The village of Kourounia clings to the northern slopes of Mt Amani, high above the mountain stream that bears its name (Kourounion Stream) and empties into the Aegean sea at Galatou beach roughly two kilometres to the north. Situated at an altitude of 360 metres above sea level, this picturesque settlement has much for visitors to see.
The village is renowned for the sweet “Kourouniotiko” wine produced by the local vineyards. Indeed, vineyards stretch from the village as far as the eye can see, spreading over the land on the road to Egrigoros, the next village over, as well as around Volissos. No surprise then, that this region has been known since the days of Homer as “Ariousia chora” (Greek for the land of the Ariousioi), home to the Ariousios wine that was so widely prized and lauded in antiquity. Visitors can get a sense of this time-honoured wine-making tradition with a visit and a tour the local wineries, where the local varieties are on offer.
Recently, a “Church Museum” was established in the old schoolhouse building, where visitors can admire the painted decoration of the village church, all works of the prominent religious painter Panagiotakis.