itself with its unique architecture.

Many thanks to all those who contribute to the implementation of this action and to the Nearcho Daska (Polkadot design) for the design and graphic design of the signs.

We collectively continue to dream, to plan, to implement!

Monday 30/11/2020

To:

• Municipal Council of South Kynouria
• Mayor of South Kynouria Mr. Lysicatos
• Regional Council of Peloponnese

On Friday 13/11/2020, the Municipality was invited to take a decision on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the project "22 MW SOLAR ELECTRIC ENERGY PRODUCTION STATION (EEPP) IN THE LOCATION "KOROMILIA", MUNICIPALITY OF SOUTHERN KYNOURIA, P.E. ARKADIA, PELOPONESE REGION". The Municipal Council (Municipal Council), against 8 votes (8 in favour - 7 against - 2 present and 4 absent) took a positive decision / gave a positive opinion as to the installation of the said project.

The project involves the installation of 11 wind turbines, with a total height of 162m (pylon and blade) and a total power of 22 MW, just above and to the left of the red rock of Leonidi, a historical and traditional site and only 1800m from the settlement of Vaskina. The implementation and operation of the project requires a number of accompanying projects, such as:

• Opening of new access roads with a total length of ~5km
• Construction of plazas at the base of each wind turbine
• Construction of an internal medium voltage network for the interconnection of the wind turbines, with a length of approximately 4.832,96 m.
• Construction of an external medium-voltage grid for the interconnection of the wind farm with the substation, with a length of approximately 3,373.45 m.
• Construction of a control house with a surface area of approximately 80 m2

This decision caused the surprise of the stakeholders of the area as, a few days ago, on the one hand, the Board had voted negatively on the installation of A / G in Kosmas, and on the other hand, in a meeting that had a representative of the Commercial Association and the Climbing and Mountaineering Association of Leonid with the Mayor in his office, had pledged to protect the area from wind turbines, following the concern we expressed to him about the negative impact of installing wind turbines on the economy and tourism of the area, which is directly related to it.

What changed in a few days and the Board decided positively?

How can it be that all over Greece, especially in tourist areas, residents, institutions and municipalities move against this kind of facilities and in our country, the Board itself, rolls out the red carpet for them? Already 27 Municipalities (including the Municipality of Monemvasia and the President of the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece) have set up a front against wind turbines, not because they are opposed to RES, but because of the procedure by which they are sited, licensed, etc., without taking into account the specific historical, cultural and aesthetic characteristics of the landscapes of their municipalities, the carrying capacity of their areas and the balance between small energy benefits and great environmental destruction.

Read more: https://www.efsyn.gr/ellada/periballon/269425_metopo-27-dimarhon-kata-aiolikon

How can such a decision be taken that aesthetically alters the landscape, the life of the citizens, the economy without dialogue with the institutions and associations of the place?

Why was not respected the decision of the Local Council of Leonidi that gave a negative opinion?

Why take a risk the future the already successful tourist product of the place, which is alternative tourism;

The benefits of tourism in the region are estimated at over 2.5 million euros per year (in hotels, apartments, Airbnb, catering, leisure, retail, etc.). Why do you put them at Risk?

In Europe, and particularly in France, the respective Tourism Board promotes holiday destinations WITHOUT wind farms!

Who wins ultimately from this project (apart from the company) and what is the real benefit to citizens?;

The decision was made on the basis that there are no properties there. Are you aware that there are several thousand euro facilities for the production of organic products? MEDIA in the area bound by the company;

Also, the Environmental Impact Study of the project is Inaccurate as regards visual disturbance from Leonidio. It is studied from a reference point in the centre (Merikaki Square) and not from different angles of the settlement. The park IT WILL BE VISIBLE FROM THE LION'S DEN. (p 165), just not from the central axis.

To many, all this may sound extreme, but in these matters justice is slow to come. If, for example, a few years ago they had let the fish farm facility in St. George's Bay (Pulithra) be built, we would have had the same tourism, the same quality of beaches, etc.; No! So the decision was then rightly taken to move them to their current location, where there is little or no disturbance.

We stress that we are not negative to RES (in all its forms), but for projects of this scale, spatial planning is essential!

Alternative tourism, which is so much promoted as a prospect but requires its defence from the industries that exploit the place. All these tourists we have are not coming for the wild fun. They come to enjoy the peaceful and gentle landscape that you have signed up to destroy.

With the tourists that we come in contact with every day, they are sounding the alarm that if wind turbines are installed, tourism will decrease dramatically.

You know that the foreign residents who invested in the land purchase and built houses in the area have expressed their strong concerns about the wind turbines and some of them have stated that in case of their installation they will sell everything and leave.; So you can see how great reduction in the value of land are we talking?

Democracy may be the best form of government, but it requires the elected people to be accountable for their actions to their constituents, take the burden of responsibility and, above all, take and support by all means decisions in the interests of citizens representing. Instead one from local associations, bodies, citizens were not consulted or informed on this issue, despite the fact that this was provided by the document of the Regional Council No. 253009/61324/23-10-2020!

