Majestic Destinations

Polylimnio is a heaven on earth in Messinia, near the village Haravgi and … km from “AKTI TAYGETOS – CONFERENCE RESORT”. There you will find dreamy lakes and waterfalls in many levels with water passing through the gorge of Polylimnio.

The lakes were well hidden until recently in the lush vegetation, a secret very few knew about, but now the area is ever-growing and there are organized parking spaces and very easy access

If there is an image of heaven on earth, this is certainly the stunning landscape of Polylimnio. Through a route of only three kilometres you will find 15 consecutive lakes and you can, of course, swim in their emerald waters. The waterfall is 25 meters high and creates a simply dramatic setting of natural beauty.

The lakes in Polylimnio are a natural and unique habitat of great importance. Many small flying wonders such as butterflies, moths and dragonflies attract the birds, that find a safe haven in the dense shrubs and tree foliage. The green, vibrant nature will enchant you all year round.

Tip: You need a proper traction shoes to keep your hike safe and comfortable.

 

Stoupa – Kardamyli: Like a painting

Stoupa is built at the foot of Taygetos, in a wooded area of olive groves, behind two sandy coves. With remarkable tourist infrastructure, it is now the most developed tourist village, a newly built village, which has evolved very quickly into a famous seaside tourism destination. Especially during the summer months, Stoupa is crowded and lively. In Stoupa, Nikos Kazantzakis and Alexis Zorbas lived. They were working in the currently abandoned mines of Prastova in Neo Proastio, where they met. The great writer was inspired and wrote here the unique masterpiece “Zorba the Greek”. The area visited, as guests of Kazantzakis, Angelos Sikelianos with his wife Eva, Marika Kotopouli and Kyveli.

Heading to Kardamyli, just 7,5 km away from Stoupa, the route is just as fantastic. The sea shines from above and the first houses, most of them stone-built with cherry trees, make their appearance among dense olive groves. They can be barely seen. The main street with the tasteful stores, which open again every year before Easter and summer, the quiet harbour, the charming Old Kardamyli with its restored towers (look for the Mourtzinos Tower and the church of Saint Spyridon) and the pebbly beach a little further is what will attract you and where you will take pictures again and again. The houses’ courtyards are full of flowers, people are sitting outdoors and… enjoy the sun or a bike ride. Spring. The entire village is in slow motion and calls on its visitors to do the same.

 

Pylos

A magical town, just 45 kilometres from our hotel. The ancient Pylos is built in the south-western of Peloponnese, overlooking the shiny Ionian Sea and attracting visitors and travellers with its beauty. Pylos is known for the famous Battle of Navarino that took place in 1827, and where the victory of the allied forces was the beginning of the liberation of Greece.

Pylos in its present form began to be built in 1828 after the Battle of Navarino by French architects of the General Maison and quickly attracted residents from Asia Minor, the Ionian Islands and the Peloponnese. The city is built in the shape of an amphitheatre based on a special architectural design. The beautiful square with the imposing monument of the three admirals with two cannons from the naval battle of Navarino dominates its figure. The houses of Pylos are white, stone-built, with red roofs and courtyards, creating an unrivalled architectural gem.

The port of Pylos is one of the largest and safest ports in the world. The sea is 50 meters deep. The island of Sfaktiria in front of the bay of Navarino serves as a natural breakwater. In the south of Sfaktiria lies the islet Tsichli-baba or Fanari. In the middle of the Gulf of Pylos there is the tiny island Helonaki, which was named so because of its shape, which is very similar to a turtle.

On the edge of Pylos, in the southern part of the bay, you can see Niokastro, one of the best-preserved fortresses in Greece with lush pine trees and important monuments, an excellent example of military architecture from the 16th century. Here visitors will discover the building of Pasha, the Museum of Underwater Antiquities, a new museum with important archaeological treasures of the sea and shipwrecks of the Peloponnese. The Maison camp, the rectangular two-story building, which you will see on your left as you enter the castle, is used by the centre of maritime antiquities. The church of Metamorphosis of Saviour looms in a central spot. Walking along the road around Niokastro allows you to enjoy a magical view of the Gulf of Navarino and the deep blue Ionian Sea.

