Messinia holidays

Ruins of ancient greek city of Messinia, Greece

Popular holidays

Messinia holidays are set on the south-west Peloponnese peninsula, surrounded by Venetian architecture and trees dotted with Kalamata olives. With Voidokilia Beach on one side and untapped countryside on the other, this place is the filling of a nature sandwich with an off-the-beaten-track feel.

Best beaches and historical sites in Messinia

In the Messinia Peloponnese region, you can expect history and beaches by the bucketload. You can visit Nestor’s Palace ruins, Game of Thrones-esque castles and a few Medieval Venetian settlements on your travels, along with the historical town of Pylos. Relaxation comes easy here, as well – you can spend hours unwinding on Voidokilia Beach’s crescent bay. And if you fancy getting some steps in, you can check out the Old Navarino Castle hiking trail.

Hiking trails and mountain villages in Messinia

Be sure to pack your walking boots, as in Messinia, mountain trekking is always on the cards. Head for the Taygetos Mountains and you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can also opt for Neda Waterfall excursions, visit the Peloponnese village of Chrani, or snap selfies in front of Polylimnio Waterfalls. For a taste of tradition, visit the Giannopoulos Olive Oil Factory, where you can wander around traditional Greek olive groves.

Methoni and Koroni Venetian Fortresses

Messinia’s coastal fortresses are scattered along the seafront, and if you’re into Venetian architecture, you won’t want to miss them – some even come with Medieval Turkish baths and underground passages. Make a note of the Methoni 15th-century fortress, Koroni Castle and Timios Prodromos Convent if you want a good place to start.

Scuba diving and rock climbing in Messinia

If you’re into active tourism, Messinia’s got plenty up its sleeve. The water in this part of the world is gin-clear, making Messinian Sea scuba diving one of the area’s top activities. It’s one of the best places for snorkelling in southwest Greece, too. There are even archaeological sites submerged in the Mediterranean. Back on dry land, Proti Islet rock climbing is a popular pastime, and there are a few Kardamyli climbing routes. Outdoorsy types have really hit the jackpot here.

Popular hotels in Messinia

Top things to see and do in Messinia

Beaches

The Messinia coastline

Messinia’s white-sand coves and coastal cliff formations keep the waterfront interesting. Greenery-topped mountains and Ionian Sea panoramas are sure to fill your camera roll, too.

Almyros Beach, near Kalamata

At Almyros Beach, watersports are all the rage. It’s about six kilometres from Kalamata, and it’s kitted out with windsurfing centres, Mediterranean beach bars, water-skiing points and family friendly facilities like showers and deck chairs.

Voidokilia Beach

Messinia’s Voidokilia Beach is a circular bay that’s perfect for sunbathing. You can spot the nearby Gialova Lagoon Dunes and Nestor’s Palace archaeological site from the sand. The water’s an almost impossible shade of aqua, and if you want to stretch your legs, you can look up the 45-minute Old Navarino Castle trek.

Shopping

Bargain buys

Kalamata’s gourmet products range from world-famous Kalamata olives to Mediterranean pomegranates and balsamic cream delicacies. You can pick some up for yourself at the Papadimitriou food specialty shop – it’s a must when you’re a foodie in Messinia.

Mid-range buys

One thing Messinia’s known for is handmade leather craftsmanship. Head to the Sandalia Sti Stoa boutique, for example, and you can buy traditional Greek footwear that’s all about style and comfort. There’s plenty in the way of shopping in Kalamata’s historical centre, too.

Designer buys

Messinia’s silk scarf industry is thriving – Peloponnese artisanal textiles are trademark souvenirs from the area. You can shop for your own in Gkonos Silk Fabrics, which has specialised in traditional Kalamata kerchiefs since 1985.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

If you’re after chic venues and city centre evening ambience, Kalamata’s nightlife scenes more than fit the bill. Fairy lights and lanterns set the tone, and Bocca’s cocktail menu makes it one of the top places for drinks in Messinia.

