Messinia Villages

Messinia from fairy tales: All the charm of Greece in one prefecture!

Fascinating history and places of great archaeological heritage, unique natural landscapes with lacy shores in the shadow of Taygetus, a "female" river, a historic naval battle that changed the course of Greece, a beach called Voidokoilia and two magnificent castles. Messinia is right out of a fairy tale and invites you to explore it!Kalamata Capital of the prefecture of Messinia and one of the most beautiful – by common consent – ​​cities in Greece, Kalamata is built at the foot of Mount Taygetus, where the ancient city of Lighthouses. It is a city with particularly good layout, where the walk through the narrow alleys with flowery balconies leads to the central square and from there to the endless beach of Kalamata, with remarkable waters for swimming. Kalamata has a youthful pulse and fresh energy, with strong artistic and spiritual concerns that are expressed in the Kalamata Festival held in the summer, but also in other cultural activities and events that are central to the lives of its residents. Kardamili – Taygetos

The historic and beautiful seaside Kardamili is the jewel of Messinian Mani, a place of rare beauty and natural wealth. The city itself is the living proof of the Homeric Peloponnese, with a strong medieval, but also manic color.

Many nature-loving quests start from there, first and foremost the exploration of Taygetus. Routes full of greenery, fresh air and a liberating mood. And for those who can't stand the high altitude, you can follow the path that crosses the Byros Gorge – the reward will be equal! Polylimnio

As you continue, a stop at Polylimnio is essential. Follow the signs and they will lead you to the trailhead. The first lakes are already visible, which along the way grow and multiply, while the landscape becomes more and more green, with the main destination being the waterfalls. Ancient Messina

Ancient Messina, north of the modern city, is located at the foot of Mount Ithomi, in the present-day village of Mavrommati. So you have before you one of the most well-preserved ancient cities of Greece, with architecture from the 4th century BC. Interesting, huh? Koroni - Castle

Arriving in Koroni, you will be speechless by the way the colorful houses are built, flooded with flowers, hidden courtyards and picturesque alleys. The famous Koroni Castle still stands proudly from the 6th century AD, an excellent example of Venetian fortification architecture. Inside, where the entire city was once enclosed, houses and temples are still preserved today. On leaving, rest your body and soul on the enchanting beach of Finikounta and leave on your way to Methoni. Methoni – Sapienza

If the Castle of Koroni is the most famous in Messinia, the Castle of Methoni is the... top, one of the most characteristic examples of a medieval castle-state that once had an immense area! The castle gate is accessible via a bridge with 16 arches and, once inside, another bridge connects the main castle to Bourtzi, the famous islet that houses the famous octagonal tower. From Methoni you can reach two very important wetlands. Take the boat to Sapienza Island and spend the day there, among rare species of flora and wild animals, or continue on the road towards Pylos and stop at the Gialova lagoon, with rare migratory birds, reptiles and amphibians, an area included in the program NATURE. Pylos – Niokastro

Pylos or Navarino, the city that went down in history for the triumphant naval battle that defined the evolution of Greek history, today retains its special charm and an island-like atmosphere. A point of reference here is Niokastro, the new castle of Pylos that was built by the Turks in the 16th century and remains to this day one of the most charming castles in the country. Highlight of the route to Pylos is the beach called Voidokoilia. Words are few to describe the sight of this beach, where the golden sand breaks the deep blue waters and creates an enclosed beach that resembles a Caribbean lagoon. Neda

Finally, we left Neda, one of the few rivers in Greece that has a feminine name. A destination that until now remained relatively unexplored, has begun to experience unprecedented publicity and preference from the traveling public, but does not lose a trace of the magical, almost mystical atmosphere that distinguishes it. The most courageous can follow the entire route covering 32 kilometers through lakes, plane trees, oak trees and always along the river. Wear sturdy shoes and have water, snacks and waterproof equipment with you, it is most likely that in some places you will have to dive