REGION

Messenia

and the Bay of NAVARINO   .

Messenia

and the Bay of NAVARINO

Messenia is located in the southwestern part of the Peloponnese. The harbour city Kalamata is the center of this fertile and therefore quite green area. This region enjoys a particularly mild climate throughout the year. In winter, the average daily temperature is 10°C to 12°C, and throughout the year the average temperature is a fantastic 25°C. The summers are pleasantly warm. The Pylos Bay area, the real highlight of this region, is of rare beauty. Miles of sandy beaches and olive groves as far as the eye can see characterize the area, far from any mass tourism. Small fishing villages along the bays invite you to linger and relax with their unmistakable charm.

Navarino Bay, which forms a huge natural harbour, is bordered by the island of Sphakteria towards the sea, is five kilometers long and three kilometers wide and is considered the pearl of the Peloponnese.

If you are looking for a special vacation spot or vacation home then come to Navarino Bay. With its quaint towns and various bays and beaches, it offers holidays at the highest level. Whether you're looking to relax or exercise, stroll through towns or experience culture, Navarino Bay has it all.

It is no coincidence that already in 1827 there was a fight for this dream bay. On October 20th, the Greeks, in alliance with England, France and Russia, won the famous Battle of Navarino.

Messenia is located in the southwestern part of the Peloponnese. The harbour city Kalamata is the center of this fertile and therefore quite green area. This region enjoys a particularly mild climate throughout the year. In winter, the average daily temperature is 10°C to 12°C, and throughout the year the average temperature is a fantastic 25°C. The summers are pleasantly warm. The Pylos Bay area, the real highlight of this region, is of rare beauty. Miles of sandy beaches and olive groves as far as the eye can see characterize the area, far from any mass tourism. Small fishing villages along the bays invite you to linger and relax with their unmistakable charm.

Navarino Bay, which forms a huge natural harbour, is bordered by the island of Sphakteria towards the sea, is five kilometers long and three kilometers wide and is considered the pearl of the Peloponnese.

If you are looking for a special vacation spot or vacation home then come to Navarino Bay. With its quaint towns and various bays and beaches, it offers holidays at the highest level. Whether you're looking to relax or exercise, stroll through towns or experience culture, Navarino Bay has it all.

It is no coincidence that already in 1827 there was a fight for this dream bay. On October 20th, the Greeks, in alliance with England, France and Russia, won the famous Battle of Navarino.

Messenia is located in the southwestern part of the Peloponnese. The harbour city Kalamata is the center of this fertile and therefore quite green area. This region enjoys a particularly mild climate throughout the year. In winter, the average daily temperature is 10°C to 12°C, and throughout the year the average temperature is a fantastic 25°C. The summers are pleasantly warm. The Pylos Bay area, the real highlight of this region, is of rare beauty. Miles of sandy beaches and olive groves as far as the eye can see characterize the area, far from any mass tourism. Small fishing villages along the bays invite you to linger and relax with their unmistakable charm.

Navarino Bay, which forms a huge natural harbour, is bordered by the island of Sphakteria towards the sea, is five kilometers long and three kilometers wide and is considered the pearl of the Peloponnese.

If you are looking for a special vacation spot or vacation home then come to Navarino Bay. With its quaint towns and various bays and beaches, it offers holidays at the highest level. Whether you're looking to relax or exercise, stroll through towns or experience culture, Navarino Bay has it all.

It is no coincidence that already in 1827 there was a fight for this dream bay. On October 20th, the Greeks, in alliance with England, France and Russia, won the famous Battle of Navarino.

"OX BELLY" BAY

The shell-shaped bay "Voidokoilia" was voted one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world by the New York Times. On the north side of the bay of Pylos lies the extensive Golden Beach, which is very suitable for swimming. From the beach you have a beautiful view over the bay of Pylos and the island of Sphaktiria. Anyone interested in flora and fauna has a good chance of observing rare bird species or going on a long hike through the lushly blooming surroundings in spring.

A pristine and unique pearl of nature loaded with greek mythology.

