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Messinia

The southwestern corner of the Peloponnese has many attractions, from the peninsula's loveliest beaches to old Venetian towns, impressive castles and even underwater parks for divers.

Messinia’s boundaries were established in 371 BC following the defeat of Sparta by the Thebans at the Battle of Leuctra. The defeat ended almost 350 years of Spartan domination of the Peloponnese – during which time Messinian exiles founded the city of Messina in Sicily – and meant the Messinians were left free to develop their kingdom in the region stretching west from the Taÿgetos Mountains. Their capital was Ancient Messini, about 25km northwest of Kalamata on the slopes of Mt Ithomi.

Explore Messinia

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Messinia.

  • Archaeological Site

    Ancient Messini

    The remains of this vast ancient city are as extensive as those of Olympia and Epidavros, yet Ancient Messini receives only a fraction of their visitors…

  • Archaeological Site

    Nestor’s Palace

    The best preserved of all Mycenaean palaces lies 17km north of Pylos and is a thrilling sight. It's described in Homer's 'Odyssey' as the court of the…

  • Museum

    Neo Kastro

    The more intact and accessible of two castles that lie on either side of Navarino Bay, Neo Kastro was built by the Turks in 1573 on the hilltop at the…

  • Fort

    Kastro

    This vast, crumbling kastro, a great example of 15th-century Venetian military architecture, is built on a promontory south of Methoni. It's surrounded on…

  • Beach

    Voidokilia Beach

    This perfect sandy crescent with clear waters is presumed to be Homer’s ‘sandy Pylos’, where Telemachus was warmly welcomed when he came to ask wise old…

  • Museum

    Archaeological Museum of Messenia

    This partially interactive, child-friendly museum focuses on treasures found in four regions – Kalamata, Pylia, Messini and Trifylia. Exhibits include…

  • Ruins

    Paleokastro & Nestor's Cave

    The ruins of this ancient castle, which the Franks built in the 13th century on the site of the acropolis of Ancient Pylos, lie 5km west of Gialova on…

  • Fort

    Kastro

    Looming over the town is the 13th-century kastro (fort). Remarkably, it survived the powerful 1986 earthquake that levelled the city. The entry gate is…

  • Archaeological Site

    Arcadian Gate

    It’s well worth heading 800m along the road from Mavromati village, past the museum to the celebrated Arcadian Gate. This unusual stone portal with a…

  • Museum

    Museum of Ancient Messini

    The compact museum, by the turn-off for Ancient Messini, houses some wonderful statuary from the site – including a copy of one of the best-known statues…

  • Museum

    Chora Archaeological Museum

    This old-style museum houses finds from the palace site and other Mycenaean weaponry, jewellery and pottery from tombs around Messinia. The prize pieces…

  • Fortress

    Kastro

    The castle complex crowns a bluff overlooking the town. Much of it is occupied by the Timios Prodromos Convent, where a dress code applies. You can enter…

  • Museum

    René Puaux Exhibition

    Housed in a red mansion on the seafront, this collection of pictures depicts the War of Independence with a focus on the Battle of Navarino. It was…

  • Museum

    Museum of Traditional Greek Costumes

    Opened in 2017, this stunning museum features a remarkable collection of Greek costumes that was donated by Victoria Karelia. Far from moth-eaten old hand…

  • Beach

    Zaga Beach

    Koroni’s main attraction is Zaga Beach, a 2km sweep of golden sand just south of town. It takes about 20 minutes to walk to here; you can cut through the…

  • Museum

    History & Folklore Museum of Kalamata

    This quaint eggshell-blue building holds an exquisite collection of donated local artefacts – from tools and looms to household items and clothes – that…

  • Museum

    Military Museum

    One for war buffs, this museum's displays depict Greek military history from the Turkish occupation to the Greek Resistance to Nazi occupation and 21st…

  • Church

    Church of Ypapantis

    Kalamata's massive 19th-century cathedral is home to the icon after which the town takes its modern name. Pilgrims visit for its miracle-working icon of…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Messinia.

  • Activities