Voidokilia beach, the palace of Nestor, the renewed town of Kalamata, the scenic Koroni, the castle of Methoni, the sandy beaches, the trails and activities on offer, the welcoming people. A trip to Messenia shows the exciting changes of an area-case study for tourist development. I clearly remember the time when the area welcomed only a few tourists and was mainly targeted at Greek tourists.
Today, after a series of important investments, with the Costa Navarino hotel complex at their centre, the area has turned into an international destination, that is becoming increasingly popular. The Kalamata airport receives direct flights from many cities in central and north Europe, while luxury yachts moor at its marina. Messenia, Pylos and other locations in the area often feature in the international press, while the area is high on the list of jet setter destinations, a fact that results in further exposure through social media posts that receive thousands of likes and comments.
This is all the result of an idea by an inspired local, an idea that has been in the works for many decades and is now affecting the whole area. Captain Vasilis Konstantakopoulos had a vision: he wanted to see his homeland develop in terms of tourism by monetizing the local hospitality and the land’s natural beauty. And judging from the result, he has managed it, since new hotels keep opening. Well-known international hotel brands like Marriott with W, and Mandarin Oriental have now been added to the group that opened the Westin Resort and the Luxury Collection The Romanos years ago. At the same time, investments in golf courses are making this a top destination for a new audience, one that travels a lot and spends a lot of money travelling.
Below you’ll find some unique experiences that one can enjoy in Messenia that will turn your holidays into a one-of-a-kind experience.
Swimming at Agiannaki beach
An endless sandy beach with alluring clear waters, and in the horizon, mount Ainos, Strofades, and southern Zakynthos. Dip in its blue waters and hike in the Aleppo pine forest, that starts right next to the beach. It’s a favourite destination for many European travellers who come here to enjoy nature and the sea, as well as the free camping – not permitted but tolerated. A colourful community, in love with nature and land. The sun dips in the sea and at the ‘Stathmos’ tavern (tel: 0030 6934890176), hidden in the olive grove, next to the train station, two bouzoukia start playing their first note. A pan full of stuffed tomatoes and peppers arrives and the olive oil and oregano from the Greek salad fill the air with their scent. They also serve great grilled meat and appetizers, all served inside a huge garden. When you visit Agiannaki beach, you’ll immediately become part of the group of the volunteers working to protect the sea turtle. Cypress trees, the smell of pine needles, lemon and orange orchards, just a few stone buildings scattered in the trees comprise an archetypical Greek land. It’s a beach where you can be alone with nature, or part of a group. Agiannaki provides everyone with what they need.
Traditional gastronomy of Messenia
Seasonality and locality are the two main characteristics of Messenian gastronomy, with the extra virgin olive oil being key for the food’s quality and taste. We visit a traditional local home, just outside Pylos, and we actively participate in the preparation of the food. At first, we make homemade pasta, hilopites, following a traditional recipe. Then, we prepare the traditional pie and instead of using filo dough we use a water-and-flour batter and lots of olive oil. The meal is complete with fresh salads and rooster in tomato sauce, a quintessential Greek meal.
Walking in Paleokastro
Having admired the beach of Voidokilia from up high many times, we recommend the path towards Paleokastro as the ideal way to get the best view. Swimming in Voidokilia is a unique experience, however, it doesn’t allow you to see it’s distinct shape that has helped in it becoming a symbol of the Ionian Sea blue in dozens of magazines. The whole area is part of the Natura 2000 network and it the largest wetland in southern Greece, providing refuge to both endemic and migratory birds. Starting at the end of Divari beach, in particular at the spot known as ‘the neck’, you go up a relatively easy trail. You’ll first see a narrow sea passage between Sfaktiria, the island that ‘blocks’ the bay of Navarino and the Greek mainland. Continuing uphill, you can take pictures of the small sandy beach of Sfaktiria and then, further up, on the outside part of the path, you will have a great view of the open sea. The coast there is rocky and impressive. The trail goes through trees and bushes, part of a sensitive ecosystem. When you reach the top of the hill, you can carefully explore the abandoned castle, and then reach a point from which you can see the whole length of the beach, with its distinct u shape.
Horseback riding in the forest of Elea
Safe horseback riding routes in the pine forest of Elea with meek horses that will transform your holidays. Come in contact with one of the most beautiful animals in wonderful pristine nature. At the borders of the Messenia with Ilia, next to the river Neda, in another part of the Natura 2000 network, you will be able to enjoy unique moments on horseback. Especially for small children, the rides take place in a protected area, next to the forest.
Instagram: elea.horse.riding, Tel.: 0030 6948335161
Visit Niokastro in Pylos
A visit to Niokastro in Pylos will help you experience the area’s multifaceted history. The castle was built to control the south entrance to the bay of Navarino and was named Niokastro, since there is another, older, castle in the area, Paleokastro (Niokastro means new castle, Paleokastro means old castle in Greek), right above the beach of Voidokilia, which controlled the north entrance. The Ottomans started its construction in 1573, right after their defeat at the Battle of Lepanto, in 1571. It had a similar history to all the other castles in the area, remaining in Ottoman rule until 1686, when the Venetians, under Morosini, conquered it, while in 1715, the Ottomans recaptured it. In 1825, when Ibrahim arrived to Methoni, Niokastro was the location of some of his most important operations. On October 8, 1827, the allied fleet, comprising of English, Russians and French, defeated the Turkish-Egyptian fleet in Navarino, forcing Ibrahim to flee the Peloponnese. Niokastro was surrendered to the French forces under general Maison in 1828.
Cycling in Gialova and Voidokilia
Cycling among olive and citrus groves is the ideal way to enjoy the fragrant air and the perfect view. Admire the century-old olive trees and smell the lemons hanging from the trees on your way to the lovely bay of Voidokilia. Leave your bicycle by the beach and walk on the fine sand and then have a refreshing dip in the sea. Then, continue your ride next to the lagoon, and stop for some birdwatching on its banks.
Walk around the castle of Methoni
The way it has been built makes it unique and perhaps one of the most impressive castles in Greece. It covers the whole point of the south-western coast of Messenia and reaches right next to the sea at the so called Bourtzi which is a fortified island with an octagonal tower built at its south side. A moat divides it from the mainland something that makes walking around it even more impressive.
You need to cross a stone bridge with 14 arches to get to the castle. There are Venetian emblems with St. Mark’s lion at various parts of the walls while the entrance above the moat with its elaborate decoration is very impressive.
The island charm of Koroni
Visiting the beautiful Koroni, with its small narrow streets and beautiful corners which has rightfully been described as one of the most beautiful small towns in Greece, will be another pleasant surprise that comes in contrast with its surroundings. Right next to the sea, on a hill slope, at the top of which stands another imposing Venetian castle, with beautiful, well-preserved mansions, antefixes, neighbourhoods that seem to have come from a different era and a little port comprise a unique setting. A place with a strong island feel which, at the same time, manages to remain distinctly Peloponnesian.
Read also:
Lakonia region’s petrified palm forest
Kalogria, Achaia: an endless exotic beach next to a rare forest
Trekking at Mt. Taygetus: Magnificent routes, views, serene nature
