Τhe area of Messenia, Greece is a blessed area. Green hills even in the summer attest rich flora, while the historical towns and the ancient monument abound. Last but not least, the golden coastline and the interesting natural surroundings attract travelers both seeking to relax or explore.
Know before you go
It’s an almost 4 hours drive from Athens, but you can also fly to the airport of Kalamata.
5 nights might not be enough here, because there’s plenty to see and do, especially during the warm months, May to October.
Stay
When it comes to traveling with kids for longer than 4 days, we couldn’t recommend villas enough. Especially the ones featuring a swimming pool and a snack bar! The villa we stayed at in Messenia at Methoni’s Finest Luxury Villas is on the ground floor with access to the garden and the estate. It features 2 bedrooms on 2 floors, both with en-suite bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and everything you might need for your little ones (travel cots, high chairs, blenders, bath tub, kids cutlery).
Traditional Guest House Liodentra: 30 minutes from Kitries, this lovely estate is right on Ritsa beach, just minutes from charming Kardamyli town. It features a pool and a playground in its large garden with olive grove and the houses are spacious enough even for large families.
Chamaloni Guesthousesis open all year long, offering accommodation in spacious traditional fully equipped cottages with fireplace or stove, sea views and access to a lovely garden and olive grove. Vegan farm to table meals are served 3 times a day, while kids have plenty of free play opportunities in the playground, with the kids bikes and carts and all the toys.Οld Sport Mansion
is ideal for large families, as it features 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It’s also perfect for kids, as it has a playroom, a playground in the large safe garden, as well as a mini open air cinema.
Eat
You can find traditional maniot cuisine here, one of the best in the country. Don’t leave before trying lalaggia, kagiana, tsoufti pasta and salad with eggs and oranges!
Places of Interest
Yalova Lagoon
It is a truly awesome, quiet and beautiful place. The beach just across the lagoon is protected, golden and stunning, with a great view to Pylos town. Yalova is ideal for bicycle rides, as the road is flat and surrounded by beautiful nature.
Yalova is ideal for families with babies therefore, since the bicycle ride is fairly easy even with a baby on it and the sea is shallow with soft sand.
Voidokilia Beach
The ultimate must-see of the area is even more stunning up-close. You won’t see it’s semi-circle shape when you visit it, as it’s only visible from above. But you’ll be left to admire the golden sand, the crystal clear sea, the exotic rock formations.
Even if I prefer the lush hills and the olive tree forests of Messenia, I have to admit that Voidokilia beach is really something.
Pylos Town
Pylos is a cute coastal town, perched on a hill and strategically built on a port enclosed by huge rocky islets. The castle is worth a visit, for the great views from the Acropolis and the traditional church.
Τhe town life moves around the central square, which is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, which are all pretty family friendly.
Methoni Castle
Methoni is a small-long town, whose edge ends on the castle. It is actually stunning to look at from afar, especially when the sun sets behind it. Wear your babies and explore the castle, walk through the narrow pathway among the sea and enter the fortress. It’s beautiful!
There are few food options here, not so baby friendly though. We were there late September and no tavern had more than 1 baby seat. The beach is next to the castle so it’s beautiful, and shallow, for kids.
Finikounta Beach
Finikounta is a small tourist town. 100% focused on beach vacation, as its coast is golden and friendly. There are tons of small accommodation options here, as well as taverns. It attracts mainly families with babies or young children.
Kardamyli town
Charming town 30 minutes from Kalamata, Kardamyli has a beach with lovely taverns, a marina with some fine dining and great gelato, an Old Town and high end shopping. It’s also close to some of the best beaches of the area, Foneas and Delfinia.
Don’t leave before also visiting
Polylimnio, Neda Waterfalls, Nestor’s Palace and Koroni’s Castle.
What else did you see and liked in Pylos area?