Western Messinia

This quietly enchanting region of the Peloponnese is a place where golden beaches, tranquil wetlands, charming fishing villages and serene coastlines meet exceptional cuisine and layers of ancient history. It’s a destination for travellers who appreciate authenticity, beauty and a gentler pace of Greek life.

Kalamata

The lively seaside city of Kalamata is best known for its world-famous olives, but it offers so much more. Its atmospheric Old Town reveals a delightful network of cobbled streets, traditional houses and inviting cafés. Here you’ll also find some of the region’s most notable churches and museums.

Kalamata’s long beachfront promenade is perfect for evening strolls, while the city’s storied past—marked by castles, ancient ruins and tales of trade—adds depth to every visit.

Koroni 

Perched above the coastline, the picturesque town of Koroni carries strong Venetian influences. Its impressive 13th-century fortress, once considered the finest in the Peloponnese, still dominates the headland. Within its walls are remnants of houses and churches, offering a rare glimpse into centuries gone by.

Below, the town square is framed by a beautiful church and a handful of charming cafés and tavernas—perfect for a leisurely drink while watching village life unfold.

Finikounda 

Sheltered by a peaceful bay and edged with soft sandy beaches and gentle, shallow waters, Finikounda is ideal for families and those seeking a relaxing escape. The village’s name traces back to the Phoenicians, an early hint at its long maritime story.

Beyond the village lie a string of idyllic beaches—some sandy, others pebbly—and views across to the islands of Schiza and Sapientza, with the small rocky islet of Agia Marina in between. These islands can be explored by boat for a beautiful day out.

Methoni 

The coastal town of Methoni is crowned by one of Greece’s most impressive fortresses. Encircled by the sea on three sides and a moat on the fourth, this dramatic stronghold once welcomed countless pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land during Venetian times.

Inside, visitors can wander through the remains of a medieval town, including a Venetian cathedral and 19th-century Turkish baths—an evocative reminder of the area’s layered past.

Pylos 

At the southwest tip of the Peloponnese lies Pylos, a handsome seaside town overlooking the sweeping Bay of Navarino. This was the setting of the historic 1827 naval battle during the Greek War of Independence, and the town that stands today was built shortly afterwards, in 1829. Many of its original buildings still grace the waterfront.

Guarding the entrance to the bay is the rocky island of Sfaktiria, home to the remains of an ancient fort and the resting place of Napoleon’s nephew.

Pylos is also famous in literature—Homer mentions it in the Odyssey, describing the warm welcome offered by King Nestor, “the shepherd of the peoples.”

Because of its deep natural harbour, sea-faring played a vital role throughout its history; the Venetians even built a pair of castles on either side of the bay to defend it.

Nestor’s Palace 

Just north of Pylos stands Nestor’s Palace, one of the most important Mycenaean sites in Greece. Nestor, a legendary figure who fought in the Trojan War, ruled from here over what was then the second-largest Mycenaean city.

Dating back to the 13th century BC, the palace was destroyed by fire a century later, but excavations have revealed an extraordinary complex—including a grand two-storey central building and adjoining structures—offering a vivid glimpse into Bronze Age life.

Above the perfect crescent of Voidokilia Beach, on the rocky hill once crowned by the fortress of Paleokastro, lies the Cave of Nestor. According to legend, this was where Hermes hid the fifty cattle he stole from Apollo. Archaeological finds discovered by Heinrich Schliemann trace human presence here back to the Neolithic era.

It’s a place where mythology and breathtaking scenery blend seamlessly.

Gialova Lagoon 

The Gialova Lagoon is one of the most important wetlands in the Balkans and the first major resting point for migratory birds returning from Africa. Over 270 species have been recorded here, including ospreys, imperial eagles, purple herons, glossy ibises and many rare waders and waterfowl.

In autumn, thousands of birds pause here to rest and feed before their long journey across the Mediterranean and the Sahara. In spring, the lagoon becomes their first sanctuary on European soil. It’s a paradise for nature lovers.

Kyparissia 

Stretching along the west coast, Kyparissia is a lively town with a long run of beautiful beaches. Families are drawn to its laid-back atmosphere and inviting shorelines.

Perched on the hillside above the modern town is the enchanting Old Town of Kyparissia, crowned by a Byzantine-Frankish castle. Wandering its narrow streets offers a wonderful sense of stepping back in time.