Greece’s historic event Run Messinia- an ultra marathon race- begins today October 2nd, in Messinia, in the Peloponnese, honouring the bicentennial of the 1821 Greek Revolution.
Messinia is a special place for the Greek Revolution of 1821, as it’s home to historical battles, great heroes and fighters. It is a region where some of the most important battles were held, such as the battle of Sphacteria, in Niokastro, the battle of Maniaki, which cost the life of Greek hero Papaflessas; and also the naval battle of Navarino, which essentially sealed the end of the Revolution and marked the liberation of Greece, resulting in the establishment of the modern Greek state.
Messinia, home to many Greek war heroes
This special event held between October 2-11, 2021, will take place in eight Municipalities of Messinia, Laconia and Arcadia and will include a total of 10 marathons, within 10 consecutive days.
The event will showcase all the areas associated with the Greek Revolution in Messinia both culturally and touristically. From Areopoli of Laconia to historical places such as among others Stoupa, Kardamyli, Verga, Kalamata, Nedousa, Alagonia, Dyrachio, Neochori, Poliani, Skala, Paloukorahi, Katsarou, Solaki, and other historic sites, to the end of the races at historic Pylos.
Run for Freedom will start on Saturday, October 2nd, from Areopoli of the East Mani Municipality, pass through Stoupa of the West Mani Municipality and end in Kardamyli.
On Sunday, October 3rd, starting from Kardamyli, will pass through Verga of the Kalamata Municipality and end in the city of Kalamata.
On Monday, October 4th, the athletes starting from Kalamata will cross Nedousa and finish in Alagonia.
On Tuesday, October 5th, the runners starting from Alagonia will pass through Dyrachio and Neochori of the Megalopoli Municipality and complete their effort in Poliani of the Kalamata Municipality.
From Poliani, on Wednesday, October 6th, participants will cross Skala and end up in Paloukorahi of the Oichalia Municipality.
On Thursday, October 7th, the route will highlight historical places of the Oichalia Municipality, as the athletes starting from Paloukorahi will cross Katsarou, Solaki, Meropi, Loutro, Diavolitsi, Ano Psari, Dorio and end up at the statue of Kolokotronis in Ramovouni.
On Friday, October 8th, starting from Ramovouni, the runners will pass through Zerbisia of the Messini Municipality, Kalogeresi, Saint Nikitas Sellas and Tripyla of the Trifylia Municipality, in order to reach Maniaki of the Pylos-Nestor Municipality.
On Saturday, October 9th, the participants will start from Maniaki, pass through Agios Andreas of the Messini Municipality and Kato Minagia and finish in Koroni.
On Sunday, October 10th, the route will move exclusively within the Pylos-Nestor Municipality from Koroni to Methoni and then to Pylos.
The 10th and final route of Run for Freedom to be held on Monday, October 11th, starting from Pylos, will provide runners with the opportunity of passing through Niokastro, observing Sphacteria and Paleokastro, while crossing Kremmidia and Schinolakka.
According to the event organisers, “Run Messinia will leave a legacy for the future of the place, as it highlights and promotes through its social media, the historical places, the battles and all the monuments, through which runners will pass.”
Only two hours’ drive from Athens, Messinia is known for its lush landscapes, endless olive groves, gorges, coves, and beaches. It’s also home to some of Greece’s most impressive landmarks, including the Venetian castles of Methoni and Koroni.
A drive through the picturesque seaside towns of Koroni and Methoni allows visitors to explore the region’s rich history, as well as its unique architecture, charming beaches, cafes and taverns.
Methoni
Located 12 km from Pylos, Methoni is a very popular spot amongst locals; and is slowly becoming a favourite with international visitors too. Most known for its beautiful fortress, it’s surrounded by wonderful vineyards- and you will no doubt be tempted by some good local wines.
Bridge leading to the Castle
Must see: The histоriсаl Cаstlе οf Mеthоni- built by thе Vеnеtiаns in the 13 Cеnturу; it’s located by thе sеа and as soon as you reach the stone bridge (with its 14 arches) you’ll be greeted by the imposing castle and its striking gate. Although little remains inside the fortress itself, around the traditional settlement you will find the Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour (Metamorphosis tou Sotiros), the Turkish Baths (dating to the 19th century), the house of Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt and the Bourtzi, which was built in 1500 and is connected to the Sea Gate of the castle with a paved tiny road.
Must do: Eat at one of the many seaside cafes, tаvеrnаs, and rеstаurаnts аrоund thе саstlе, which all offer great views of the fortress. Also visit one of thе small nearby villаgеs, where you’ll be greeted by the friendly locals.
Swim at: Mеthоni bеасh, located nеxt tο thе саstlе; it features а lоng strip οf finе sоft sаnd аnd shаllοw wаtеr and has won several awards for its eco-sensitivity. Hеаding tо Kοrоni, just οutside thе villаgе yοu will find thе bеасhеs оf Kritika, Lambes and Kokkinia. Thеrе is also аnоthеr smаll but bеаutiful bеасh οn thе uninhаbitеd islеt оf Sаpiеntzа in thе bаy οf Mеthоni.
