Things to do / Places to Visit
There are up to date Guide Books, Maps and information on the local area, including restaurants and tavernas, in Amelie’s House to help you get to know this part of Greece at your leisure, but the following will give you an idea of what the area has to offer.
Beaches
There are some very good beaches just minutes from the house they include:
Gargarou – turn left at the end of our drive and a gentle stroll through the olive groves will take you to the local beach at the end of the lane. Turn left and walk along the beach for approximately 1/4 km. and you come to.
Peroulia Beach – a couple of tavernas, sun loungers and a beautiful beach await.
There are also other beaches very close by in Koroni (Zaga beach) and Finikounda as well as something more secluded like Tsapi.
Day trips
Here are just a few examples of day trip locations, more ideas can be found in the guide books we have at the house:
Waterfalls at Polilimnio – Fifteen freshwater situated in stunning scenery not far from Rizomylos.
Nestors Palace – considered to be the best example of a Mycenaean Palace in the country.
Olympia – walk the impressive ruins where athletes trained and ran in the ancient stadium, the home of the modern Olympics.
Ancient Messini – Picturesque ancient village situated on a hillside below Mavromati.
Activities
If you want to do a bit more than sitting on one of the many and varied beaches, from hidden coves to sweeping sandy bays, there are many activities available:
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Horse riding
- Walking
- Bird watching
- Fishing
- Motorcycle hire
- Vineyard Visit / tastings
Shopping
Charakopio – a good choice of small, local shops - bakeries, butchers, fishmongers and a supermarket. Weekly fruit and vegetable market on Sunday mornings. There are two pharmacies in the village and a doctor’s surgery.
Koroni – Supermarkets and local shops. Weekly fruit and vegetable market on Sunday mornings. Two banks, with ATMs. One pharmacy in Koroni and a doctor’s surgery
Nearby towns
Methoni – with its Castle ruins, harbour, beaches and tavernas
Pylos, Navarino Bay – a wonderful town square, shaded by huge plane trees, with many bars and tavernas. A marvellous place to sit and watch the world go by. Boat trips in glass bottomed boats into Navarino Bay
Kalamata town – Kalamata is the most populous city of the Peloponnese region as well as the capital of the Messenia region. There are many things to see and visit including many bars, restaurants, shops and historical and archaeological sites.
Koroni – a bustling town with Castle, Monastery, and a selection of bars and tavernas along the harbour. This is an ideal place to while away a few hours. Zara Beach is also close by
Finikounda – beaches and tavernas and a lovely place to watch the sunset
Agios Andreas – A lovely fishing harbour with stunning views across the Gulf of Messinia. A good choice of bars and tavernas, with easy parking, make this an ideal place for a leisurely drink or meal. Sandy beach next to the harbour. About 10 minutes drive from Amelie's House.
Petalidi – General market every Friday and fish market
Annual festival highlights
Kalamata International Dance Festival
(usually held in July)
Koroni Arts Festival
(from June through to October annually)