Holidays in Messinia

An introduction to Messinia

Fringed by the shimmering waters of the Ionian Sea and the Messinian Gulf, Messinia is one of those regions of mainland Greece that's never been trapped in the glare of the tourist searchlight. Whilst the Peloponnese may figure on some people's consciousness, its westernmost peninsula is still something of a mystery – its many delights cloaked in secrecy as its hillsides are veiled in olive trees, fertile vineyards, remote villages and time-baked classical treasures. Yet Messinia's semi-invisibility makes it truly special. Undiscovered by the holiday hordes, this luxuriously green land is one of Greece's most beautiful, peaceful and untarnished.

Its coastline sums it all up. Here, long, lazy beaches take their time to unfurl pristine golden sands, which melt gently into sparkling turquoise waters. Headlands crowned by Venetian and Ottoman fortresses bear witness to a turbulent past, guarding unspoilt fishing villages and harbour towns, which cascade down hillsides in a flurry of whitewashed houses, vivid bougainvillea and jaunty, blue-painted tavernas. In Koroni, a mighty fortress towers over quaint stepped streets, flower-festooned houses and a glorious sweep of sandy beach to the south. In pretty, castle-topped Yialova, narrow streets crowd around a traditional harbour before leading sun-lovers out to satiny beaches that stay uncrowded even in high summer. And along the intervening shores, picturesque villages, well-preserved castles and smaller bays sparkle in the sunshine, like undiscovered jewels.

But don't think Messinia is just about beaches and villages. Buried inland lie astonishing archeological treasures like Ancient Messene and to the north, legendary Olympia, as well as prehistoric caves and Byzantine monasteries – all nuggets of sightseeing gold. And of course, there's something else that this makes this region holiday heaven. Life, as in the Greece of old, remains stubbornly unhurried by the clock and crowds, leaving you free to kick off your shoes, savour the moment and wallow in the warm glow of traditional Greek hospitality. Come on in – there's nowhere quite like Messinia.

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