Don’t leave until: You try a traditional dish from Taverna Klimataria where the talented chef offers a range of fresh, authentic Greek dishes made with local produce.
Koroni
Historic castle of Messinia
Amphitheatrically built on a low-lying hill, Koroni is filled with stone-paved alleyways, charming homes, gardens featuring blossoming flowers and many churches. In the warmer months, the coastal road overflows with coffee shops, tavernas and people, while all around, you’ll find beautiful beaches.
Must see: Visit the manor of chieftain Karapavlos and the traditional central square where you will find the Church of Agios Dimitrios. The top of the hill is occupied by the large Venetian Castle of the 13th century (it was built around the same time as the castle of Methoni) under the Ottoman rule and was considered the best-fortified castle in Messinia. Inside the castle is the Monastery of Agios Ioannis. Below the castle, you will find the church of Panagia Eleistra, which offers stunning views of the town. Also check out the Historical and Archaeological collection with the region’s excavated findings, housed in a small building on the site of the grove.
Seaside dining
Must do: Sit by the waterfront and enjoy the great restaurants, picturesque fish taverns, bakeries, ouzerias and cafes that serve tasty and fresh delicacies by the sea.
Swim at: Koroni has beaches with fine golden sand and some with pebbles. We recommend visiting Kolonides, Paroulia, Gargarou, the beach by the Castle of Koroni, as well as Zaga, Memi, Kalamaki, Agia Triada, and Agios Ioannis.
Don’t miss: The Venetian islet opposite cape Akrita; with a wonderful sea bed for diving and fishing.
Greece’s award-winning sports tourism event the Navarino Challenge will return in October 2021 for its 9th consecutive year.
Through its global message “sports unite people”, the event, which will take place between 15-17 October, will offer international and local visitors the opportunity of discovering the beauty of the Messinian landscape and the history highlighted by sporting events for people of all ages.
Kayaking in Messinia
According to organisers, the event follows the ideals of the Olympic Movement, contributing towards the development of a peaceful and better world without any discrimination, and through sports, promoting the benefits of exercise. Navarino Challenge is said to promote the Olympic ideal- highlighting that the important thing in life is not to triumph but to compete.
More than 30 sporting activities will take place at Costa Navarino and Pylos, with the presence of elite Olympic athletes alongside amateur athletes of all ages and abilities. Among the more than 30 sports activities and 10 Olympic sports, there will be competitions in hurdles, taekwondo, basketball, long jump, kayaking, cycling, beach volleyball and more.
Participants from Greece and abroad will also have a chance of running in the Greek Half Marathon, in Voidokoilia along the picturesque coastline to Pylos. This is the only running route that combines sand, soil, and asphalt. For those who prefer something less challenging, there is also a 10km and 5km trail runs.
Stay At Costa Navarino
The famous resort has designed a special accommodation package which includes rooms, sports/wellbeing activities, delicious local dishes, and delicacies, plus access to Costa Navarino’s facilities. For more information on accommodation packages check out costanavarino.
*For more information on the sporting events head tonavarinochallenge.
In the southwestern part of the Peloponnese, you’ll come across Messinia, a beautiful destination that deserves a visit at least once in a lifetime. From Koroni and Methoni to Pylos, Finikounda, and Petalidi, you will be impressed with Messinia’s raw beauty and authentic charm.
Only two hours’ drive from Athens, Messinia is known for its lush landscapes, endless olive groves, gorges, coves, and beaches. It’s also the home to some of Greece’s most impressive landmarks, including the Venetian castles of Methoni and Koroni and the beautiful villages where they stand, Nestor’s Palace and Pylos. From small mountainous cliff-hanging villages to stunning seaside towns and a range of flavoursome traditional dishes, there is so much to see and do in Messinia.
Here we have chosen 5 seaside towns on the southwest coast, where you can drive along slowly and stop off at each, or spend a few days (or weeks) at one (or all) of these beautiful places.
Koroni
The picturesque seaside town of Koroni lies about 52km from the city of Kalamata. Koroni is amphitheatrically built on a low-lying hill and features charming homes, gardens filled with colourful flowers, stone-paved alleyways, narrow back streets, and a large number of churches. When you walk along the narrow little streets of Koroni, you will realise that it is a remote medieval town, which remains enchanting and beautifully raw.
Must see: Visit the manor of chieftain Karapavlos and the traditional central square where you will find the Church of Agios Dimitrios. The top of the hill is occupied by the large Venetian Castle of the 13th century, inside the castle is the Monastery of Agios Ioannis. Below the castle, you will find the church of Panagia Eleistra, which offers stunning views of the town. Also check out the Historical and Archaeological collection with the region’s excavated findings, housed in a small building on the site of the grove.
Must do: Sit at the waterfront and enjoy the great restaurants, picturesque fish taverns, bakeries, ouzerias and cafes that serve tasty delicacies by the sea.
Swim at: the beautiful beaches of Koroni, some offering long with fine golden sand and some smaller with pebbles. They include Kolonides, Paroulia, Gargarou, the beach by the Castle of Koroni with pebbles and small rocks, as well as the beaches Zaga, Memi and Kalamaki, Agia Triada, and Agios Ioannis.
