Messinia can satisfy those who love exploring nature or those wishing for more active and alternative forms of holidays. Whatever your taste might be, Messinia opens a warm embrace to every visitor and challenges you to get prepared for a unique holiday experience! Messinia is a quiet destination, with excellent climatic conditions, that offers spectacular landscapes, affordable prices, and some of the best beaches in Greece. On this page you can read about the natural beauty of Messinia and the various ways to explore and get active: Walking and climbing, Cycling, River trekking, Swimming, Turtle watching, Bird watching.
The eastern shore of the Messinian bay is spectacular, with the western slopes of the Taygetos Mountain plunging into the crystal clear waters of the bay, and the medieval towns of Mani dotting its southern end.
The western shore of the bay and the Ionian shore of Messinia are mostly lowlands with magnificent sandy beaches, wonderful little fishing villages and some of the best-preserved medieval castles and fortresses in the Mediterranean.
The eastern shore of the Messinian bay is spectacular, with the western slopes of the Taygetos Mountain plunging into the crystal clear waters of the bay, and the medieval towns of Mani dotting its southern end.
The western shore of the bay and the Ionian shore of Messinia are mostly lowlands with magnificent sandy beaches, wonderful little fishing villages and some of the best-preserved medieval castles and fortresses in the Mediterranean.
Walking
Taygetos is the highest mountain of the Peloponnese and both climbing its highest peak, Prophetes Elias (2404 m) as well as its other peaks and hiking consist a unique experience. Climbing and hiking are even more delightful since detailed maps and a proper labelling system lead climbers and hikers to their destination ensuring the greatest safety.
The restoration of a complete net of routes that link the mountain villages with each other or with the ones at the foot of the mountain comes within the scope of the Business Program for the Environment. This net is equipped with a complete labelling system and it usually involves average difficulty. One can choose from a variety of short or longer walks, of great or small difficulty.
Climbing
Apart from hiking routes the experienced climber can choose among the following itineraries of unique beauty, some of which involve however a certain degree of difficulty since they are poorly labelled or not labelled at all.
- One-hour and forty-five minutes climb from Anavryti to Tsarkos where the botanical station is situated at the altitude of 1,700m and then from Ai Nicos Spring through Karea, Panaghia and Kapsodermatousa and Koskaraka Canyon to Gaitses or Pegadia.
- From Mountain Refuge of the EOS of Sparta to Portes and Halasmeno Vouno and back or keep on to Sidirokastro, Rintomo and Panagia Kapsodermatoussa.
- Mountain Refuge of the EOS of Sparta - Portes- Sidirokastro- Vintoli Canyon- Panagia Kapsodermatoussa- Gaitses. This route belongs to the National Path '32'.
- Crossing the Vyros canyon (from Ayios Dimitrios down to Kardamyli).
- Crossing Pentadaktylos.
Cycling
Take advantage of the natural wealth of Messinia and make a unique cycling excursion. One can choose a flat level course, a coastal route, or a rough mountainous terrain. It is an ideal combination of the mountainous landscape with the beauty of the coastline. Some of those cycle tours include:
- Taking the road to Petalidi or Koroni is a nice coastal tour of the Messinian gulf.
- The crossing of the flat plains of central Messinia from the city of Messini to the ancient city of Ithomi , and on to Valyra, Meligalas and Diavolitsi.
- Touring the mountain villages of upper Messinia is a unique experience: Syrizo, Stasimo, Kakaletri, Neda, Sklirou, Ampeliona. Agios Sostis, with the chance to see the ancient temple of Epicurius Apollo.
River trekking
The ideal way to explore the mountains in summer is by following the paths of a cool river. Crossing spectacular gorges, watching magnificent colours, enjoying the rich flora and fauna, everything is possible on a river hike. The suggestions below are suitable for all ages and abilities. As with most river hikes athletic shoes are recommended and trekking poles are an asset.
Polylimnio
In the village of Charavgi, hidden in an environment of absolute charm, the visitor can explore the lakes of Polylimnio (which means "many lakes"). Fifteen small lakes were well hidden for centuries and it is only since recently that they become accessible to the public. They all form a wild but beautifulenvironment with small canyons, and enchanting waterfalls. You can drive to Charavgi with your car, which you will leave in the parking place, just before the beginning of the path that leads to the lakes. There is a small picnic area but no facilities, so you better take with you water and anything else you think you might need. However try not to carry too many supplies because the trail is of middle difficulty and you should wear flat shoes and comfortable clothes.
