Messinia Travel Guide

The castle of Methoni, Venetian Tower in Messenia, Peloponnese

At the first leg of the Peloponnese peninsula, there is Methoni, a little picturesque town overlooking the Ionian Sea and the island complex of Oinousses. Built by the Venetians in the early 13th century on a rocky promontory, the castle of Methoni is among the largest ones in the Mediterranean. A cannon array around the impressive octagonal tower of the castle of Methoni was used to sink ships that refused to pay the taxes levied on board. This is one of the reasons that the seabed around Methoni is an area particularly rich in underwater archaeology.

The castle of Koroni, Venetian Tower in Messenia, Peloponnese

At the first leg of the Peloponnese peninsula, there is also the colorful Koroni, a place with insular atmosphere.

One of the finest examples of the Venetian fortress architecture and amongst the few of each kind to encompass houses and churches, the castle of Koroni. Narrow passages will lead you to the gate of the castle. Cross it to find just a few inhabited of the many houses once seeking refuge from the pirates here. Apart from the breathtaking view to the Sea, in the castle you can see immured tombs, underground arched tanks for the rain, the octagon tower and the church of St Sofia. The position of both castles (Methoni & Koroni) was so important that the Venetians referred to these as “the eye of Venice”.

The largest natural port of the Peloponnese

Pylos historically also known as Navarino. It was a significant kingdom in Mycenaean Greece, with remains of the so-called “Palace of Nestor” excavated nearby, named after Nestor the wisest among the leaders of the Trojan War and king of Pylos in Homer’s Iliad. This little seaside town at the southwest of Peloponnese has played an important role during the history of Greece. In addition, the known Battleship of Navarino in 1827 took place here resulting in the defeat of the fleet of the Ottoman Empire.

Today Pylos is a popular destination throughout the year and also a safe anchorage due to the island Sfaktiria, the natural breakwater, across the harbor.

A place with fresh air, fresh water and many beautiful landscapes

This small picturesque settlement will charm its visitors. The natural beauty of the Gialova lagoon in the north, the extraordinary beaches and the history of the wider area offer you more than enough reasons to visit this magical place. You can’t miss here the Gialova lagoon one of the most important hydro biotopes of Europe. It is a protected hydro biotope with rare species of flora and fauna (migratory birds, jackals, African chameleon).

Gialova is recommended for its fine restaurants and taverns and its beautiful paved street full of bougainvillea by the sea.

A great choice for a walk-in nature.

The waterfall is located on a green hill a few kilometers from the lagoon of Gialova in southwestern Messenia. It is a small wetland with many amphibians living in its waters which makes it ideal if you have young children and are looking forward to giving them an unforgettable exploration.

You can reach it walking along a verdant, narrow path that passes through a forest of oaks and plane trees. During the summer there is not much water, thus is much better to visit it in spring.

In the shape of the Greek letter omega, its sand forms a semicircular strip of dunes

The beautiful beach Voidokoilia is the most famous beach of Peloponnese and probably the most beautiful. The unique shape and the natural beauty of this beach astonish the visitor. The beautiful white sand, the crystal-clear water and the lush vegetation of this beach will make you instantly fall in love with this place. The beach is not organized, so the visitor should keep in mind to carry along all the necessary equipment as well as water, food etc. One of the most fascinating facts about Voidokilia Beach is its shape. The curve of Voidokilia is shaped like a giant Greek omega, from the two rocky promontories that define the entrance of the beach. The name Voidokilia originates from Voufras, which translates as “where oxen live”. However, the most obvious name most likely comes from the great curvature that forms the bay looking like an ox’s belly.

A hidden gem

In Greek, polilimnio translates as many lakes. There are 15 small “hidden” lakes filled with fresh water with different names. Polilimnio is often described as a paradise on earth and is one of the hidden gems of Messenia. In many of the lakes, beautiful waterfalls tumble into stunning blue waters. Kadi Lake has the largest waterfall falling from a height of 25 meters.

The waterfall offers a unique experience to whoever reaches it, while for the more adventurous, cliff diving from the surrounding rocks into the lake’s deep waters, is also an option. The lake’s fresh, clear cold mountain water is extremely refreshing after the hike – the perfect reward. Small canyons, dense vegetation and gorgeous waterfalls will turn a 3 kilometres hike of medium difficulty into an unique and unforgettable experience. It is necessary to have a swimsuit with you, suncream, a hat, water and you should wear non-slip shoes.