Locality Information

The area around Methoni has countless beaches and plenty of wild and dramatic scenery, but it is Methoni itself which has been awarded the status of 'village of special interest.' Methoni is unspoiled by tourism, has retained its idyllic charm and hibiscus-lined streets and has several excellent tavernas Kastro, Alektor, Modon and Avli ) as well as traditional no-frills grill shops ( O Nontas. ). The main street is closed to cars in the evening so you can eat at pavement tables with a relaxed atmosphere.

 

The sunken ancient city of Pidasos ( offered as a gift to Achilles by Agamemnon to persuade him to fight at Troy ) is just off the beach opposite the ( excellent and cheap ) Camping Methoni restaurant . You can snorkel over it . There's a great video of the excavation in the Benaki Archaeological museum in Kalamata. 
 

Methoni castle

Methoni castle is the biggest and best preserved castle on the entire Mediterranean. Built mainly during the Turkish and Venetian occupations, it dominates the west end of the beach and overlooks the little harbour. Health and Safety isn't the best in Greece so you have to be careful as there are deep wells and sheer drops from the castle walls, but it's wild and beautiful and an absolute must-see. There's a dramatic causeway leading out over the sea to 'The Bourtzi' where most of the men of Methoni were kept as prisoners during the Turkish occupations. As thanks for use of the castle to film ' The Odyssey', Chris Nolan's team ensured  the lighting has been restored. It now looks incredible at night.

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Boats and Snorkelling

There are several different daily boat trips to the island of Sapienza from Methoni jetty, shorter sunset cruises and snorkelling trips if you want to see the Egyptian Sarcophagi and snorkel in the clear waters around Sapienza. You can also rent a boat from Niko at The Dive Shop in Pylos ( or ask us to book for you ) if you want to skipper your own speedboat and visit the monuments, beaches and best snorkelling sites in Navarino Bay. Little Table Bay is a perfect place to snorkel. Head there first before anyone else arrives and while the sea is like a mill pond. It's heavenly. ( Niko also offers a guided trip if you don't want to skipper and tie-up yourselves. )

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Destino

Destino at the next beach east ( Lambas ) has a pool ( and a kids' pool ) with sunbeds and a bar. It extends down to the beach with a restaurant and sunbeds on the beach. There's also a popular and inexpensive taverna next door. In the evening Destino becomes a bar, popular with young people, with DJs at weekends and throughout the summer. 
 

Tsapi Beach

Beyond Destino, Finikounda and up the mountain, after around 8km you will see a sign for Tsapi. It's about another 10 minutes of bends to wind your way down to the pristine beach. It's worth it ! The snorkelling is great around the rocks and Maria's taverna, right on the beach is the perfect spot for lunch. She has free sunbeds and umbrellas . 

Polylimnio waterfalls

Around 10 mins walk from the parking spot ( signposted off the road at Kazarma on the road to Kalamata ), Polylimnio is a series of waterfalls culminating in the most impressive falls at the highest point and a ( freezing cold ) lake to cool off in. For the brave/foolhardy there's a high diving point you can climb up to and jump off into the pool below. It's the longest of the three waterfall walks and requires strong footwear, as much of the walk is over rocks, which can be quite slippery. (There's a tour operator doing canyoning/absailing, but do check their insurance etc as they're new and seem charging a lot. )

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Pylos Town

Pylos Town has a beautiful and historic plateia and harbour. ( Three Admirals Square is named after the British, French and Russian admirals from the Battle of Navarino who came to Greece's rescue in 1827 and destroyed the entire Turkish/Egyptian fleet -  against their orders as peacekeepers ! ) The collection of the French Philhellene, Rene Puaux is well worth a visit for anyone interested in the Greek struggle for independence. The paintings of the battle itself are extraordinary . On 20th October every year the Commemoration, re-enactment and armageddon-like firework display are broadcast on national TV.

 

Pylos square is bordered by cafe tables, shaded by several gigantic plane trees . The museum inside Pylos Castle tells the whole story of the ancient history of the area and has won awards for the innovative displays. For anyone interested in Jewellery, Aerides ( next to the police station ) sells gorgeous pieces made by local jewellers - mostly made from local semi-precious stones or sea glass and often based on ancient designs. It's the perfect place to find a present or to take a little piece of Greece home with you .Even if you're not looking to buy anything, Constantinos is such a lovely and interesting person and a mine of information on all things ancient in the area. There's a great produce market on Saturday morning on the street behind the police station and a wonderful cafe, 'Bachalogatos' where the locals and stallholders drink coffee.
 

Ancient Messini

Ancient Messini, on Mount Ithome is one hours drive east and is one of THE most incredible ancient sites in Greece. It is well preserved with imposing fortifications ( the best-preserved example of Cyclopean walls on the planet ), built to keep the Spartans out. There's a taverna above where you can see the entire ancient city spread out before you and an incredible view all the way down to Kalamata Bay. The spring opposite the taverna was the birthplace of Zeus !

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