Messinia Holidays

from £ 357 pp

Messinia holidays are all about soaking up the sun on sandy beaches and paddling about in crystal-clear waters.

Laidback luxury

Messinia's got an off-the-beaten-track feel. Sitting on the south-west coast of the Peloponnese region, this resort town has plenty of unspoiled scenery, historical sights and friendly tavernas to check out. Kicking back and relaxing's usually what's on the menu here.

Venetian jewel

Game-of-Thrones-esque castles and backdrops of mountainous scenery – that's Messinia in a nutshell. Koroni and Methoni are where most of the Medieval history's at, with high and mighty fortresses dating as far back as the 15th-century. The Turkish baths in Methoni provide the perfect excuse to chill – especially after hiking up to the ancient ruins.

Hiking paradise

A morning hike up the Polilimnio Waterfalls is well worth the early start – it's easily the best selfie spot in Messinia. Viros Gorge is better suited to experienced hikers and it's the place to go to get your history fill – most of the town's oldest monasteries hide out here.

Foneas beach

If snorkelling's your cup of tea, spend a day at Foneas Beach. With stretches of pebbly beach and crystal turquoise waters, it's just right for a good sunbathing sesh. There's a small canteen and a shower area nearby, so all that's needed is a bucket, spade, towel and shades.

At a glance

Stroll along the sandy stretches at Voidokilia Beach
Soak up the sights on hikes to Neda waterfalls
Eat with a view at coastal gourmet restaurants

Destinations in Messinia

Top Destinations

Petalidi

A holiday in Petalidi promises an easy-going getaway, with laidback beaches, charming tavernas and boats bobbing on the bay.
Koroni

Holidays to Koroni put you right in the middle of traditional village life and ancient historical sites – friendly Greek hospitality's the finishing touch.
Gialova

With just a dash of modern influence, holidays to Gialova are all about Greek traditions and unspoiled natural vistas.
Kalamata

With a dramatic mountain backdrop, a clean beach and order-me-seconds Greek cuisine, holidays to Kalamata are looking good.
Kalo Nero

Ancient temples, superb scenery and freshly grilled seafood make holidays to Kalo Nero a laidback slice of Hellenic heaven.
Costa Navarino

Loaded with more treasures than a jewellery box, holidays to Costa Navarino combine five-star hotels and unspoiled beaches.

Watersport heaven

Whether you're keen for a dip in the Aegean or fancy jet-skiing along the waves, Messinia's beaches have you covered. Jaw-dropping landscapes, rocky cliffs and pine-cloaked greenery are just some of the main hot spots around the area.
The big beach

Almyros Beach is a good shout for calm, swimmable waters and is a decent spot for windsurfing and sailing if you're feeling more adventurous. As it's the most popular beach around, there are plenty of places for some traditional Greek grub along the strip.
The secret beach

Voidokilia Beach scoops up the region's hidden treasure award. Awash with golden sands and postcard-perfect views, you'll just need a refreshing drink and a baklava to feel like a king. If you want to snap the best photo possible, hike for 45 minutes up to Navarino Castle – it's best to go early to avoid the midday heat.

Bargain Buys

The best bargain eats around Messinia are tricky to squish into a suitcase – when it comes to the famous Kalamata olives, you'll have to get your fill while you're out there. Messinian pomegranate juice is cool and refreshing, while the local chilli is definitely one for spice-lovers.
Mid-Range Buys

If strolling across the sands all day's what you have in mind, treat your feet to a pair of luxury leather sandals at Sandalia Sti Stoa. There's also Kalamata Farmer's Market, which is home to premium produce like artisanal jam, locally produced honey and Greek wine.
Designer Buys

From designer shades to fine silk scarves, the main streets of Kalamata are the place to hit for all the posh buys. For handmade souvenirs, check out the Local Moods store, or go to Gkonos Silk Fabrics for handkerchiefs with some heritage.

Laid-back evenings

Whether you fancy a quick tipple with friends or a cosy romantic evening with your special someone, Kalamata's got you nicely set up. Full of youthful vibes and complete with a chilled atmosphere, spots like Ipanema Sea Bar and Kyttaro Bar are faves of tourists and locals.
Lively evenings

Pump up the tempo with your crew by heading out to Rodanthos Rock n Roll Beer Bar in Kalamata – or the Sunset Bar in Kyparissia. Both places have you sorted if you want to bop out your best dancefloor moves until the late hours.

Moussaka

A combination of minced lamb, rich vine tomatoes and bubbling melted cheese gives you one of Greece's finest local dishes – the famous moussaka. You'll find this mouthwatering main in most of the traditional restaurants around the villages and along the coast.
Classic pies

From delicious goats cheese parcels to sweet bites laced with nuts and syrup, Messinia's all about the pie. Milk pie's a standard staple for locals – and you can pick up one of the best at the Liopita shop, in Kalamata's old town.
Sweet treats

Sweet delicacies are a Messinian staple. Diples are the island's answer to churros – they're soaked in sticky honey and topped with walnuts. Look out for the Kayak ice cream shop in Costa Navarino – this one's a firm fave with visitors.
Sensational seafood

For seafood and a spectacular sunset, head to Gaitanaros Restaurant. Its dinner menu includes king prawn risottos and adventurous octopus stews. Elia Restaurant draws in the crowds too, with its catch-of-the-day specials and cosy traditional feel.
Burgers and baklavas

When you're hiking around Messinia, a hearty lunch is called for – and a burger baklava lunch combo's just the ticket to tastebud heaven. If passing through Kalamata, try a burger from The Burgery before grabbing honey-drizzled baklavas in the old town.

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Account & Booking

Messinia Holidays

Laidback luxury

Venetian jewel

Hiking paradise

Foneas beach

At a glance

Destinations in Messinia

Top Destinations

Top things to See and Do in Messinia

Watersport heaven

The big beach

The secret beach

Bargain Buys

Mid-Range Buys

Designer Buys

Laid-back evenings

Lively evenings

Moussaka

Classic pies

Sweet treats

Sensational seafood

Burgers and baklavas

SIMILAR DESTINATIONS

Our destinations in Messinia

Costa Navarino

Kalamata

Kalo Nero

Petalidi

Koroni

Gialova

Popular holidays

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