Ioannis's Guidebook
Archaeological site
Very close to “The Backyard”, (about 15 minutes), well preserved Archaeological site. Just before the site there is a caffe-Tavern called “Ithomi”were you can enjoy a “Mpaklava” or “Galaktompoureko” or other sweets enjoying the views.
It is best known for the ruins of the large classical city-state of Ancient Messene. The site was founded in the Bronze Age as Ithome, an ancient city originally of Achaean Greeks which eventually came under the hegemony of the military state of Sparta with which it had a long struggle. During the latter period many inhabitants went into exile, and eventually it was destroyed by the Spartans and abandoned for some time.
After the defeat of the Spartans at the Battle of Leuctra (371 BC), the Thebans invaded the Peloponnese and Epaminondas built the new city of Messene on the site in 369 BC over the ruins of Ithome and invited the return of the previous inhabitants and their descendants.
The substantial ruins are a major historical attraction. Much has been archaeologically excavated and partly restored or preserved for study and public viewing, as well as for various events.
The site was never totally abandoned. The small village of Mavromati occupies what was the upper city around the fountain called klepsydra.
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Antikke by Messini
Very close to “The Backyard”, (about 15 minutes), well preserved Archaeological site. Just before the site there is a caffe-Tavern called “Ithomi”were you can enjoy a “Mpaklava” or “Galaktompoureko” or other sweets enjoying the views.
It is best known for the ruins of the large classical city-state of Ancient Messene. The site was founded in the Bronze Age as Ithome, an ancient city originally of Achaean Greeks which eventually came under the hegemony of the military state of Sparta with which it had a long struggle. During the latter period many inhabitants went into exile, and eventually it was destroyed by the Spartans and abandoned for some time.
After the defeat of the Spartans at the Battle of Leuctra (371 BC), the Thebans invaded the Peloponnese and Epaminondas built the new city of Messene on the site in 369 BC over the ruins of Ithome and invited the return of the previous inhabitants and their descendants.
The substantial ruins are a major historical attraction. Much has been archaeologically excavated and partly restored or preserved for study and public viewing, as well as for various events.
The site was never totally abandoned. The small village of Mavromati occupies what was the upper city around the fountain called klepsydra.
On your way to Methoni or Voidokilia you can also visit Pylos ( enjoy a coffee at the main square) and Pylos castle.
Two castles are built on the summits of the two hills at the ends of the Bay of Navarino, overlooking the town of Pylos: the older castle of Navarino, called Palaiokastron or Palaionavarinon and the more recent castle, called Niokastron.
The latter was built in 1573 by the Turks, and in 1686 was given over to the Venetians. It again came under Turkish domination in 1715, along with the castle of Koroni and Palaionavarino. In 1816 it was captured by Ibrahim Pasha and remained under his control until 1828 when it was liberated by the French general Maison. During the Second World War it was used as the seat of the Italian and, later, the German headquarters.
Large-scale restoration work has been carried out for many years. The restored hexagonal Fortress on the top of the hill houses the Museum and the Underwater Archaeological Research Centre.
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Νιόκαστρο Φρούριο Πύλου
TsamadouOn your way to Methoni or Voidokilia you can also visit Pylos ( enjoy a coffee at the main square) and Pylos castle.
Two castles are built on the summits of the two hills at the ends of the Bay of Navarino, overlooking the town of Pylos: the older castle of Navarino, called Palaiokastron or Palaionavarinon and the more recent castle, called Niokastron.
The latter was built in 1573 by the Turks, and in 1686 was given over to the Venetians. It again came under Turkish domination in 1715, along with the castle of Koroni and Palaionavarino. In 1816 it was captured by Ibrahim Pasha and remained under his control until 1828 when it was liberated by the French general Maison. During the Second World War it was used as the seat of the Italian and, later, the German headquarters.
Large-scale restoration work has been carried out for many years. The restored hexagonal Fortress on the top of the hill houses the Museum and the Underwater Archaeological Research Centre.
Combine it with a swim and maybe rent a small boat to explore the close islands.
