The capital of Messinia is rapidly becoming a popular destination: the new road leading to its door in just 2.5 hours from Athens (although expensive in tolls), its international airport ( British Airways also lands here), its cruise port, the extensive network of bicycle lanes that has been embraced by residents and visitors, and even the balloon flights that started in mid-May and will last all summer. Moreover its wonderful beaches, the good food, a remarkable cultural movement and super archaeological sites emit it to the highest position on the preference lists as a destination! The fact that “Costa Navarino” is nearby has a positive influence on the area!
Following the Messinian coastline… Koroni – Finikounda – Methoni
Following the Messinian coastline, from “Verga” Kalamatas to “Kalamata”, “Koroni” and further south, within beautiful Mediterranean landscapes and beautiful beaches, you have the chance to experience Messinia’s sites with rich history, traditional architecture and wonderful beaches. The road follows the coastline, sometimes closer or further away from the sea, passing through endless olive groves that produce the famous Messinian olive oil and quiet villages with low-lying tourist development (except for the most touristic “Petalidi”). First stop as planned is “Koroni”, then the sandy “Finikounda” and finally “Methoni”, with the Messinian “Oinousses” islands just opposite the town in the gulf. And among them, hidden, unexplored corners for the most active traveler.
Pylos: A natural extravaganza !
West Messinia for the first time … having in mind pictures of historic castles, naval crafts, hotels of high standards and olive groves that descend to magnificent beaches with one of them standing out! It’s the star of Messinia, “Voidhookilia” beach!
From tower to tower … in the neighborhood of Areopolis
In Mani of the 800 towers and the 7 castles, and the Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches exceeding 1,000, “Areopolis’s” neighborhood stands as a small sample of this historical and indiscriminate land. It’s well known that the best seasons for a visit to the region are spring or autumn. We went in the midst of summer, of course, with a bit of heat but it was worth it!