Neda River
The Neda is the only river in Greece with a female name. According to the Greek Mythology, Neda was a nymph, a goddess of the water. Its total course is approximately 32 kilometres. It is worth mentioning the marvellous monuments that the traveller meets following its course. The crossing takes place in the most spectacular part of the gorge passing through stone bridges, picturesque stone-bridges, historical sites, narrow cliffs, underwater caves and impressive waterfalls. Swimsuit and athletic shoes are a must if you are going to try it!
The Viros Canyon
The gorge of Viros is found in the heart of Messiniaki Mani and was used by the antiquity as street to Lakonia. Viros expands from St Panteleimona that is located in an elevation of 1400m on Taygetos and passing through the Vasiliki Woods goes down to the sea through the heart of the Messinian Mani.
Ridomo Gorge
The Ridomo Gorge is one of nature's wonders. It is ideal for recreation, physical exercise and walking and is of particular aesthetic and tourist importance. The gorge is situated at the beginning of the Messinian part of Mani, at 15 km from Kalamata, originates at the mouth of the Sadova stream and stretches up to the Prophet Elias top of the Taygetos Mountain at a distance of 21 km. The most impressive part of the gorge is the point where its bed becomes very narrow, an area 100m long, about 2m wide and 60m high, at the footpath leading from Kedro (Gaitses) to Pigadia. The double, stone bridge linking the vertical, solid slopes of the aforementioned especially beautiful formation is a traditional art monument of great significance.
Caretta-Caretta sea turtles
Peloponnese hosts 900 sea turtle nests per year (24.3% at national level) in the Bays of Kyparissia, Lakonikos and in Koroni. In fact, the Kyparissiakos Gulf constitutes the second most important beach of birth of Karetta in the Mediterranean. The nesting season commences at the end of May and lasts until August.
In Agiannaki, in the building of the old railway station, the Environmental Scientific Centre for Sea Turtle Protection was established in June 2001. Its exhibition area offers the visitor the opportunity to learn about the coastal area, sea turtles and local economic and cultural activities. The exhibition includes information on our planet, the sea turtles, the coast and coastal forest, the lakes and rivers in the area.
Organised groups are guided in the exhibition area where, slide shows concerning sea turtles and the local ecosystems are operated, whereas other activities including games and drawing are organized for small children. Visits at the environmental centres last approximately 45 minutes and are usually followed by a guided tour in the nature trails.
Bird watching
The Divari Lagoon (also known as the Pylos or Gialova Lagoon) is place of exceptional beauty with big historical and cultural heritage, a place with priceless natural value. The lagoon of Gialova belongs to the European network NATURE 2000 and is one of the most important bands for the birds of Greece. It is the more southern migratory turning point of the Balkans for birds.
During migration, several species occur like the Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber, the Black Kite Milvus migrans , the Osprey Pandion haliaetus and the Crane Grus grus.
Woodturning
Courses of instruction in the craft of woodturning are available in Koroni. The practical courses are designed to provide the knowledge and experience required for woodturning and range from half a day to a full week. The majority of the work produced is of olive wood, which is abundant in the area. Most wood used comes from branches removed during the pruning process thus preserving the environment. Other local woods used are, eucalyptus, mulberry, mastic, oak, carob etc.
Taygetos is the highest mountain of the Peloponnese and both climbing its highest peak, Prophetes Elias (2404 m) as well as its other peaks and hiking consist a unique experience. Climbing and hiking are even more delightful since detailed maps and a proper labelling system lead climbers and hikers to their destination ensuring the greatest safety.
The restoration of a complete net of routes that link the mountain villages with each other or with the ones at the foot of the mountain comes within the scope of the Business Program for the Environment. This net is equipped with a complete labelling system and it usually involves average difficulty. One can choose from a variety of short or longer walks, of great or small difficulty.
Climbing
Apart from hiking routes the experienced climber can choose among the following itineraries of unique beauty, some of which involve however a certain degree of difficulty since they are poorly labelled or not labelled at all.
- One-hour and forty-five minutes climb from Anavryti to Tsarkos where the botanical station is situated at the altitude of 1,700m and then from Ai Nicos Spring through Karea, Panaghia and Kapsodermatousa and Koskaraka Canyon to Gaitses or Pegadia.
- From Mountain Refuge of the EOS of Sparta to Portes and Halasmeno Vouno and back or keep on to Sidirokastro, Rintomo and Panagia Kapsodermatoussa.
- Mountain Refuge of the EOS of Sparta - Portes- Sidirokastro- Vintoli Canyon- Panagia Kapsodermatoussa- Gaitses. This route belongs to the National Path '32'.
- Crossing the Vyros canyon (from Ayios Dimitrios down to Kardamyli).
- Crossing Pentadaktylos.
Cycling
Take advantage of the natural wealth of Messinia and make a unique cycling excursion. One can choose a flat level course, a coastal route, or a rough mountainous terrain. It is an ideal combination of the mountainous landscape with the beauty of the coastline. Some of those cycle tours include:
- Taking the road to Petalidi or Koroni is a nice coastal tour of the Messinian gulf.
