Our trip to Messinia started in Athens, and after approximately 2.5 hours, we arrived in Kalamata, the heart of the region. Our journey begins with the scent of olives and the sea. The beach of Kalamata, with views of Mount Taygetos, offers the perfect starting point for an unforgettable road trip through Messinian land. The city is lively, with seaside streets full of charming cafés and tavernas, and a historic center well worth exploring.
In Kalamata’s historic center, you can visit:
- 23rd of March Square, the city’s main square with historical significance.
- The Archaeological Museum of Messinia.
- The Old Town, ideal for a stroll through picturesque alleys. It’s small and walkable in a single afternoon, full of history and atmosphere.
- The Church of the Holy Apostles, a landmark of the historic center (it closely resembles Kapnikarea Church in central Athens), where Greek independence was declared in 1821.
- The Castle of Kalamata, a 13th-century fortress with stunning views. You’ll need to climb some steps to get to the top.
Our suggestions for food, coffee, and drinks in Kalamata:
- Try a delicious pita gyro at Tzimis, right next to the Church of the Holy Apostles. For cocktails, you’ll love Lemoni, located just across the street.
- For coffee and brunch, step outside the historic center to Blossom Owl Concept Shops, where alongside excellent coffee, you’ll find perfect savory and sweet pancakes.
- Enjoy cocktails with a panoramic view and a beautiful sunset at Kastraki, a 15-minute drive from the city.
Ancient Messene
Our second stop was Ancient Messene. The next day, we drove about 30 minutes from Kalamata to reach this impressive and well-preserved archaeological site. The ancient theater, stadium, and city walls transport you centuries back to an era of glory and culture.
Ancient Messene was especially important founded in 369 BC by the Theban general Epaminondas after the Battle of Leuctra, as a political and military counterweight to Sparta. It is one of the few ancient cities built entirely according to a plan, with fortified walls, a theater, stadium, agora, and sanctuaries.
Its most striking feature is the excellent state of preservation and architectural precision, especially the stadium and the Asklepieion, which impress with their scale and craftsmanship. It’s a rare place in Greece where you can walk through an entire ancient city.
The entrance fee is €15. You should plan to spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring the site. For the best experience, try to arrive early in the morning to avoid both the crowds and the intense midday heat. It’s important to mention that the entire archaeological site offers only two shaded areas for rest, so be sure to come prepared: hat, sunscreen and water are essential!
Finikounda
Continuing our journey, we arrived in Finikounda, where we made ourselves at home for the next couple of days. Finikounda would serve as our base for exploring the surrounding historic areas. It welcomed us with the most relaxed vibe of the trip. This fishing village, with its endless beach, family-run tavernas and clean, shallow waters, is perfect for relaxation and swimming.
The Ultimate Hospitality Experience in Finikounda
Just a few minutes from the center of Finikounda, nestled on a green hillside overlooking the endless blue of the Messinian Gulf, lies a small earthly paradise: Kotroni Villas. A destination where authentic Greek hospitality is not just a word it’s a lived experience.
Our stay in one of the fully equipped apartments offered everything anyone could wish for in a comfortable and quality getaway: a kitchen with all the essentials, a spacious living room, an elegant bedroom, and a thoughtfully designed bathroom. For those traveling with friends or family, the second bedroom with its own bathroom provides privacy and extra comfort.
But the real “key” to this experience lies not only in the facilities but in the people. The family at Kotroni Villas are more than just hosts they are the soul of the place. With genuine smiles and heartfelt generosity, they made us feel welcome and at home.
The lush garden surrounding the villas is a sanctuary of peace and tranquility. Among olive trees and blooming flower beds, one can rediscover the joy of simplicity reading a book, gazing at the horizon, or just enjoying the sounds of nature and the morning sun filtering through the leaves.
And of course, the cherry on top: the breakfast. It’s not just a meal it’s a ritual. Prepared with ingredients from their own estate or local producers, it’s served with care and passion. Every bite reveals the culinary tradition of Messinia from freshly baked bread and homemade donuts to warm pies that bring back memories of grandma’s kitchen.
