8 kilometres from town and almost joined with Kontokali, is an old fishingvillage with an interesting history. On August 29th 1537 the Turkish fleet, under the command of the Corsican Barbarossa, who was in the service of Suleiman the Magnificent, landed at Gouvia, bringing ruin to the entire Mesis region. The invading force, however, failed to take the Old Fortress, despite a siege lasting twelve days. Two centuries later, they made another landing at Gouvia (and at Pyrgi) again with the town as target, but left after a month-long siege. The Corfiots attributed their salvation to to St. Spiridon. Subsequently, the Venetians fortified the harbour at Gouvia and built a shipyard to maintain and repair their boats, while at the same time servicing passing vessels. The columns and vaults which remain today stand as a reminder of those long-gone years when the Serene Republic of Venice ruled the eastern seas. Today it is the home of the Marina, which can service 900 yachts. The marina is located in the central area of the bay and separates the beaches of the two villages.