Don’t miss: The Venetian islet opposite cape Akrita with a wonderful sea bed for diving and fishing.
Methoni
Located 38 km from Koroni and 12 km from Pylos, it’s a very popular spot amongst Greeks and is slowly becoming a favourite amongst international visitors too. Most known for its beautiful fortress, this is a must-visit town when visiting Messinia. Surrounded by vineyards, here you will be tempted by good local wines.
Must see: The histоriсаl Cаstlе οf Mеthоni built by thе Vеnеtiаns in 13 сеnturу, right by thе sеа. Methoni’s exterior walls are amazing, although little remains inside the fortress itself. The traditional settlement, the castle, the fortress, the surrounding islets, the pretty port.At the south edge of the castle, you will find a fortified islet, Bourtzi, which was built in 1500 and is connected to the Sea Gate of the castle with a paved tiny road.
Must do: Eat at one of the many seaside cafes, tаvеrnаs, and rеstаurаnts аrоund thе саstlе, which all offer great views of the fortress. Visit one of thе small nearby villаgеs.
Swim at:Mеthоni bеасh is nеxt tο thе саstlе – а lоng strip οf finе sоft sаnd аnd shаllοw wаtеr, which has won several awards for its eco-sensitivity. Hеаding tо Kοrоni, just οut оf thе villаgе yοu will find thе bеасhеs оf Kritika, Lambes and Kokkinia. Thеrе is аnоthеr smаll but bеаutiful bеасh οn thе uninhаbitеd islеt оf Sаpiеntzа in thе bаy οf Mеthоni.
Don’t leave until: You try a traditional dish from Taverna Klimataria where the talented chef offers a range of fresh, authentic Greek dishes made with local produce.
Pylos
Many people call Pylos “Little Switzerland” as it features small homes with white facades, which are surrounded by lush greenery and flower beds. This pretty seasidе tоwn is a perfect place to base yourself in Messinia as you explore the area.
Must see:Three Admirals’ Square that remains one of the busiest places in Pylos, this is the main focus of the square; a monument dedicated to the three admirals who participated in the legendary Battle of Navarino.Nestor’s Cave tours are a great way to discover history. Stroll through the unique archaeological site called Ancient Pylos, with its many ruins of unique ancient buildings, the most splendid of which was the Palace of Nestor.
Must do: Head to the small square next to the harbour and sit back and enjoy a coffee, dessert, or late lunch at one of the many tavernas, cafes, or restaurants. When the sun goes down it turns into one of the most romantic places in the city. Here you can just walk, admiring the panoramic view of the coast, or dine at one of the local restaurants.
To swim: There are no beaches inside Pylos, however, there is a boat trip around Sfaktiria and Navarino Bay, with daily cruises. Only five minutes away by car you can swim at Gialova and you will be blown away by the nearby Voidokillia Beach, which has been named one of the best beaches in Greece.
Don’t leave until: You visit the Archaeological Museum of Chora, here you will find numerous archaeological findings from the site of the Palace of Nestor are kept here; also head to the Archaeological Museum of Messenia, here you will find collections that focus on the Mycenaean civilization.
Finikounda
This coastal village of Messinia has developed into one of the most beautiful summer spots of southern Peloponnese. Located almost halfway between Methoni and Koroni and 70 km from the capital of the prefecture, Kalamata. The village is built at the head of a bay, exactly opposite the complex of Oinousses, which includes the Sapienza islands Schiza and Agia Mariani. Here you are right between the mountain and the sea. Must see: Walk around the small fishing village and take in the picturesque coastline. Visitors come here to enjoy the stunning sandy beaches with crystal clear waters.
Must do: Join in on some fishing, as the locals are renowned for catching some of the best seafood in the area. On the beach, there are several cozy tavernas and behind the tavernas is a promenade with small shops.
Swim at: The village lies on a long sandy beach, making it popular among tourists. Outside Finikounda are more beautiful beaches, both sandy and pebble beaches. Opposite the coast, lies the island of Schiza and right of the island Sapientza. Between these two islands lies the small rocky islet of Agia Marina. These islands can be visited by boat.
Don’t leave until: Trying the catch of the day at one of the great fish taverns.
Petalidi
Built on the ruins of the ancient city of Koronis, and located on a beachfront, Petalidi is a perfect spot to enjoy the sea and panoramic views. If you are looking for a place away from crowds, this town is the ideal destination as it offers traditional food and a nice range of places to stay.
Must see: Landmarks of the village include the central square with the Church of Agios Nikolaos, the seafront, a lighthouse, the pretty park on the port, and the Fountain of Liar.
Must do: Stroll around the square and sit at one of the many restaurants and bars and also the local shops where you can try local dishes, delicacies and you can take home a nice little souvenir. Sit at a traditional seafront cafe to drink your coffee and enjoy the beautiful view.
Swim at: The beach of Petalidi is located just before the port of the seaside village. Starting from the beach of Petalidi, you can enjoy the nearby beaches of the Messinian Bay
Don’t leave until: You visit the port and watch the local fishermen catch some of the most beautiful seafood, as Petalidi was originally a fishing village and the locals here love their fish!
