Beautiful coastal Methoni is located at the southwest tip of the Peloponnese. It has managed to maintain a traditional character and architecture and spreads towards the sea; a beautiful beach of peacock blue hues. South of Methoni in the sea is visible the island group of the Messinian Oinousses that includes among others important habitats, on the islands of Schiza and Sapienza. Methoni is 10 kilometers from Pylos and 61 kilometers from the capital of Messinia, Kalamata and its landmark is its imposing castle.
Methoni is a popular tourist destination in the Peloponnese that boasts a range of ancient monuments as well as Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish churches, mosques and fortifications. Its jewel is its Venetian castle which emerges from the sea in a very imposing manner. It is built on a rock that enters the sea and is separated from the mainland by an artificial moat. South of the castle is the tower of Mpourtzi, built on a small rocky islet connected to the fort by a bridge with arches. In Methoni, you will also see manors that maintain the characteristics of local architecture.
Local attractions include the catacombs of Saint Onoufrios, the oldest Christian cemetery that has been found in the Peloponnese located on the mountainside of Agios Nikolaos, north of the town. Four hundred meters east of the cemetery lies another important monument of the region, the Byzantine Church of Saint Vasilios of the 10th – 11th century. Within 4 kilometers northeast of Methoni, it is worth visiting the imposing ruins of the church of Agioleo, which was destroyed in 1267. All in all, Methoni is a magical place that will leave no one uncharmed.
Messinia is one of the seven prefectures of the Peloponnese peninsula, located in the southwest of Peloponnese on the Ionian Sea, a two-hour drive from Athens. It is bordered to the north by Ilia and Arcadia and to the west by Lakonia. Messinia boasts a beautiful and diverse fertile landscape with vast olive groves, green valleys, mountains, gorges and coves, waterfalls, seaside towns and traditional villages, along with historical sites and wealthy cultural heritage.
Popular seaside resorts are Stoupa, Kardamili and Aghios Nikolaos. The main attractions of the region are castles like that of Koroni, Methoni, and Pylos. There are lots of beautiful beaches, especially on the Ionian coast like Kyparissia where Caretta-Caretta turtles lay their eggs. At the village of Mavromati is the ancient Messini, one of the most important ancient cities in Greek history.
Legendary Peloponnese is the land of ancient fights and myths. From here Paris of Troy took Helen and the Argonauts set sail in search of the Golden Fleece. Mycenaean palaces, Byzantine cities, and Venetian fortresses, all combined with the gorgeous landscape of the mountains and sea to make them over the top Peloponnese. Visit its snowcapped mountains, gorges, sandy beaches, and azure waters and feel the energy deriving from the place. Peloponnese is an ideal destination for summer and winter holidays as well.
Being among the top 20 tourist destinations worldwide, Greece is synonymous with 3 things: history and ancient civilization, amazing landscapes and top touristic destinations. Greece is so wealthy in culture and beauty that it never seems to be completely explored. Holidays in Greece is the ultimate experience all year round. It offers a great pallet of experiences; the warm sun, the crystal clear beaches, the dramatic nature, the rich culture and the renowned hospitality along with the unique culinary experience of the Mediterranean diet.
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