Messinia

Messinia

Gialova Village

Nestling among the Messinian hills, rich in olive groves, Gialova is a lovely coastal village ideal for all year round vacations. The most important natural wonder of the region is the Gialova Lagoon, one of the the most important wetlands in Europe, serving as a station for migratory birds and has been included in the European program of Natura 2000 as a Special Protection Zone . The region of Messenia, with its temperate climate and its diverse landscapes, is also an ideal destination for cycling, hiking, canoeing and bird-watching. 

Top things to do

Discover the Gialova Lagoon, one of the most important wetlands in Europe, that serves as the southernmost stop of the migratory birds of the Balkans to Africa 

Explore the Waterfalls of Polylimnio, a complex of lakes and waterfalls with specially designed paths in a landscape of natural beauty 

Dive in the crystalline waters of Voidokilia, one of the most beautiful beaches in Peloponnese - from there, you can also hike to Nestora’s Cave as well as the Paleokastro spot with panoramic views 

The beach of Gialova is considered as one of the top destinations for windsurfing in Greece

Kalamata Village

Situated on the center of the Messenian Gulf, Kalamata is a lively coastal city and the capital of Messenia, worldwide known for its olives, full of castles and ancient ruins. The reference point of Kalamata city is the historical center of the city. Wandering in the alleys of the historical center will guide visitors through the rich history of Kalamata. It is a must to visit the legendary Castle Of Isabeau where the International Dance Festival takes place every year. Amphitheatrically built on the site of Farai acropolis, with incredible views to the entire city, the castle was constructed by William Villehardouin during the 13th century, while it underwent various additions by the Venetians and the Turks. Nowadays, it is a wonderful open-air venue for dance, music and theatre events. At the foot of the castle, visitors will have the opportunity to wander around the Old Town of Kalamata while in downtown Kalamata, visitors can walk the lovely pedestrian walkway of Aristomenous Street with many shops and cafeteria until they find the Railway Park, a lovely surprise where train engines and train carriages of different centuries are placed in a verdant landscape. At last but not least, the seaside pedestrian street of Navarinou bustles with life day and night, especially during the summer, a wonderful spot to experience Kalamata as a local. At last but not least, the city of Kalamata can serve as an ideal base to explore this part of Peloponnese.

Top things to do

Climb Mount Taygetus to explore its peculiar natural beauty

Discover the Archeological Site of Ancient Messini - which was built to protect the region from the Spartans - it is quite an impressive archaeological site with a series of ancient remnants of buildings still standing including the stadium, the theatre, the agora and the sanctuary of Asclepius

Have a tour of olive oil tasting and go for sea  kayaking in Navarino Bay

Visit the important monuments of Kalamata: Victoria G. Karelias Collection of Greek Costumes, the Archaeological Museum with artifacts from Ancient Messene and the Folklore Museum showcasing the traditional arts and crafts of the region

Discover the Kalamata Old Town, one the northern part of the city, unwinding a maze of cobblestoned streets with picturesque churches including the Ypapanti Cathedral and the Church of Agii Apostoli 

Explore the castles of Messenia: the castle of Kalamata, the Methoni Castle and the castle in Pylos

Kardamyli Village

Situated on the shores of the Messenian Gulf, Kardamyli is a picturesque village with wonderful natural beauty surrounded by the Taygetos Mountains. This lovely stone town is one of the most beautiful destinations in Messenian Mani with crystalline beaches, traditional tavernas and special places to stay and eat. 

Top things to do

Explore the Old Kardamyli with its tower houses around the church of Agios Spyridon - this region played an important role during the liberation of the country during the Ottoman Revolution

Dive in the crystalline waters of Foneas and Kalamitsi beaches

Sea kayak on the shores of Kardamyli and explore the Blue Cave

Follow one of the many hiking trails towards Taygetos Mountain that pass through gorges and forests - many of them start off from Kardamyli

Visit the Patrick Leigh Fermor House - the house is open to visitors by appointment only