Messinia

and the bay of NAVARINO ..

Messinia

and the Bay of NAVARINO

The small port in the Bay of Navarino is to be transformed into a first-class maritime destination, making the region a hotspot in the Mediterranean, not just for golfers.


"Pylos is intended to become a model for how marinas can combine modern infrastructure with ecological sustainability, meeting the needs of tourists and locals alike."

READ ARTICLE

Messinia lies in the southwestern part of the Peloponnese. The port city of Kalamata is the center of this fertile and therefore quite green region. This region enjoys a particularly mild climate year-round. In winter, the average daily temperature is 10°C to 12°C, while the average year-round temperature is a wonderful 25°C. Summers are pleasantly warm. The Bay of Pylos, the true highlight of this region, is of rare beauty. Kilometers of sandy beaches and olive groves stretching 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 unwind with their unique charm.

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

If you're looking for a unique vacation spot or holiday home, then come to Navarino Bay. With its small towns and diverse bays and beaches, it offers a vacation of the highest quality. Whether you want to relax or play sports, stroll through towns, or experience culture – you'll find it all in Navarino Bay.

It's no coincidence that this dream bay was already being fought over in 1827. On October 20, the Greeks, in alliance with England, France, and Russia, won the famous Battle of Navarino.

Messinia lies in the southwestern part of the Peloponnese. The port city of Kalamata is the center of this fertile and therefore quite green region. This region enjoys a particularly mild climate year-round. In winter, the average daily temperature is 10°C to 12°C, while the average year-round temperature is a wonderful 25°C. Summers are pleasantly warm. The Bay of Pylos, the true highlight of this region, is of rare beauty. Kilometers of sandy beaches and olive groves stretching 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 unwind with their unique charm.

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

If you're looking for a unique vacation spot or holiday home, then come to Navarino Bay. With its small towns and diverse bays and beaches, it offers a vacation of the highest quality. Whether you want to relax or play sports, stroll through towns, or experience culture – you'll find it all in Navarino Bay.

It's no coincidence that this dream bay was already being fought over in 1827. On October 20, the Greeks, in alliance with England, France, and Russia, won the famous Battle of Navarino.

Messinia lies in the southwestern part of the Peloponnese. The port city of Kalamata is the center of this fertile and therefore quite green region. This region enjoys a particularly mild climate year-round. In winter, the average daily temperature is 10°C to 12°C, while the average year-round temperature is a wonderful 25°C. Summers are pleasantly warm. The Bay of Pylos, the true highlight of this region, is of rare beauty. Kilometers of sandy beaches and olive groves stretching 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 unwind with their unique charm.

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

If you're looking for a unique vacation spot or holiday home, then come to Navarino Bay. With its small towns and diverse bays and beaches, it offers a vacation of the highest quality. Whether you want to relax or play sports, stroll through towns, or experience culture – you'll find it all in Navarino Bay.

It's no coincidence that this dream bay was already being fought over in 1827. On October 20, the Greeks, in alliance with England, France, and Russia, won the famous Battle of Navarino.

OXBELLY BAY

The shell-shaped bay of Voidokoilia was named one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world by the New York Times. On the north side of Pylos Bay lies the expansive Golden Beach, which is ideal for swimming. From the beach, you have a beautiful view of Pylos Bay and the island of Sphaktiria. Those interested in flora and fauna have a good chance of observing rare bird species here or, in spring, taking a long hike through the lush, flowering surroundings.

OXBELLY BAY

The shell-shaped bay of Voidokoilia was named one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world by the New York Times. On the north side of Pylos Bay lies the expansive Golden Beach, which is ideal for swimming. From the beach, you have a beautiful view of Pylos Bay and the island of Sphaktiria. Those interested in flora and fauna have a good chance of observing rare bird species here or, in spring, taking a long hike through the lush, flowering surroundings.

GOLFERPARADIES

For all golf enthusiasts, the region holds a completely different significance. The area around the ancient castle of Pylos is the new golf destination of the future. The first two premium "Signature" golf courses (designed by Bernhard Langer and R. Trent Jones Jr.) already exist, and two more golf courses are scheduled to open in early 2022. The region's continued development as a golf destination will result in significant increases in value, particularly for real estate.