A Day of Pure Delight in Finikounda
On the gorgeous coastline of Finikounda, where golden sand meets blue sea, you’ll find Zanzibar Beach Bar a space that blends luxury with nature, rest with indulgence, and simplicity with sophisticated style.
Upon arriving at the beach, we were embraced by an atmosphere that made us forget everything else. Luxurious loungers, harmoniously integrated into the natural landscape, offered shade, comfort, and privacy right by the crystal-clear waters. Later, the culinary experience at Zanzibar Beach Bar’s restaurant was elevated to the next level. Watch more of our experience in the video!
Exploring Methoni Castle
With Finikounda as our base, our first visit was to Methoni, known for its imposing Venetian castle that juts into the sea. Walking among Methoni’s towers and ruins is a unique experience, as the sense of time fades among the salt and stone. The castle surprised us in the best way with its breathtaking location and rich history. Its most iconic feature is the Bourtzi, standing southward in the sea. The location and view from there are absolutely enchanting! Try to visit late in the afternoon to enjoy the stunning sunset.
The entrance fee is €5, and the visit takes about 30 minutes if you’re heading just to the Bourtzi, or roughly an hour if you plan to explore the entire castle.
Historic Pylos
Next stop, Pylos, a charming seaside town built amphitheatrically along Navarino Bay. History is present everywhere from Niokastro to the islet of Sphacteria. A visit here combines breathtaking views, historic castles, traditional architecture, and a strong maritime aura.
The Castle of Pylos, known as Niokastro, was built in 1573 by the Ottomans to strategically control the area. Its position was no coincidence it overlooks the Bay of Navarino, one of the best natural harbors in the Mediterranean. The area became world-famous due to the Battle of Navarino, which took place on October 20, 1827. This naval battle between the Ottoman-Egyptian fleet and the allied fleet (Britain, France, Russia) ended in a crushing defeat for the Ottomans and marked the beginning of the end of Ottoman rule in Greece.
The entrance fee is €10, and you’ll need about 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the castle and its surrounding area.
2 Recommendations for Dessert and Food in Pylos
Before leaving this historic town, take a stroll in Pylos’ lovely central square, where you’ll find Krinos Pastry Shop, famous for its incredible galaktoboureko and pistachio cream saragli!
Just a 10-minute drive from Pylos, you’ll discover a hidden gem of a tavern, serving exceptional local Messinian cuisine, with live rembetiko and art music. Every dish tells a story—from the fragrant Pournari green salad, seemingly just picked from the garden, to the famous tsiki tsiki—crispy zucchini sticks that melt in your mouth, perfectly paired with omelet and creamy feta. The traditional petoules with mizithra transport you to your grandmother’s courtyard, while the roast pork and chicken, cooked the local way, close the meal with true authenticity.
And just when you think nothing can surprise you further—here comes dessert: kollyva with ice cream, an unexpected, almost sacred combination that turns out to be magically addictive. Enjoy our full gastronomic experience in the video below!
The Coastal Beauty of Koroni
Our final stop before heading back to Kalamata and eventually to Athens, was the charming town of Koroni, another beautiful castle town full of character. Koroni retains its traditional charm with quaint neighborhoods, Venetian influences in its architecture, and a lively seafront. Beyond the seaside tavernas and cafés, you’ll find even more dining options and little shops for souvenirs and local goods along the parallel pedestrian street!
The Castle of Koroni
With its stunning views and cobbled alleyways, the Castle of Koroni offers a final taste of authentic Messinian elegance. Originally built by the Byzantines in the 6th century AD, it was taken over by the Venetians in the 13th century and later by the Ottomans, serving as an important commercial and strategic center through the ages.
Today, within the castle walls, you’ll find ruins of old houses, homes that are still inhabited, and the beautiful Monastery of Saint John the Baptist.
Entrance is free. Allow about 1–2 hours to explore the castle and its surrounding area.
With our energy and memories full, we began the return journey to Kalamata, and from there, back to Athens the next day. Our trip through Messinia, rich in imagery, flavors, and culture, is an experience that will remain etched in our memory forever.
See more of our journey through Messinia in the Instagram highlight stories #MESSINIA on Ιnstagram
