Destinations ~ Southwest Peloponesse - Western Messinian

World famous beaches, historic castles, Mycenaean palaces, an important wetland and princely hospitality — all packaged in an ideal sailing 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.

You’ll go hiking at Paleokastro, walk around the ruins at Neokastro and at the Methoni and Koroni Venetian castles, followed by a lovely lunch on board on an all day or overnight private anchorage place within the peace and the tranquillity of crystal clear water bay. A night sky full of bright stars, away from city lights, is the pay off of the trip.

Voidokilia

Voidokilia is a horseshoe shaped beach with brilliant turquoise water set among sand dunes just north of Navarino Bay. Ashore, turn left and walk to find a sign to the castle. Go to the north end of the castle; great views. Scramble through a hole in the wall at the north end, and follow the steep and rocky path to Nestor's Cave. Walk down to the golden arc of Voidokilia. Have a swim to cool off. Walk back to the boat along the side of a brackish lagoon (home to a wide variety of sea birds, chameleons and tortoises). The east end of the lagoon is a twitcher's paradise in the evenings. Piece by piece, you'll put together this puzzle that is Western Messinia.

Methoni Castle

Methoni is a beautiful coastal hamlet of the south-western Peloponnese, located 32 nautical miles away from Kalamata. It is built on the ruins of the ancient town of Methoni and regarded as one of the most historic cities of the Peloponnese. Methoni became known for its port which was of great strategic and commercial importance. There you can also find the imposing Venetian Castle, one of the largest in the Mediterranean, which is famous for its fortified position during the Middle Ages and the Ottoman period. Methoni is nowadays one of the most beautiful areas of the Peloponnese; its natural beauties, historical sites and amazing beaches have turned it into one of the most popular tourist resorts of Messenia.

Pylos

Pylos is a beautiful town in the prefecture of Messenia, on the southwest side of the Peloponnese. The city is built around a natural harbor in the bay of Navarino. It is surrounded by the waters of the Ionian Sea opposite the island “Sfaktiria”, 40 nautical miles away from Kalamata. Pylos was built in 1828 by the French expedition of General Maison. It spreads over two hills in the Bay of Navarino and is one of the largest natural harbors of Greece.

Beneath the hill of Paleokastro spreads the magical Bay of Voidokilia with its famous turquoise waters and golden sand. Visitors can also spend pleasant moments along the picturesque harbor, where there are several restaurants and cafes. From Pylos one can easily access nearby regions such as Methoni, Finikounda and Voidokilia not only for swimming but also for eating outside.

Finikounta

Finikounta is a picturesque little fishing village built on the shore of the sea, located between Methoni and Koroni, in the south-western part of the Peloponnese. It is located at a distance of 30 nautical miles from Kalamata. Finikounta has approximately 600 inhabitants and its own school. The nearby attractions of the broader region of Methoni’s municipality (such as the Castle and the impressive Lighthouse of “Oinousses”), among many other things, create a pleasant ensemble for the tourists covering all tastes.

Koroni

Koroni, the seat of the municipality of Koroni, is a picturesque town with a Venetian Harbour in the Prefecture of Messinia. It is built amphitheatrically and offers a magnificent view to the Messenian Gulf and the imposing Mountain “Taygetos”. The city is beautiful with narrow streets and houses with terrestrial colouration, which haven’t changed much from the Venetian period. Medieval mansions and churches extended to an impressive labyrinth of narrow streets which embrace the town and guide to Akrotiri and the castle of the city.

Kalamata

Built at the foot of the Taygetos Mountain and simultaneously in the inlet of the Messiniakos Gulf, Kalamata, the capital of Messinia, is a place that can be visited all year through. Kalamata, known for its olives and olive oil, charms its visitor with a multitude of attractions, such as the castle of Kalamata, which offers a panoramic view of Kalamata and the surrounding area.

Kalamata counts hundreds of years of history. Over the centuries it has been occupied by Sparta, Franks, Venetians and Turks, which gives the city a unique architectural character. The major event of Kalamata’s long history is its liberation from the Turks on March 23, 1821.

Sources: discovergreece.com, gopeloponnese.com, jimbsail.info

South Peloponnese Ionian Islands