The Castle of Methoni is a medieval fortification in the port town of Methoni, Messenia, in southwestern Greece. The castle of Methoni occupies the whole area of the cape and the southwestern coast to the small islet that has also been fortified with an octagonal tower and is protected by the sea on its three sides. Its north part, the one that looks to land, is covered by a heavily fortified acropolis. A deep moat separates the castle from the land and communication was achieved by a wooden bridge. The Venetians built on the ancient battlements and added on and repaired it during both periods that they occupied the castle.
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Μπούρτζι φρουρείου Μεθώνης
Combine it with a swim and maybe rent a small boat to explore the close islands.
The Castle of Methoni is a medieval fortification in the port town of Methoni, Messenia, in southwestern Greece. The castle of Methoni occupies the whole area of the cape and the southwestern coast to the small islet that has also been fortified with an octagonal tower and is protected by the sea on its three sides. Its north part, the one that looks to land, is covered by a heavily fortified acropolis. A deep moat separates the castle from the land and communication was achieved by a wooden bridge. The Venetians built on the ancient battlements and added on and repaired it during both periods that they occupied the castle.
As you go to Voidokilia beach you can also visit this site.
The site is the best preserved Mycenaean Greek palace discovered. The palace is the primary structure within a larger Late Helladic era settlement, once probably surrounded by a fortified wall. The palace was a two-storey building with store rooms, workshops, baths, light wells, reception rooms and a sewage system.
The settlement had been long occupied with most artifacts discovered dating from 1300 BC. The palace complex was destroyed by fire around 1200 BC.
In June 2016, the site re-opened to the public after the roof was replaced by a modern structure with raised walkways for visitors.
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Nestors Palads
Ethniki Odos Kiparissias PilouAs you go to Voidokilia beach you can also visit this site.
The site is the best preserved Mycenaean Greek palace discovered. The palace is the primary structure within a larger Late Helladic era settlement, once probably surrounded by a fortified wall. The palace was a two-storey building with store rooms, workshops, baths, light wells, reception rooms and a sewage system.
The settlement had been long occupied with most artifacts discovered dating from 1300 BC. The palace complex was destroyed by fire around 1200 BC.
In June 2016, the site re-opened to the public after the roof was replaced by a modern structure with raised walkways for visitors.
Close to Peroulia beach there is Koroni and Koroni’s castle.
An ancient acropolis existed at the location of the castle since before the Trojan war. Its name was Aisini and it was one of the 7 cities offered by Agamemnon to Achilles to ease his anger according to Homer.
In the 6th or 7th century AD, the Byzantines built a fortress there.
As many castles in Peloponnese, the city became important and flourished after the 13th century and the Frankish occupation.
Following the fall of Constantinople to the Fourth Crusade in 1204, a Venetian fleet under Premarini and the son of the doge Dandolo occupied it in 1206, and converted the port into a provisioning station “where all passing ships could receive a month's rations”, a custom maintained after the place became a regular Venetian colony.
Since 1205 Koroni belonged to the Frankish Principality of Achaea. In 1209, the ruler of Achaea Geoffroi de Villehardouin I had no choice than to cede officially the castle-city to the Venetians.
The Venetians made a major reconstruction and expansion of the castle which finished around the end of that century.
The fortress and town were captured by the Ottoman troops of Sultan Bayezid II, who led personally the operation, in 1500.
In 1532, the Habsburg emperor Charles V ordered the Genoese admiral Andrea Doria to attack Koroni as a diversion to the Turkish campaigns in Hungary. Doria managed to capture the city, and to lay waste to the surrounding coast.
In spring 1533, the Ottoman Emperor Suleiman the Magnificent sent 60 galleys to retake the city. They blockaded the harbour, but they were defeated by Doria, highlighting the weakness of the Ottoman Navy at that time. An Ottoman land army however was successful in laying a siege around the city, forcing its surrender on 1 April 1534. The weakened Spanish garrison was allowed to leave the city unharmed
In 1685 the Venetians under general Morozini returned and stayed until 1715. But the golden age of the city was not revived.
After that, Koroni remained under Turkish occupation. The fortress suffered serious damages after a heavy bombardment during the Orlof events in 1770. In the Greek revolution, the Greek fighters were unable to capture the city.