- The crossing of the flat plains of central Messinia from the city of Messini to the ancient city of Ithomi , and on to Valyra, Meligalas and Diavolitsi.
- Touring the mountain villages of upper Messinia is a unique experience: Syrizo, Stasimo, Kakaletri, Neda, Sklirou, Ampeliona. Agios Sostis, with the chance to see the ancient temple of Epicurius Apollo.
River trekking
The ideal way to explore the mountains in summer is by following the paths of a cool river. Crossing spectacular gorges, watching magnificent colours, enjoying the rich flora and fauna, everything is possible on a river hike. The suggestions below are suitable for all ages and abilities. As with most river hikes athletic shoes are recommended and trekking poles are an asset.
Polylimnio
In the village of Charavgi, hidden in an environment of absolute charm, the visitor can explore the lakes of Polylimnio (which means "many lakes"). Fifteen small lakes were well hidden for centuries and it is only since recently that they become accessible to the public. They all form a wild but beautifulenvironment with small canyons, and enchanting waterfalls. You can drive to Charavgi with your car, which you will leave in the parking place, just before the beginning of the path that leads to the lakes. There is a small picnic area but no facilities, so you better take with you water and anything else you think you might need. However try not to carry too many supplies because the trail is of middle difficulty and you should wear flat shoes and comfortable clothes.
Neda River
The Neda is the only river in Greece with a female name. According to the Greek Mythology, Neda was a nymph, a goddess of the water. Its total course is approximately 32 kilometres. It is worth mentioning the marvellous monuments that the traveller meets following its course. The crossing takes place in the most spectacular part of the gorge passing through stone bridges, picturesque stone-bridges, historical sites, narrow cliffs, underwater caves and impressive waterfalls. Swimsuit and athletic shoes are a must if you are going to try it!
The Viros Canyon
The gorge of Viros is found in the heart of Messiniaki Mani and was used by the antiquity as street to Lakonia. Viros expands from St Panteleimona that is located in an elevation of 1400m on Taygetos and passing through the Vasiliki Woods goes down to the sea through the heart of the Messinian Mani.
Ridomo Gorge
The Ridomo Gorge is one of nature's wonders. It is ideal for recreation, physical exercise and walking and is of particular aesthetic and tourist importance. The gorge is situated at the beginning of the Messinian part of Mani, at 15 km from Kalamata, originates at the mouth of the Sadova stream and stretches up to the Prophet Elias top of the Taygetos Mountain at a distance of 21 km. The most impressive part of the gorge is the point where its bed becomes very narrow, an area 100m long, about 2m wide and 60m high, at the footpath leading from Kedro (Gaitses) to Pigadia. The double, stone bridge linking the vertical, solid slopes of the aforementioned especially beautiful formation is a traditional art monument of great significance.
Caretta-Caretta sea turtles
Peloponnese hosts 900 sea turtle nests per year (24.3% at national level) in the Bays of Kyparissia, Lakonikos and in Koroni. In fact, the Kyparissiakos Gulf constitutes the second most important beach of birth of Karetta in the Mediterranean. The nesting season commences at the end of May and lasts until August.
In Agiannaki, in the building of the old railway station, the Environmental Scientific Centre for Sea Turtle Protection was established in June 2001. Its exhibition area offers the visitor the opportunity to learn about the coastal area, sea turtles and local economic and cultural activities. The exhibition includes information on our planet, the sea turtles, the coast and coastal forest, the lakes and rivers in the area.
Organised groups are guided in the exhibition area where, slide shows concerning sea turtles and the local ecosystems are operated, whereas other activities including games and drawing are organized for small children. Visits at the environmental centres last approximately 45 minutes and are usually followed by a guided tour in the nature trails.
Bird watching
The Divari Lagoon (also known as the Pylos or Gialova Lagoon) is place of exceptional beauty with big historical and cultural heritage, a place with priceless natural value. The lagoon of Gialova belongs to the European network NATURE 2000 and is one of the most important bands for the birds of Greece. It is the more southern migratory turning point of the Balkans for birds.
During migration, several species occur like the Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber, the Black Kite Milvus migrans , the Osprey Pandion haliaetus and the Crane Grus grus.
Woodturning
Courses of instruction in the craft of woodturning are available in Koroni. The practical courses are designed to provide the knowledge and experience required for woodturning and range from half a day to a full week. The majority of the work produced is of olive wood, which is abundant in the area. Most wood used comes from branches removed during the pruning process thus preserving the environment. Other local woods used are, eucalyptus, mulberry, mastic, oak, carob etc.