Tip: On the road Chora – Pylos, just 15 km away from Pylos, on the hill next to the road, you will discover Nestor’s Palace, with excellent views of Navarino and Voidokoilia Bay. This is an important archaeological site that will excite you.

 

Voidokoilia

North of Pylos and surrounded by the magical Ionian Sea there is the stunning bay of Voidokoilia with its beach being one of the most important sea beauties of Messinia. Above the bay you will see Palaiokastro where you can enjoy a vast view of the mysterious Ionian Sea. The lagoon of Divari or Gialova, as is well known, in the northern of Pylos, between the village of Gialova and the Gulf of Voidokoilia, is a land paradise that attracts the interest of travellers both ecologically and archaeologically, since above it stands tall the castle of Nestor. It is an important stop for migratory birds and home to the Caretta-Caretta turtle.

Tip: The beach of Voidokoilia is a famous summer destination, but the beautiful scenery is offered for both spring and autumn/winter excursions.

 

Methoni and Koroni: the jewels of Messinia

These almost twin castle towns, Methoni and Koroni, are undoubtedly the great ornaments of Messinian land. There were prominent fortresses and jewels of the Republic of Venice. The two wonderful towns are only half an hour away from each other and their destinies were tied from the beginning. Their castles of wonderful architecture flourished during the Venetian era from 1207 to 1500 and evolved into important stops for merchant vessels bound to the East from the West, as well as for pilgrims going to the Holy Land.

Always in the conscience of the travellers Methoni and Koroni complement each other as destinations. Some of the emerald, fine sand beaches of the area are important locations for the Caretta Caretta turtles, while others – mainly in the Methoni area – attract surfers and windsurfers.

Between Methoni and Koroni, the beach of Foinikounta has developed surprisingly, with many rooms to let and taverns along it. Makryamos stands out for its dunes and is part of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas. The local beaches are numerous and worth exploring them all.

Tip: It is worth visiting these twin states not only in summer, but all year round. Especially if you choose the period of Clean Monday, you will feel you are on a journey in time, as then a traditional wedding representation is held by the active cultural club of Methoni, with original Venetian costumes.

 

Taygetos, the magical mountain of the Peloponnese

Taygetos – alternative name is Pentadaktylos – stands out with its imposing beauty and its endless history. It is the highest mountain range of the Peloponnese, and awaits you to reveal beauties beyond imagination, with furious nature and picturesque villages with original colour.

The paths, stone bridges, gorges, numerous picturesque villages, unique beauty routes, eternal firs, black pine trees, crystal clear streams and small rivers create an image of incredible power. The territory of Taygetos, which stretches between the Megalopolis, Evrotas and Messinia basins and reaches 2,407 meters at its highest peak, Agiolia, is a mountain range with incredible hidden treasures.

The lush and mysterious mountain that dominates the heart of the Peloponnese is named after the mythical Taygeti, but the mountain range in Byzantine years was named Pentadaktylos, because of its 5 peaks, whereas its slopes host 25 exclusively endemic species within the rich nature, creating a true life-box. The numerous tiny villages, each with its own unique atmosphere, some ruined, full of legends and stories, many of them vibrant and blooming, attract travellers from all over of the world.

You can enjoy Taygetos in all its forms, whether in the summer in search of cool breeze, whether you choose to experience the spring colour mayhem, or indulge in its autumn and winter allure. Every visit to Taygetos is an opportunity for travellers to live a new, unique experience.

Tip: Taygetos is a unique winter sports destination. Discover the joy of adrenaline doing your favourite sports in one of Europe’s most beautiful mountainous sceneries.