Messinia: Castles, Archaeology and Nature

The Palace of Nestor is the best-preserved Mycenaean palace on the Greek mainland. The modernised archaeological site has new visitor-route infrastructure with information and communication technology, making it easily accessible to all visitor groups. The museums and historic sites in Messinia also reveal different aspects of the region, from prehistoric settlements to coastal fortresses.

Archaeology and Early History

The Archaeological Museum of Ancient Messene presents representative finds from excavations at Messene conducted from 1895 until the end of the 20th century. Important sculptures convey the historical role of Ancient Messene as a political and artistic centre of the ancient Greek world. The finds therefore do more than stand alone: they also offer insight into the importance of the site.

In the early Mycenaean period, Peristeria was the wealthiest settlement centre in the western Peloponnese. Natural paths remain at the archaeological site, offering an alternative way to explore and climb to the top of the hill. Those interested in early settlement history will find a different perspective here than in a museum: Peristeria’s importance can be experienced through the site and its paths.

Fortresses and Coastal Towns

Methoni Castle stood at the crossroads of Mediterranean sea routes and was one of the most important fortresses of its time in the Greek world. It covers an area of 93 stremmata and extends about 400 m into the sea along a narrow strip of land. A stone bridge leads from the sea gate to Bourtzi, an offshore sea fortress. Its size, shape and connection to Bourtzi give the complex a distinctive spatial form.

Koroni Castle covers about 62 stremmata on a low peninsula in Messinia. At the southwestern end of this peninsula, home to the medieval fortress, stands the Church of Panagia Eleistria, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Messinia. The combination of the fortress complex and pilgrimage site also makes Koroni interesting for travellers who wish to include religious sites in their explorations as well as historic ones.

Gorges, Trails and Climbing

The Neda River forms a natural boundary between Ilia and Messinia; its gorge is suitable for river trekking. The gorge can be accessed from Figaleia, Agios Sostis and Ampeliona. The Neda route includes a 7 m-high waterfall and another nearby waterfall with a drop of 20 m. The river landscape and waterfalls thus complement Messinia’s archaeological and historical attractions.

A historic gorge route in the Taygetos is about 20 km long. It begins at the Vasiliki forest and ends at the Messenian Gulf, at the entrance to Kardamyli. Conditions on the route can vary seasonally; check them before setting out. In Kardamyli, in addition to Kalamitsi beach, there are three climbing areas on limestone cliffs. They include 33 low- and medium-difficulty routes reaching heights of up to 60 m. The Nedousa climbing park has more than 50 routes of varying difficulty. The number of routes may change as the climbing areas develop.

The coastal landscape also has its own visiting conditions. Voidokilia Bay is part of a biotope complex that includes Gialova Lagoon, Navarino Bay and Sfaktiria Island, and is included in the European Natura 2000 network. Voidokilia is not an organised tourist beach; bring everything you need.

Olives and Wine from Messinia

Olive oil and olives from Messinia have a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Dry white and red wines from the region are products with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). In Pyrgos Trifylias, visitors can tour the winery of the “Nestor” Messinian Agricultural/Wine Cooperative; check the current arrangements for visits in advance.

The “Historic Messenia and the olive routes” route includes a visit to an olive grove and an olive tasting. Check with the provider to confirm current arrangements. Regional products offer another possible focus for your trip to Messinia, complementing its archaeological sites, fortresses and outdoor activities.

Discover Places in Messinia

Sidirokastro, Verga Kalamata, Logga, Tragana, Grizokampos, Perivolakia, Petrochori, Messíni, Malta, Vasilitsi, Karpofora, Artemisia, Chora, Ágrilos, Koronis, Petalidi, Marathópolis, Vounária, Gargaliani, Lefktro, Spilia, Platsa, Fonissa, Kompi, Ampeliona, Exochori, Kampos, Alagonia, Aetos, Vasiliko, Megali Mantineia, Neraidovrisi, Kamaria, Lagkouvardos, Loutra, Kalo Nero, Agia Triada, Filiatra, Chrani, Stoúpa, Pílos, Methóni, Kyparissía, Kardhamíli, Kalamáta, Charokopio, Avia, Panorama, Agaliani, Evangelismos, Avlona, Foinikounta, Stavropigio, Trikorfo, Rigklia, Agios Nikolaos, Pilos Nestor, Ichalia, Vlassada, Gialova, Messinia, Livadakia.

For the regional travel overview: Peloponnese.