"OX BELLY" BAY

The shell-shaped bay "Voidokoilia" was voted one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world by the New York Times. On the north side of the bay of Pylos lies the extensive Golden Beach, which is very suitable for swimming. From the beach you have a beautiful view over the bay of Pylos and the island of Sphaktiria. Anyone interested in flora and fauna has a good chance of observing rare bird species or going on a long hike through the lushly blooming surroundings in spring.

A pristine and unique pearl of nature loaded with greek mythology.

GOLFER'S PARADIES

For all golf enthusiasts, the region has a completely different meaning. The region around the ancient castle of Pylos is the new golf destination of the future. The first two "signature" golf courses of the premium class (designed by Bernhard Langer and R. Trent Jones Jr.) already exist, two more golf courses were opened in early 2022. The future developing region as a golf destination will result in a significant increase in value, especially for real estate draw.

The golf courses are about 5-10 km from Gialova, the two new ones are right in the hills of Pylos.

GIALOVA

The popular holiday resort on the west coast of the Peloponnese impresses with its beautiful beach with small beach bars, cafeterias and taverns along the beach promenade. Especially in the evening there is a cozy atmosphere in the illuminated, small streets of Gialova.

The nearby nature reserve at Lake Gialova, known for its unique flora and fauna, is a paradise for nature lovers. A wide variety of migratory birds can be admired and observed here. On the other side of the lake is the dream beach of Voidokilia. But around the lake there are several beautiful beaches that invite you to swim and linger.

PYLOS

The small, picturesque port town of Pylos is built like an amphitheater on the historic Navarino Bay in the Ionian Sea. It has the largest natural harbor in the Peloponnese and a long history. Today it combines modernity and antiquity. Various restaurants and taverns as well as small shops can be found in its lively streets. Ancient Pylos can be seen, among other things, in the old Pylos Castle, a 13th century fortress. It is one of two castles guarding the strategically important Navarino Bay at which it is situated. Also worth visiting is the cave of King Nestor, the ancient ruler of Pylos who, according to legend, used this cave as a shelter for his cattle.

APPROACH

Flights to Kalamata

New direct flights from March with Aegean Airlines from Düsseldorf, as well as direct flights from Munich from February and from Berlin, Hamburg, Hanover, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Munich, Zurich and Düsseldorf from February, from March/April with Ryan Air and Austrian Airlines via Vienna to Kalamata International Airport. Aegean Airlines also offers flights from Paris to Kalamata starting in May, EasyJet will fly twice a week from London Gatwick from April.


Car

If you want to travel from Athens, you can reach the Messinia region via a newly built and wide motorway. The distance from Athens to Kalamata, where the motorway ends, is about 270 km (approx. 2 ½ hours driving time in good traffic).

From Kalamata to Pilos the distance is another good 40 km. A new, direct expressway will be built here over the next two years. From Athens Airport you can also take advantage of a pick-up service or rent a car. Our car partner autoUnion in Greece offers car rental and pick-up service at attractive prices, see http://www.autounion.gr/.


Ship

If you have decided to go by sea, it is best to take a ship that departs from Italy (Venice, Ancona, Bari or Brindisi) and docks in Patras Bay in Greece. From Patras the distance is about 200 km on a country road. Kalamata also offers a berth in the port for various shipping lines, and thus also offers a good starting point for discovering Messenia.

From Kalamata to Pilos the distance is another good 40 km. A new, direct expressway will be built here over the next two years. From Athens Airport you can also take advantage of a pick-up service or rent a car. Our car partner autoUnion in Greece offers car rental and pick-up service at attractive prices, see http://www.autounion.gr/.


Ship

If you have decided to go by sea, it is best to take a ship that departs from Italy (Venice, Ancona, Bari or Brindisi) and docks in Patras Bay in Greece. From Patras the distance is about 200 km on a country road. Kalamata also offers a berth in the port for various shipping lines, and thus also offers a good starting point for discovering Messenia.