Given the above and because:

• We believe that many councillors voted in favour, not knowing the magnitude of the negative impact (tourism, local economy, etc.), as well as the fact that there are properties within the area reserved for the installation.
• The result in favour of the installation was positive marginally 8 in favour - 7 against, 4 councillors were absent and 2 abstained from the procedure considering that citizens and stakeholders should be consulted
• The stakeholders (Municipal Trade Associations, Hotel Owners' Associations and associations for rented rooms, etc.) were never consulted on such a important issue, not even the inhabitants of Vaskina!

We urge the City Council to bring the issue back to the next Board, taking into account the opinion of citizens and local stakeholders and to make a decision with a full quorum of Councillors.

Our place, apart from being a beautiful place to visit, is also a wonderful place to live.

Let's protect him!

The undersigned

1.  Climbing - Mountaineering Club of Leonidi
2. Commercial Association of Leonidi "New Era"
3. Association of Hoteliers and owners of rental accommodation in the Municipality of South Kynouria
4. Cultural & Recreational Association of Poulithriots "The Polichni"
5. Tyros Hikers Association "The Chacones Hikers"
6. Association "The Tsakonoparea"
7. Crop owners from the area of the installation.

The Municipality of South Kynouria in cooperation with the DIKENK invite again this summer young and old to summer cinema nights in Poulithra and specifically every Friday of August in the courtyard of the Kindergarten of Poulithra.

Today Friday 28 August at 21:00 the children's film "Bate Dogs Grind 2" will be screened (Free entrance).

Due to the special conditions caused by covid-19 and with a sense of responsibility for the protection of public health, all necessary measures have been taken as defined by the Ministry of Culture for the operation of summer cinemas.

The Secret Life of Pets 2
Beat Dogs Grind 2

Animation 2019 | Full length | Duration: 86′

Suitable for all ages

American film, directed by Chris Renault, Jonathan del Valle

Max's life changes when Katie gets married and has a baby. He evolves into the neurotic protector of the little one, with an adventurous trip to the countryside testing his temper and patience.

The Municipality of South Kynouria in cooperation with the DIKENK invite again this summer young and old to summer cinema nights in Poulithra and specifically every Friday of August in the courtyard of the Kindergarten of Poulithra.

Today Friday 14 August at 21:00 the children's film "The mischief makers" (Free entrance).

Due to the special conditions caused by covid-19 and with a sense of responsibility for the protection of public health, all necessary measures have been taken as defined by the Ministry of Culture for the operation of summer cinemas.

The Mischievous / The Elfkins
Animation 2019 | Ind. | Duration: 76′

Suitable for all ages. German film, directed by Neither von Minhaw - Paul

For 200 years the Tricksters, tiny elves who secretly helped people, have been hiding away from them in secret underground dwellings. One day, however, feisty little Elfie decides to defy the restrictions and with two friends climbs to the surface of the earth.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Cultural and Recreational Association of Poulithriots "The Polichni", we would like to thank all our big and small friends who responded to the call for the cleaning of the beaches of the village of Poulithron. In fact, the participation was so great (37 people) that the original cleaning plan was extended to other areas, such as the Plaka-Anavoli road, the port of Poulithra (cleaning the bottom) and the completion of the grass cutting on the road Poulithra-Agios Georgios.

We hope that this action, apart from the cleaning of the beaches and our village, will contribute to the environmental awareness of the residents of the Municipality and visitors, so that year after year, such actions become less necessary. After all, the protection of the natural environment is everyone's responsibility!

Thank you again and we renew our appointment for next year!

As last year, the Cultural & Recreational Association of Poulithriotes "Polihni", invites its members and friends, young and old, to participate in the voluntary action of cleaning the beaches of the Local Community of Poulithra.

And this summer, we are enjoying our clean seas and expressing our sensitivity for the environment with a symbolic cleaning. Come with your smile and your mood and contribute to this action (the Association will provide disposable bags and gloves).

We are waiting for you all, the Wednesday 3 June 2020 and time 17:00 at Café Romanza (Ioannis Kekes), on the beach of Poulithron.

On 22 May 2020, residents of the Local Community of Poulithra and friends of the Association "Polihni", gathered in order to clean the streets of the village, providing each one with whatever means they had (lawn mowers, blowers, rakes, etc). The response was quite large and for this reason, three groups were formed which undertook the cleaning of grass that had grown on the roadside in 3 places:

• Poulithra Road - Anavoli
• Entrance to the village from the mountain settlements
• St George's Road

Once again, the selfless love of the residents for the village and that collective actions can bring tangible results.

Below is photographic material from this action:

Limeni, Pylos, Pulithra, Kardamili, Koroni. Five wonderful corners where the Peloponnese touches the sea, without losing its architectural splendour.

Most of us love it and think of it for two main things: its stone mountain villages (in winter) and its spectacular beaches (in summer). The two, however, are sometimes combined. And those occasions are enough to fill many an afternoon and many more nights.