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

GIALOVA

The popular resort on the west coast of the Peloponnese boasts a beautiful beach with small beach bars, cafeterias, and tavernas along the promenade. Especially in the evenings, the illuminated, narrow streets of Gialova offer a cozy atmosphere.

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

PYLES

The small, picturesque port town of Pylos was built amphitheater-like on the historic Navarino Bay in the Ionian Sea. It has the largest natural harbor in the Peloponnese and looks back on a long history. Today, it combines modernity and antiquity. Its lively streets are home to various restaurants and taverns, as well as small shops. Ancient Pylos is evident, among other things, in the old Pylos Castle, a fortress dating back to the 13th century. It is one of two castles guarding the strategically important Navarino Bay, on which it is located. Also worth a visit is the cave of King Nestor, the ancient ruler of Pylos, who, according to legend, used this cave as a refuge for his livestock.

ARRIVAL

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, and from June with Ryan Air and Austrian Airlines via Vienna to Kalamata International Airport. Aegean Airlines also offers flights from Paris to Kalamata starting in May, and EasyJet will fly twice a week from London Gatwick starting in April.

Flight time Vienna-Kalamata: 02:10 hours


By car: If you're traveling from Athens, you can reach the Messinia region via a newly built, wide highway. The distance from Athens to Kalamata, where the highway ends, is approximately 270 km (approximately 2.5 hours in good traffic).

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


By ship: If you've decided to travel by sea, the best option is to take a ship that departs from Italy (Venice, Ancona, Bari, or Brindisi) and docks in the Bay of Patras in Greece. From Patras, the distance is approximately 200 km by road. Kalamata also offers berths in its harbor for various shipping lines, making it a good starting point for exploring Messinia.

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


By ship: If you've decided to travel by sea, the best option is to take a ship that departs from Italy (Venice, Ancona, Bari, or Brindisi) and docks in the Bay of Patras in Greece. From Patras, the distance is approximately 200 km by road. Kalamata also offers berths for various shipping lines, making it a good starting point for exploring Messinia.

  • Romanos Beach

    Untertitel hier einfügen
    Button

  • Bay Course

    Untertitel hier einfügen
    Bay Course

  • Kayak

    Untertitel hier einfügen
    Button

  • Dive

    Untertitel hier einfügen
    Button

  • Windsurfing

    Untertitel hier einfügen
    Button

  • empty beaches

    in der Nebensaison

    Button

  • traditional food

    Untertitel hier einfügen
    Button

  • Ammothines

    Untertitel hier einfügen
    Button

  • Petrochori Beach

    Untertitel hier einfügen
    Button

  • The Gulf

    Untertitel hier einfügen
    Button

  • Beach Clubs

    Untertitel hier einfügen
    Button

  • Taverns

    Untertitel hier einfügen
    Button

ACTIVITIES

The combination of Messinia's excellent climate and untouched nature opens up a wealth of opportunities for sporting 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 visit the following websites: www.visitmessinia.com www.visitmessinia.com/www.apollo-hotel.gr http://www.apollo-hotel.gr/


For water sports enthusiasts, there are extensive offers, 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: from the New York Times to the

most beautiful beaches worldwide

Romanos & Petrohori: beautiful

Sandy beach with sun loungers and parasols. These beaches are freely accessible.

SIGHTSEEING ATTRACTIONS

The Messenian culture spans a wide historical span, beginning in the Neolithic period, through the Mycenaean and Classical periods, to 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-extinct kingdoms in its numerous remains of settlements, towers, churches, and ruins.

SIGHTSEEING ATTRACTIONS

The Messenian culture spans a wide historical span, beginning in the Neolithic period, through the Mycenaean and Classical periods, to 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-extinct kingdoms in its numerous remains of settlements, towers, churches, and ruins.