  • Romanos Beach

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  • Bay Course

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    Bay Course

  • Kayak

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  • Diving

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  • Windsurfing

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  • empty beaches

    in off-season

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  • traditional food

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  • Ammothines

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  • Petrochori Beach

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  • Golf

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  • Beach Clubs

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  • Taverns

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ACTIVITIES

The combination of the excellent climate and the untouched nature of Messenia opens up a lot of opportunities for sports activities such as cycling, mountain biking, running and of course all kinds of water sports such as swimming, surfing, water skiing, jet skiing, diving, SUP and boating. For more information please go to the following sites: www.visitmessinia.com www.visitmessinia.com/www.apollo-hotel.gr http://www.apollo-hotel.gr/


There are extensive offers for water sports enthusiasts, such as: PADI Diving Center Finikounda, http://www.finidivers.com/Motorboat rentals, http://www.pilosmarine.com/Surf-Kite-Club, www.surfsalad.eu http: //www.surfsalad.eu/

BEACHES

Gialova: ideal for families with directly adjacent

restaurants and cafes.

Golden Beach – Divari: ideal for water sports

enthusiasts

Voidokoilia: among the most beautiful by the New

York Times beaches worldwide

Romanos & Petrohori: beautiful sandy beach with

Sun loungers and umbrellas. These beaches are freely accessible.

PLACES OF INTEREST

The Messenian culture has a wide historical span, beginning in the Neolithic through the Mycenaean and Classical periods, through the Byzantine period and the Middle Ages. Pylos, the center of the Mycenaean civilization, marks the most important site for archaeological excavations in Messenia. The city tells stories of long-lost kingdoms in numerous remains of settlements, towers, churches and ruins.

PLACES OF INTEREST

The Messenian culture has a wide historical span, beginning in the Neolithic through the Mycenaean and Classical periods, through the Byzantine period and the Middle Ages. Pylos, the center of the Mycenaean civilization, marks the most important site for archaeological excavations in Messenia. The city tells stories of long-lost kingdoms in numerous remains of settlements, towers, churches and ruins.

This is also where the famous Battle of Pylos took place on October 20, 1827, a naval battle off the southwest coast of the Peloponnese. It was the decisive event with which Greece gained its independence from the Ottoman Empire after years of rebellion. You should definitely see the Palace of Nestor, which was an important meeting place for King Nestor and local nobles in the Trojan period around 1300 BC. as we know from Homer. Another insider tip is the Temple of Apollo near Bassae, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple was built in 420-400 BC and is the second best preserved temple in Greece (after the Hephaisteion in Athens). The temple is now a jewel of ancient Greek architecture. Ancient Olympia is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site - it represents the very image of ancient Greek ideals, a site of noble competitions and the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The site is northwest of Pylos and a little further away than the other historical sites, but still worth a visit. The Paleokasto Tower in Pylos was built in the 13th century on the site of the ancient Pylos Acropolis, and is a testimony the Frankish rule of the area. Also worth noting is the symbol of Ottoman rule, the Neokastro Fortress. Furthermore, the Castles of Methoni near the village of Methoni, the Castle of Kalamata and the Castle of Kyparissia from different historical periods, together with various museums and churches, form a wonderful mosaic of Messenian cultural history.

This is also where the famous Battle of Pylos took place on October 20, 1827, a naval battle off the southwest coast of the Peloponnese. It was the decisive event with which Greece gained its independence from the Ottoman Empire after years of rebellion. You should definitely see the Palace of Nestor, which was an important meeting place for King Nestor and local nobles in the Trojan period around 1300 BC. as we know from Homer. Another insider tip is the Temple of Apollo near Bassae, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple was built in 420-400 BC and is the second best preserved temple in Greece (after the Hephaisteion in Athens). The temple is now a jewel of ancient Greek architecture. Ancient Olympia is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site - it represents the very image of ancient Greek ideals, a site of noble competitions and the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The site is northwest of Pylos and a little further away than the other historical sites, but still worth a visit. The Paleokasto Tower in Pylos was built in the 13th century on the site of the ancient Pylos Acropolis, and is a testimony the Frankish rule of the area. Also worth noting is the symbol of Ottoman rule, the Neokastro Fortress. Furthermore, the Castles of Methoni near the village of Methoni, the Castle of Kalamata and the Castle of Kyparissia from different historical periods, together with various museums and churches, form a wonderful mosaic of Messenian cultural history.