Pulithra

A jewel of a village, a few kilometres outside Leonidio -which is, in turn, a worthy representative of the beauty of the coastal Peloponnese. Impressive mansions next to whitewashed houses with flowered courtyards make up its image, while a long pebbled beach frames the village. In the evening, two bars stay up late with the lights dimmed by the sea, and the atmosphere is reminiscent of one of those islands the world has yet to discover.

In the vicinity: One of the most beautiful and most secret beaches of the Peloponnese, Fokiano with its large white pebbles and turquoise waters is located in the area. To get here, you will need to drive for about an hour along the winding route from Poulithra, but the beach will more than compensate you. The same, of course, applies to the mountain villages of Parnonas, just above Leonidio.

Kardamili

A village of stone, one of those that one imagines that one could only find in the mountains of the Peloponnese, resting on the endless blue of the Messinian Mani. Hollywood appreciated its beauty last year and proved it by having it star in Before Midnight. Its cardboard, stone-built mansions are set against cobbled cobblestone streets, two steps from the long beach with its white pebbles.

In the vicinity: Nearby is another of the most beautiful beaches of the Peloponnese, Foneas, which is consistently in the top 10 of our favorite beaches. Its emerald waters contrast nicely with the large white pebbles, tufted trees and steep cliffs that frame the beach. A few kilometres outside Kardamili is the superstar beach of the area called Stoupa, which attracts crowds of people who swear by its golden sandy beach and lively beach bars.

Pylos

It is perhaps the closest thing the Peloponnese has to an island image, with its white houses climbing amphitheatrically up the hill above the bay that bears its name. Covered with red tiles, and "protected" by the legendary Niokastro, they give the newcomer a holiday feeling at first sight. Don't leave without first exploring its Ottoman castle, which enjoys a panoramic view of the sea, taking a boat ride to the Sfaktiria, and enjoying ouzo and meze under the plane trees in the Three Admirals Square. Once is never enough.

In the vicinity: You will find, first of all, one of the most photographed beaches in Greece, the wonderful Voidokilia with its soft powdery sand and turquoise waters. The beaches of the area, of course, do not end here - neither do its villages: Romanos, Gialova and Petrochori are just a few village/beach combinations to start your explorations.

Limeni

We'll be honest, we had a hard time choosing just one of the seaside villages of Laconian Mani. Oitylo, Gerolimenas, Kotronas were serious contenders. We settled on Limeni, because its magnificent stone tower houses (found elsewhere in Mani) contrast perfectly with its spectacular two-toned, turquoise and deep blue waters (not found elsewhere in Mani).

In case you're wondering, there is an explanation for this strange colour combination: the water in the first few metres is fresh, as it comes out to sea from underground streams. The village itself is made up of narrow streets that almost without exception end in the sea, zigzagging between stone towers, low houses with red tiled roofs and small, unexpected surprises such as the abandoned church of Panagia Vrettis with its impressive bell tower.

In the vicinity: You'll dive at amazing beaches, such as Agia Varvara and Nisaki (both near Kotronas), and explore the other coastal - and Mediterranean - villages of the Laconian Mani. If your time is limited, mark down Areopolis and Vathia in your "must-see" list.

Koroni

Something of the picturesque of a Greek island, something of the Venetian glamour of a castle town, something of the hospitable tradition of the foreign Zeus, and all these "something", all wrapped up in one of the most beautiful, colourful villages of the Peloponnese, which continues to surprise us with its corners no matter how many times we visit it. The walks start from the pier and end through olive groves and heavy doors to the 13th century Venetian castle, which is still inhabited today and offers us reasons for walks with a view among flowering neighborhoods and red tiled roofs.

In the vicinity: You will swim in Peroulia, popular with beach bar lovers, in Zaga with its seaside tavernas, in the beautiful Gargarou and in the endless sandy beach of the diverse Finikounda. It goes without saying that you will visit the "rival awe", Methoni, which boasts the second imposing castle of the region with its photogenic Bourtzi and impressive battlements.

SOURCE: www.dinfo.gr  ,  in2life

The picturesque seaside fishing village of Arcadia, which can be found just after Leonidio, could be described as a peaceful arachovoli.

Almost untouched by mass tourism, it retains the picturesque and traditional elements that characterize it, making it a peaceful and serene choice.

With the Arcadian nature being found here in its splendour, the greenery from the foothills of Mount Parnonas serves as the natural background of the village, which slopes lazily downhill towards the sea.

Few whitewashed houses with flowered courtyards, impressive mansions that follow the local, traditional architecture of Kynouria and a small and picturesque harbour make up the puzzle of Poulithra.

At the edge of the village is the chapel of Agios Georgios, which can be reached by boat and offers a panoramic view of the village and the Aegean Sea. The beach of the village is small with fine pebbles and crystal clear waters.

The beach of Plaka and Fokianos can be found in the wider area. A walk to the mountain and the village of Kosmas, the "balcony" of Kynouria, is considered a must.

Source: Newsbeast.gr