This quiet, quaint pocket of Greece is the place to escape modern life. Hugging the coast along Messinia and the Main peninsula, it’s a collection of great beaches and small towns. Central squares are lined with flowers and tavernas. And locals congregate to play backgammon, sip ouzo and tuck into bowls of the famous Kalamata olives. Best of all, it’s a place where tour parties come in sprinkles not spades.
• Standing guard on a rocky outcrop, the Ottoman fortress is Methoni’s big draw. Get to it by crossing a weather-beaten stone bridge and you’ll find twisting parapets, ruined churches and the octagonal ‘bourtzi’ tower cast out in the water.
• Beach-lovers will find plenty of places to unravel their towels. The beaches in Kalamata and nearby Yialova are all buttermilk sands and turquoise seas.
• Burrowed in the Mani peninsula are the Diros Caves. These underground sea chambers were once places of worship for Stone Age tribes. Taking a punt across the lakes is like being in another world.
This one takes you back in time. The tour begins with a short drive to the Arcadian Gate, an impressive structure that once acted as an entrance to the ancient city of Messini. There’ll be a short stop, so you can take some photos before getting back on the coach. From here, you’ll head for the archaeological site of Messini, which dates all the way back to 146 BC. You’ll find plenty in the way of treasures here, including an almost-intact theatre, the ruins of a 3rd-century temple, a time-worn sanctuary and a Byzantine monastery. You’ll have an hour to explore, before moving on to the pretty village of Messini, about ten minutes away. Making our stop at Messini quaint village, you’ll have some time to wander around its square with just enough time to grab a traditional coffee, before making your way back to the ship.
For a different way of exploring a port of call, try one of our bike tours. This way, you can really get to know a destination and see the places that bus tours can't reach. You'll be led around by a guide, who'll give you the lowdown on all the sights.
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