CUISINE

The Messenian region has its own culinary charm, with the focus being on locally grown olives, local herbs and freshly caught fish and seafood. These traditional delicacies can be enjoyed in the typical Greek taverns, where you will be welcomed and served with genuine Greek hospitality. Many of these establishments have beautiful locations, some right on the sandy beach or along the coast of the fishing villages. They offer an interplay of both culinary pleasure and an unforgettable scenery with Greek folk music in the background, which makes you forget everyday life.

If you want to visit good restaurants in Pylos or the surrounding area, there is a wide choice. A hot tip is, for example, the "La Rolla" in Kalamata, as well as the traditionally run "Panorama" or the "Maistrali" in the small village of Marathopoli. If you want to dine in Pylos, you can't go wrong at the tavernas "Gregorius", "Taverna o Koukos", "Magevamata" and "Taverna tis Rinas", or finally at "Poseidona", where you can also enjoy beautiful sunsets. In Gialova, the "Gialova Grill House", the fish restaurant on the beach "Kochili" or the "Deroko" for fine dining are our favorites.


Culinary courses, which are held by experienced ladies of the region, strive to preserve the tradition and culture of this region. To learn more about these courses, click on this link: http://www.afar.com/highlights/authentic-messenian-cooking/.

If you want to visit good restaurants in Pylos or the surrounding area, there is a wide choice. A hot tip is, for example, the "La Rolla" in Kalamata, as well as the traditionally run "Panorama" or the "Maistrali" in the small village of Marathopoli. If you want to dine in Pylos, you can't go wrong at the tavernas Gregorius, Taverna o Koukos, Magevamata and Taverna tis Rinas, or finally at Poseidona, where you can also enjoy beautiful sunsets. In Gialova, the "Gialova Grill House", the fish restaurant on the beach "Kochili" or the "Deroko" for fine dining are our favorites culinary courses, which are held by experienced ladies of the region, strive to preserve the tradition and culture of this region. To learn more about these courses, click on this link: http://www.afar.com/highlights/authentic-messenian-cooking/.

CLIMATE

The Messinian region is located in the southwestern part of the Peloponnese, with a typical Mediterranean climate - warm, dry summers and mild winters. Pylos is both the main port and an important archaeological city, and is located on the southern coast of Messinia. The special climate is characterized by the pleasant sea breeze and the north wind, which offer comfortable summers without the typical summer heat. The average temperature hovers around 25°C / 77°F. The warmest months during the summer season are late July and August with temperatures averaging  30°C/86°F.

Climate chart

In winter, the coldest months are January and February, with average temperatures between +10°-15°C / 50°C-59°F. The weather in Pylos/Messenia is very stable even in winter with a few short rain showers, in winter as well as in summer with mostly clear and blue skies. For example, the weather in January is foggy on very few days, while the average monthly rainfall is around 0-1mm. The daily humidity in January reaches around 64%.

Climate chart

In winter, the coldest months are January and February, with average temperatures between +10°-15°C / 50°C-59°F. The weather in Pylos/Messenia is very stable even in winter with a few short rain showers, in winter as well as in summer with mostly clear and blue skies. For example, the weather in January is foggy on very few days, while the average monthly rainfall is around 0-1mm. The daily humidity in January reaches around 64%.

Climate chartIn winter, the coldest months are January and February, with average temperatures between +10°-15°C / 50°C-59°F. The weather in Pylos/Messenia is very stable even in winter with a few short rain showers, in winter as well as in summer with mostly clear and blue skies. For example, the weather in January is foggy on very few days, while the average monthly rainfall is around 0-1mm. The daily humidity in January reaches around 64%.

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