Lively evenings

Messinia gets lively in the evenings, especially over the summer. You can expect live music events, front-row sunset views and a rotation of DJs in many Kyparissia beach clubs. Peloponnese beach parties are often on the cards, too.

Food & drink

Sweet diples

Messinia’s traditional pastries are second to none. If you have a sweet tooth, you must try diples – these honey-drenched dough bites are popular for Greek wedding sweets. They’re sometimes coated in walnuts, and they’re one of the most popular Peloponnese bakery specialities.

Navarino Bay seafood dining with views

In Messinia, Navarino Bay dining always hits the mark. You have some local Peloponnese fish tavernas serving the latest catch with Pylos Harbour views. And on the topic of seafood, Elia Restaurant is a hit with locals and tourists alike.

Greek ice-cream in Costa Navarino

If you fancy a chilled sweet treat on your trip to Messinia, Kayak ice-cream boutique’s a winning pick. Its menu features artisanal frozen yoghurt and Ferroro Rocher flavour scoops, all with 100% Greek ingredients.

Fresh Greek pies and galatopita

If you’re laying out a picnic blanket in Messinia, your feast will be made all the better with a few of Kalamata’s artisanal pies. The Liopita bakery whips up fresh daily bakes and Greek savory pastries. We’d recommend trying the galatopita milk pie.

Kalamata olives

Kalamata’s olive oil is nicknamed ‘liquid gold’, as it was so high in value in ancient times, and its exceptional quality makes it a staple in most meals in Messinia. It’s made from the distinctive Kalamata olives – they’re large in size and shaped like almonds, and they’re often used in salads and pasta sauces.

Top Hotels in Messinia

Camvillia Resort & Spa

Facts about Messinia

Currency

Euro

(EUR)

Language

Greek

Time zone

GMT +2

Flight duration

3 hours 45 minutes from Gatwick

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

What travel adapter do I need for Messinia?

When visiting Messinia, Greece, you'll need a European-style two-pin plug adapter for Type C and Type F sockets, which have two round pins. We recommend bringing a multi-plug adapter if you have devices with different plug types. Pack at least one adapter to ensure all your devices can be charged easily during your stay.

Where are the best places to shop in Messinia?

For a mix of traditional and modern shopping, head to Kalamata, the capital of Messinia. You'll find local products like olive oil, honey, and handmade crafts in the old town's narrow streets. The city centre offers fashion boutiques and souvenir shops, while many resorts have on-site stores for convenience.

What's the nightlife like in Messinia?

Messinia offers a laid-back nightlife scene. In Kalamata, you'll find a variety of bars and tavernas along the seafront promenade, perfect for enjoying drinks and live music. Many resorts host evening entertainment. For a more traditional experience, look for village squares where locals gather for music and dancing.

Should I tip in Messinia?

In Messinia, as in the rest of Greece, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. We recommend leaving around 10% in restaurants if you're satisfied with the service. For other services like taxis or hotel staff, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is a nice gesture.

What are the best beaches in Messinia?

Messinia features Voidokilia Beach with horseshoe shaped sand and clear waters, Divari Beach for long stretches of coast and Foneas Beach near Kardamyli for pebbled shoreline and mountain views.

Where can I try local food in Messinia?

Traditional Messenian cuisine can be savoured in local tavernas throughout the region. We recommend trying specialties like sfela cheese, kagianas (eggs with tomato), and lalagides (fried dough with honey). Many resorts offer Greek nights featuring local dishes, while Kalamata's old town is dotted with authentic eateries.

What should I pack for Messinia?

For Messinia, pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection. Include comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Don't forget a reusable water bottle and any personal medications.

Are there any local customs I should know about in Messinia?

When visiting Messinia, it's polite to greet locals with a friendly "yassas", meaning hello. When visiting churches or monasteries, dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees. It can be common for locals to stay up late, so dinner often starts after 9pm.