The famous Battle of Pylos, a naval battle, took place here on October 20, 1827, off the southwest coast of the Peloponnese. It was the decisive event that led Greece to gain independence from the Ottoman Empire after years of rebellion. A must-see is Nestor's Palace, which, as we know from Homer, was an important gathering place for King Nestor and local nobles during the Trojan period around 1300 BC. Another insider tip is the Temple of Apollo at Bassae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple was built between 420 and 400 BC and is the second best-preserved temple in Greece (after the Hephaestus Temple in Athens). Today, the temple is considered a jewel of ancient Greek architecture. Ancient Olympia is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it reflects ancient Greek ideals, was a venue for distinguished competitions, and was the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The site is located northwest of Pylos and a bit further away than the other historical sites, but still worth a visit. The Paleokasto Tower in Pylos, built in the 13th century on the site of the ancient Acropolis of Pylos, is a testament to the Frankish rule of the area. Also noteworthy 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 Messinian cultural history.

The famous Battle of Pylos, a naval battle, took place here on October 20, 1827, off the southwest coast of the Peloponnese. It was the decisive event that led Greece to gain independence from the Ottoman Empire after years of rebellion. A must-see is Nestor's Palace, which, as we know from Homer, was an important gathering place for King Nestor and local nobles during the Trojan period around 1300 BC. Another insider tip is the Temple of Apollo at Bassae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple was built between 420 and 400 BC and is the second best-preserved temple in Greece (after the Hephaestus Temple in Athens). Today, the temple is considered a jewel of ancient Greek architecture. Ancient Olympia is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it reflects ancient Greek ideals, was a venue for distinguished competitions, and was the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The site is located northwest of Pylos and a bit further away than the other historical sites, but still worth a visit. The Paleokasto Tower in Pylos, built in the 13th century on the site of the ancient Acropolis of Pylos, is a testament to the Frankish rule of the area. Also noteworthy 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 Messinian cultural history.

CULINARY

The Messinia region boasts its own culinary charm, featuring locally grown olives, local herbs, and freshly caught fish and seafood. These traditional delicacies can be enjoyed in typical Greek tavernas, where you will be welcomed and served with authentic Greek hospitality. Many of these eateries boast beautiful locations, some directly on the sandy beach or along the coast of fishing villages. They thus offer a combination of culinary delights and an unforgettable setting with Greek folk music in the background, allowing you to forget the stress of everyday life.

If you want to visit good restaurants in Pylos or the surrounding area, there are plenty to choose from. A hot tip is "La Rolla" in Kalamata, as well as the traditionally run "Panorama," "Maistrali," or the modern "Riki" in the small village of Marathopoli. If you want to dine in Pylos, you can't go wrong with the tavernas "Aetos," "Taverna o Koukos," or "Poseidona," where you can also witness beautiful sunsets. In Gialova, our favorites are the "Gialova Grill House," the fish restaurant on the beach "Kochili," and the "Anama" for fine dining.

If you want to visit good restaurants in Pylos or the surrounding area, there are plenty to choose from. A hot tip is "La Rolla" in Kalamata, as well as the traditionally run "Panorama," "Maistrali," or the modern "Riki" in the small village of Marathopoli. If you want to dine in Pylos, you can't go wrong with the tavernas "Aetos," "Taverna o Koukos," or "Poseidona," where you can also witness beautiful sunsets. In Gialova, our favorites are the "Gialova Grill House," the fish restaurant on the beach "Kochili," and the "Anama" for fine dining.

CLIMATE

The Messinia region is located in the southwestern part of the Peloponnese and has a typically Mediterranean climate—warm, dry summers and mild winters. Pylos, both the main port and an important archaeological site, is located on the south coast of Messinia. The special climate is characterized by pleasant sea breezes and north winds, which ensure comfortable summers without the typical summer heat. The average temperature is around 25°C/77°F. The warmest months during the summer season are late July and August, with average temperatures of 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 few short rain showers, and mostly clear, blue skies in both winter and summer. For example, in January, the weather is foggy only on a very few days, while the average monthly rainfall is around 0-1 mm. 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 few short rain showers, and mostly clear, blue skies in both winter and summer. For example, in January, the weather is foggy only on a very few days, while the average monthly rainfall is around 0-1 mm. Daily humidity in January reaches around 64%.