Koroni
Built on the southwestern edge of the Peloponnese, about 50 km from Kalamata and 270 km from Athens, Koroni is one of the most beautiful small towns of Greece. From the moment you arrive there, you feel like you’ve visited an island, since the picturesque town is amphitheatrically built, with the imposing castle on top and the sea at its feet.
The castle of Koroni, which stands proudly above the beautiful town, was built by the Venetians at the end of the 13th century on the ruins of a Byzantine fortress. Its strategic position, at the highest point of the land, made it a great location for overseeing the entire region. The 300 years of Venetian rule were the golden age of Koroni as it became a commercial and maritime center. It is no coincidence that Koroni and neighbouring fortress town Methoni were called and knows as “The Eyes of Venice”.
The imposing castle constitutes a prime example of Venetian fortification technique with massive gates, underground passages, sturdy walls and square towers. Indeed, it is still inhabited today. Take a stroll along its cobbled streets to see the ruins of the church of Agia Sophia and the visitable early medieval nunnery of Timios Prodromos, but also to enjoy the magnificent view of Koroni and the Messinian Gulf.
Vasilitsi
After your walk in Koroni, you can visit the picturesque Vasilitsi, one of the most traditional villages of Messinia. It is a semi-mountainous village that stretches all the way to the sea, 7 km southwest of Koroni.
It has a rich history, from which three important personalities descend: Archimandrite Chrysostomos Papasarantopoulos (the first Orthodox Greek missionary in Africa), the world-renowned lawyer Georgios Bizos (defender of human rights in South Africa, as advocate of Nelson Mandela and other fellow colleagues fighting and protesting against the racist apartheid regime), and Lieutenant General Vasilios Marantos.
In Vasilitsi you can stroll among traditional stone houses, see the beautiful church of Agios Vasilios (built in 1938 and based on the plans of the church of Ypapanti in Kalamata) and eat at ‘Nikos’, the best tavern in the area.
Methoni
Just 30 km away from Koroni, you will find the beautiful small town of Methoni. The castle of Methoni is the most famous attraction of the town and was built in 1209 by the Venetians. It is one of the most important fortification complexes in Greece. It is built on a rock that penetrates the sea and is separated from the land by an artificial moat. One of the most impressive parts of the castle is the stone bridge with 14 bows and arrows that connect it to the mainland and its gate which is decorated with reliefs. The castle of Methoni extends over an area of 93 acres and ends at Bourtzi, the octagonal tower that is surrounded by the sea.
Messinian Oinousses
The island complex of Messinian Oinousses consists of the islands of Schiza, Sapienza, Venetiko, Agia Mariani and the rocky islets of Two Brothers, Bomba and Egg. The largest islands of the complex are Schiza and Sapienza. In Sapienza, in fact, there is a beautiful beach, as well as a forest of kumarias, which is unique in the Mediterranean Sea.
Pylos
Built amphitheatrically on Navarino Bay (where the homonymous, infamous naval battle took place in 1827), Pylos is a beautiful seaside town with many sights such as the Niocastro (built in 1573 by the Ottomans), the Palaeocastro (built in the 13th century AD by the Franks and located at the northern part of Navarino Bay) and the small island of Sfaktiria, which you can visit by boat.
Palace of Nestor
At a distance of about 17 km north of Pylos, is the famous Palace of Nestor, the best-preserved Mycenaean palace in Greece. It is believed to have been built in the 13th century BC by King Nestor and is in the area where Ancient Pylos was located. During its excavation in 1939, about 1,000 Linear B tablets were identified. Many artistic objects dating back to 1300 BC were also discovered.
Yalova Lagoon
The lagoon of Yalova, at a distance of about 8 km north of Pylos, is a habitat of outstanding beauty and a main migratory stopover for birds on their journey to and from Africa. It is also the only area in Europe where the rare and endangered African chameleon lives.
Voidokilia
The emblematic beach of western Messinia is one of the most beautiful in Greece. The beach of Voidokilia is crescent-shaped, with white sand and beautiful turquoise waters. It is located next to the Lagoon of Yalova, 10 km from Pylos.
Polylimnio
One of the most impressive places in Messinia is located near the village of Haravgi, 34 km from Kalamata. It is called Polylimnio and is a small miracle of nature, with lakes and waterfalls, in the heart of a green landscape. The lakes you will find there (15 in total) are an absolute piece of art with rare beauty.
Ancient Messini
Only 30 km away from Kalamata you can visit one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Ancient Messini is one of the most well preserved and important cities of the world. The city was founded in the winter of 370 BC – 369 BC by the Theban general Epaminondas, after his victory over the Spartans at the battle of Leuctra. Today the visitor can tour the Theatre, the Arsinoe Fountain, the Stadium, the Ecclesiastical Hall, the Agora, the Hero-mausoleum and other important sights. The Archaeological Museum houses some of the most important findings of the archaeological site.
