18th century: At that time, Xylokastro only had few houses, which were mainly used by the residents of Trikala of Corinthia for storage purposes. The biggest part of the area was covered by a dense forest of pine trees and terebinth shrubs. Today, the area of Pefkias is only a relic of the forest that once existed there. The surrounding area had been deforested, as its fertile soil was ideal for cultivation. However, the area of Pefkias remained a woodland, as it was near the beach and the soil there was sandy.
During that period, Xylokastro owed its affluence to the raisin production. The town produced 1.300.000 venetian librae ( 1 libra = about 480 gr / 1 lb) of raisin and gained about 500.000 drachmas per year. The storehouses where the raisin was kept were near the beach. The dark raisin or black queen, as they used to call it, was sent to Patras by sea to be exported, since the railroad network did not have a sufficient number of wagons. The English market of that time was the principal destination for this local product.
1916: The great lyric poet Anghelos Sikelianos (1884-1951) had a beautiful country house built on a his estate, at the end of Pefkias, near Sykia, where he spent about 20 years of his life. It is said that it was here that he was inspired to organize a revival festival of the Delphic games.
1919: The period during which Konstantinos Dassios was president of the area, Xylokastro was transformed in a holiday destination for Greek and foreign visitors. International royalty, prime ministers, famous actors, celebrity artists and famous families from all over Greece choose Xylokastro as summer holiday destination.
1923: Nikos Santorinaios, a painter and a professor of fine arts, the festival of "Anthestiria" in Pefkias, a summer event during which all the girls of Xylokastro are dressed as ancient goddesses or nymphs, dancing and giving flowers to visitors and locals who were there to enjoy themselves with the music and the singing.
During the same year, Sotiris Krodidas from Corinth, who had also served briefly as a Prime Minister of Greece, funds the construction of the "Krokidion Elementary School" near the entrance of Pefkias.
1938: Famous Greek actors Kyveli and Dimitris Horn (who also was her godson) spent their vacation in the hotel "Pefkias" of Stephanos Panagopoulos.
1955: Finos Films, a famous Greek film production company shot most parts of the film "Laterna, ftohia & filotimo" in Xylokastro. A group of very important Greek artists collaborated in the making of this film: Alekos Sakellarios, as the writer and director, Manos Hadjidakis as the music composer and Mimis Fotopoulos, Vassilis Avlonitis, Tzeni Karezi and Alekos Alexandrakis as the leading actors.
1963: Director Vassilis Gheorghiadis shoots in Xylokastro the award winning film "Ta kokkina fanaria" (The red lanterns), starring Tzeni Karezi and Ghiorgos Foundas.
The '70s: During the '70s, Xylokastro passed through a phase of intense reconstruction. The coast road of Xylokastro changed radically and the town's center filled with apartment buildings. Due to this building frenzy, many old architectural masterpieces were lost.
1985: The Chess Club of Xylokastro successfully organized the 35th international chess championship and warmly welcomed the president of the International Chess Federation, Florencio Campomanes.
1987: The Blood Donors' Network "I fili tis zois" was founded by Christos Protopapas, offering invaluable help to the citizens of the region.
1994: Christos Valimitis founded the Environmental Association of Xylokastro, aiming to protect the natural environment of the area.
Late 20th century: The municipal authorities of Xylokastro made noteworthy efforts to improve the town's appearance. The area around the Sythas river wasreformed. Public constructions, as the "Vassilis Gheorgiadis" open air theatre along with beach volley and tennis courts were built. The Yacht Club of Xylokastro created a beautiful marina along the banks of river Sythas. During the same period, many schools were constructed: the 2nd Middle school, the High school of Xylokastro, a Technical High school and the 3rd Elementary school or "Vardavion Elementary School". The Town Hall was repaired and renovated while the 1st Elementary school of Xylokastro was completely renewed. Two kindergartens were constructed: the 1st kindergarten of the "Lilian Voudouris" kindergarten and the 2nd kindergarten of Xylokastro in the Aristonaftes neighborhood. The construction of the "Aghelos Sikelianos" theatre was the highlight of all that development.
Meanwhile, Xylokastro demonstrates a vivid cultural and athletic activity. Important theatrical plays, painting exhibitions, numerous classical music concerts, festivals hosting famous choirs and the annual book fair take place in the town. International beach-volley and beach-soccer tournaments are organized in Xylokastro with the participation of famous athletes, something which adds a touch of glamour to the region.