Beautiful beaches of all sizes

In Pylos you’ll find the beach of Chrisi Akti (also known as Divari), situated in a protected area. Nearby is Voidokilia. And from there until Kyparissia you’ll come across endless sandy beaches, like Mati and Lagouvardos (perfect for surfing and other water sports), as well as small and picturesque bays with deep water, such as Stomio and Filiatra. North of Voidokilia is the miraculously expansive beach of Romanos.

Methoni Castle: Guardian of the port

As soon as you set foot on the stone bridge with its 14 arches, flirting with the swell, you’ll be impressed by the castle and its imposing gate. A second and then a third gate lead you to the inside of the castle, where there was once a settlement. Among its remains is the pretty church, Transfiguration of the Saviour (Metamorphosis tou Sotiros), the Turkish Baths ( dating back to the 19th century), the house of Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt and the Bourtzi, founded by the Venetians in the 13th century and rebuilt by the Turks in 1500.

Methoni: Picturesque, quiet and authentic

The picturesque seaside new town of Methoni, famed for its low stone homes, one beside the other, with their lovely patios and fragrant flowers, will charm you and invite you to enjoy its beaches, cafes and restaurants.

The impregnable castle of Koroni

It was built around the same time as the castle of Methoni. Under Ottoman rule it was considered the best fortified castle in Messinia, if not in the entire Peloponnese. Inside the castle and on the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo, the Byzantine church of Agia Sofia was built, right next to the monastery of Timios Prodromos.

Stately Koroni

Built in what used to be ancient Asini, modern Koroni is aristocratic and stately. With its well-preserved old stone homes and sloping streets, it has an ambience reminiscent of Southern Italy. In the summer months the coastal road overflows with coffee shops, tavernas and people, while all around you’ll find beautiful beaches, the most popular being sandy Zanga.

Sheltered and welcoming Finikounda

Be sure to include Finikounda on your route and stop for lunch or a coffee. Situated on a sheltered bay, surrounded by sandy beaches with shallow waters, it is ideal for families with small children. Its name derives from the Phoenicians who had trade links with the region, while the modern village was developed by Cretan immigrants around 1840.

Hidden gems of Western Messinia

On this wooded islet, monuments have been erected, dedicated to the dead of the Battle of Navarino. With the caique that takes you to Sphakteria, you’ll see the small islet Helonaki (‘little tortoise’), with its monument to the British soldiers that fell in the battle.

Nestor’s Cave

That this region has been inhabited since the Neolithic period is endorsed by the findings that date back to the middle of the 6th millennium BC, found in Nestor’s Cave, located on a hill above Voidokilia beach and under Paleokastro.

Nestor’s Palace

The palace belonging to Homer’s Nestor covers an area of about two hectares and is perhaps the best-preserved Mycenaean palace in the Peloponnese identified so far. Notable finds include tablets with Linear B texts.

Source : https://www.discovergreece.com/