Messenia Travel Guide

Explore the beautiful region of Messenia in Peloponnese, Greece. From natural attractions to cultural landmarks, this guide has everything you need to plan your trip.


Introduction to Messenia

Messenia is a region located in the southwestern part of Peloponnese, a peninsula in Greece. Surrounded by mountains and overlooking the Ionian Sea, it is a place of incredible natural beauty. Messenia boasts lush green valleys and hills covered with olive groves, vineyards, and fruit trees. The region is also rich in history and culture, offering a range of fascinating attractions and landmarks to explore. In this comprehensive travel guide, you will discover the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Messenia

Messenia has a plethora of attractions to suit every taste. Whether you’re interested in ancient history, natural beauty, or simply relaxing on a beach, there’s something for everyone.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Messenia is a region steeped in history, and there are several cultural landmarks that visitors should not miss. One of the most famous is the ancient city of Messene, which dates back to the 4th century B.C. Other notable sites include the Temple of Apollo Epicurius, the Palace of Nestor, and the Byzantine fortress of Methoni. For those interested in museums, the Archaeological Museum in Kalamata is a must-visit, as is the Military Museum in Pylos.

Natural Attractions of Messenia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Messenia is a nature lover’s dream destination. The region is full of stunning natural landscapes, including the Voidokilia Beach, the Polilimnio Waterfalls, and the Navarino Bay wetlands. For those looking to hike, bike, or explore the region’s natural beauty, the Taygetos and Parnonas mountains are great places to start. Visitors can also enjoy water sports, such as surfing, boating, snorkeling, and diving in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Messenia

Messenia has several fantastic trails perfect for hiking and biking. The Taygetos mountain range offers some of the best trails in Greece, ranging from easy hikes for beginners to more challenging routes for experienced hikers. In particular, the Menalon Trail is a must-do for anyone looking to explore the region’s natural beauty. This 75km path runs through stunning forests, streams, and traditional villages.

Best Things to Do in Messenia: Activities and Tours

From adventure sports to cultural activities, Messenia offers a variety of things to do. Visitors can explore local wineries and taste traditional Greek wines, or enjoy a cooking class to learn how to cook some of the region’s famous dishes. For those interested in adventure, there are activities such as paragliding, rock climbing, and rafting. Visitors can also explore the region on horseback or take a guided tour to learn more about local traditions and customs.

Week-Long Itinerary for Messenia

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Ancient Messene and the nearby villages
Day 2 Visit the Temple of Apollo Epicurius and the nearby mountain villages
Day 3 Enjoy Polylimnio waterfalls and spend time at the beach
Day 4 Explore Kalamata and the local wineries
Day 5 Hike or bike through the Taygetos Mountains
Day 6 Visit Pylos and the Palace of Nestor
Day 7 Relax on the beach and enjoy the sunset

Food and Drink Scene of Messenia

Greek cuisine is world-renowned for its incredible flavors and fresh ingredients. In Messenia, visitors can taste some of the region’s most famous dishes, including:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kalamata olives
  • Feta cheese
  • Pasteli (Greek sesame and honey bars)
  • Souvlaki (meat skewers)
  • Stifado (beef or rabbit stew)
  • Spanakopita (spinach pie)
  • Greek salad

Local Beverages

  • Greek wines (Kalamata is a major wine-producing region)
  • Ouzo (a traditional Greek anise-flavored liquor)
  • Tsipouro (a strong distilled spirit)

Where to Stay in Messenia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Messenia has a wide variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste. Visitors can choose from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and private villas. Some of the most popular hotels include the historic Westin Resort Costa Navarino, the luxury Romanos, and the traditional Methoni Castle.

What to Buy in Messenia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Messenia is known for its high-quality olive oil, olives, honey, and pasteli. Visitors can also find unique souvenirs, such as local handicrafts and traditional Greek pottery.

Local Culture and Customs of Messenia

Messenia has a rich culture and fascinating history. Visitors can learn about local traditions and customs, from the way of life in the traditional mountain villages to the religious festivals held throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit Messenia

The best time to visit Messenia is from May to October when the weather is warm and sunny. July and August can be crowded, so it’s best to visit during the shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October).

Do’s and Don’ts of Messenia

Do:

  • Visit the archaeological sites and museums
  • Respect local customs, particularly in religious areas
  • Try locally produced food and drink

Don’t:

  • Be rude or disrespectful to locals or other visitors
  • Litter or damage the natural environment
  • Wear revealing clothing in religious areas

Safety and Health

Safety in Messenia

Messenia is generally a safe region for tourists. However, visitors should take normal precautions against theft and pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas. It’s also important to be cautious when driving on mountain roads, which can be narrow and winding.

Health in Messenia

There are no specific health risks associated with Messenia, but visitors should ensure that they are up to date with routine vaccinations before traveling. It’s also important to bring sunscreen and insect repellent, as well as medication for any pre-existing medical conditions.

Getting to Messenia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Messenia is easily accessible by air, road, and sea. The nearest international airports are Kalamata International Airport (KLX) and Athens International Airport (ATH). Visitors can also arrive by bus or rental car from Athens or other nearby regions.

Airports Near Messenia

  • Kalamata International Airport
  • Athens International Airport

Bus Stations Near Messenia

  • Kalamata Bus Station

Other Options

  • Car rental companies

How to Get Around in Messenia

The best way to explore Messenia is by renting a car or bike. There are also buses that can take visitors to many of the region’s popular destinations. Taxis are also available but can be expensive.

Where to Go Next from Messenia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Messenia is situated in the heart of Peloponnese. Visitors can easily explore nearby regions such as the Mani Peninsula, Laconia, and Arcadia. Other popular destinations include Athens and nearby islands such as Hydra and Spetses.

Conclusion

Messenia is a region not to be missed in Greece. With its fascinating history, stunning natural landscapes, delicious food, and warm hospitality, it’s no wonder that it’s becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists. We hope this guide has given you a good idea of what to expect and has helped you plan your next trip to this beautiful part of Greece.

Temple of Apollo Epicurius Temple of Apollo Epicurius


    Iamia
    Kalamata
    Pylos
    Voidokilia