Seven days in majestic Messinia

The gifts of the Messinian land have been, for many years, the best advertisement of the Peloponnese district, as products from its blessed olive trees are being on store shelves in various parts of the world.

Messinia, however, has not managed to be included in lists with “the most talked about places” just thanks to its famous olive oil, but because of its natural beauty and its multifaceted and manorial character.

Covering to the needs and desires for both winter and summer travelers, it is an all-year destination and with an abundance of enchanting beaches, it lacks nothing compared to the Greek islands. Even though a seven-day stay will leave you feeling guilty of not staying longer, a week can be enough for you to discover the most important beauties that the county generously offers. 

Our tour will start from the capital of Messinia and will lead us to an escape to the  picturesque villages.

 1st Day  Kalamata

The second largest city of Peloponnese (after Patras) is not only the peninsula’s most magical, but one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. Built at the foot of Taygetos mountain and with the Messinian bay embracing it, Kalamata tangles the urban with the natural, in the best way possible.

If you are a mountain lover, then a hike or a mountain run on the trails of Taygetos will capture you. For those who want to stroll by the sea, the endless 5km beach always remains vivid due to the cafes, restaurants, hotels, shops and the traditional ouzo.

Perhaps the best way to learn about the history of the city is to start your tour from the historical Castle, then visit Kalamata’s Folklore Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Messinia.

Once you have completed the educational part of the excursion, descend into the most important squares of Kalamata, “25th of March” square and “Vassileos Georgiou” square and relax enjoying a coffee or a drink, like the citizens of Kalamata do.

2nd Day Kardamili

A visit to the most famous village of Messinian Mani will convince you why the author Patrick Leigh Fermor was captivated by the beauty of it, an area that now is featured in the lists among the most beautiful places in Europe.

However, apart from the impact on artists and writers, the sophisticated Kardamili also fascinates those who want to be where the mountains and sea merge. Despite the recent tourist expansion, Kardamili has managed to preserve its unaltered character.

Stone houses, restored towers of the old town and sophisticated shops with special touches, invite you to have an authentic experience at a more relaxed pace. Having the mountain Taygetos as your background, the rare beauty and crystal clear beaches of the area satisfy even the most demanding traveler.

Diving in the famous waters of Foneas and Ritsa, should definitely be in your schedule. For a more frantic pace and just 8 km away from Kardamili, lies Stoupa, with its famous beach called Kalogria.

3rd Day Methoni – Koroni

Combining the natural Messinian landscape with the Venetian castles, these two small towns evoke something fabulous.

Just a half an hour away from each other with the beaches of Finikounda between them, it is a must to dedicate a day to these cities.

In Methoni, the imposing castle ends at the fortified island of Bourtzi, with the famous octagonal tower that connects the Castle to a small bridge. The castle of Koroni, although not so well preserved, is charming and of great interest, since it is, to this day, inhabited.

4th Day Voidokilia-Gialova

One of the most photographed beaches, Voidokilia, does not need special introductions.

Its incomparable beauty, thanks to its semicircular shape, the turquoise waters and the golden color of its sandy beach make it look as if it you are somewhere in the Caribbean.

Combine your swimming in the waters with paying a visit to the lagoon of Gialova, an area protected by the Natura network, due to its enormous ecological importance.

5th Day Pylos

We can all agree that Voidokilia is the biggest “lure” on the wider area, but you won’t be paying justice to your seven days in Messinia, if you do not spend a day in the manorial city of Pylos.

Surrounded by an island aura, thanks to the architecture, with its tall, white houses and having played an important role in Greek history, it warmly invites you to discover it.

Make a stop for a coffee at Trion Navarchon square, before going up to Niokastro castle for a panoramic view of the city and then visit the island of Sfaktiria, by boat.

6th Day Kiparissia

In the district’s west, one finds the beautiful castle city of Kiparissia, which combines rich history, stunning beaches and natural environment, all in one unique package.

Start your tour from the Old Town, where the pride of the city, the Castle of Arcadia, is located, to enjoy a panoramic view of the area, as well as the Ionian Sea.

Walk along the picturesque cobbled streets, before reaching the port, which is the center of the New City.

Setting Kiparissia as your starting point, you can visit the Neda canyon, where the rare beauty of waterfalls and the rich vegetation create one of the most amazing places for hiking.

7th Day Ancient Messina

The majestic archeological site of Ancient Messina is one of the main reasons why a traveler heads to Peloponnese. One of the best preserved cities of the ancient times in the world, it fascinates visitors from everywhere.

Emerging from the depths of antiquity, the Ancient Theater is one of the most authentic, well-preserved and the first monuments you will encounter.

Take enough time to walk around the archeological site to see the Stadium, the market, the Fountain of Arsinoe and to pass by the Museum of Ancient Messina, where findings from the excavations are kept.