WESTERN MESSINIA PYLOS, METHONI, KORONI - INTERNATIONAL SPLENDOUR, AUTHENTIC BEAUTY
Famous beaches, historic castles, Mycenaean palaces, an important wetland and princely hospitality – all packaged in an ideal holiday destination Greek summer at its finest: beautiful beaches, quaint fishing villages, endless olive groves, coastal and mountain trails with glorious views in Western Messinia. And beyond that: ancient civilisations, Mycenaean palaces and the Gialova wetland, the only one of its kind in Greece. You’ll go hiking at Paleokastro, walk around the ruins at Neokastro and at the Methoni and Koroni castles, followed by a lovely lunch or dinner at tavernas on the water, serving fresh fish and meze. All-inclusive resorts with golf courses, pools and award-winning restaurants. Piece by piece, you’ll put together this puzzle that is Western Messinia. You’ll travel and explore and quickly settle into the Messinian rhythm. One summer is never enough. You’ll want to return here, to Western Messinia, year after year.
Neokastro: The impressive, listed Ottoman fortress
This is possibly one of the best-preserved fortresses in Greece and looking round it is an indescribable experience. Right in its centre is the impressive Transfiguration of the Saviour church (Metamorphosis tou Sotiros), which functioned as a mosque during Ottoman rule. It was erected in 1573 and, invisible from the sea, played a key role in the famous Battle of Navarino.
Pylos: ‘Hostess’ of the Peloponnese
The calm of today belies a troubled past in a city so synonymous with the Battle of Navarino. Now it rests peacefully, built in the shape of an amphitheatre below Neokastro, reminiscent of an island hamlet. Enjoy a leisurely coffee in the shade at the traditional kafenia in the central square of Trion Navarhon with its exotic palm trees. Your holidays here will be heavenly.
Gialova Lagoon: A habitat for rare birds and animals
Equipped with binoculars and camera, you’ll follow the footpath that leads to the bird observatory. Gialova is an incredibly beautiful natural reserve in the Peloponnese, home to 250 species of rare birds – among them flamingos, swans and mallards. Particularly important is the presence of the African chameleon. Gialova is the only place in Europe where it survives and reproduces!
Sphakteria: The island-protector
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.
Short trips that you should not miss!