Koroni was liberated in 1828 by the French General Nicolas Joseph Maison, after the battle of Navarino.
A couple of families still live in the castle today. There is also a nunnery.
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Koroni's Castle
Close to Peroulia beach there is Koroni and Koroni’s castle.
An ancient acropolis existed at the location of the castle since before the Trojan war. Its name was Aisini and it was one of the 7 cities offered by Agamemnon to Achilles to ease his anger according to Homer.
In the 6th or 7th century AD, the Byzantines built a fortress there.
As many castles in Peloponnese, the city became important and flourished after the 13th century and the Frankish occupation.
Following the fall of Constantinople to the Fourth Crusade in 1204, a Venetian fleet under Premarini and the son of the doge Dandolo occupied it in 1206, and converted the port into a provisioning station “where all passing ships could receive a month's rations”, a custom maintained after the place became a regular Venetian colony.
Since 1205 Koroni belonged to the Frankish Principality of Achaea. In 1209, the ruler of Achaea Geoffroi de Villehardouin I had no choice than to cede officially the castle-city to the Venetians.
The Venetians made a major reconstruction and expansion of the castle which finished around the end of that century.
The fortress and town were captured by the Ottoman troops of Sultan Bayezid II, who led personally the operation, in 1500.
In 1532, the Habsburg emperor Charles V ordered the Genoese admiral Andrea Doria to attack Koroni as a diversion to the Turkish campaigns in Hungary. Doria managed to capture the city, and to lay waste to the surrounding coast.
In spring 1533, the Ottoman Emperor Suleiman the Magnificent sent 60 galleys to retake the city. They blockaded the harbour, but they were defeated by Doria, highlighting the weakness of the Ottoman Navy at that time. An Ottoman land army however was successful in laying a siege around the city, forcing its surrender on 1 April 1534. The weakened Spanish garrison was allowed to leave the city unharmed
In 1685 the Venetians under general Morozini returned and stayed until 1715. But the golden age of the city was not revived.
After that, Koroni remained under Turkish occupation. The fortress suffered serious damages after a heavy bombardment during the Orlof events in 1770. In the Greek revolution, the Greek fighters were unable to capture the city.
Koroni was liberated in 1828 by the French General Nicolas Joseph Maison, after the battle of Navarino.
A couple of families still live in the castle today. There is also a nunnery.
Beach
Crystal clear waters, shallow at the beginning for kids , with golden sand. The restaurant also very good . Usually it is protected by weather and there are no waves at all. Tip: try the Feta cheese with fyllo, honey and sesame. ( 45 minutes from Backyard). Cocktails: Mojito with Masticha.
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Peroulia Beach
Crystal clear waters, shallow at the beginning for kids , with golden sand. The restaurant also very good . Usually it is protected by weather and there are no waves at all. Tip: try the Feta cheese with fyllo, honey and sesame. ( 45 minutes from Backyard). Cocktails: Mojito with Masticha.
Great beach! It is not organized. Remember to bring everything you need with you, as there are no kiosks there.
In the shape of the Greek letter omega, its sand forms a semicircular strip of dunes. On the land-facing side of the strip of dunes is Gialova Lagoon, an important bird habitat. The beach has been named "A Place of Particular Natural Beauty".
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Voidokilia Beach
Great beach! It is not organized. Remember to bring everything you need with you, as there are no kiosks there.
In the shape of the Greek letter omega, its sand forms a semicircular strip of dunes. On the land-facing side of the strip of dunes is Gialova Lagoon, an important bird habitat. The beach has been named "A Place of Particular Natural Beauty".
Kookoonari Beach Bar
Another nice place to visit , close to Ammothines and Voidokilia.
Beach with a medieval view. Tip: If you don’t like crowds, you can walk at the right side of the beach, right next to the castle and you ll end up at some huge rocks with turquoise waters where you can have a swim/dive.
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Methoni
Beach with a medieval view. Tip: If you don’t like crowds, you can walk at the right side of the beach, right next to the castle and you ll end up at some huge rocks with turquoise waters where you can have a swim/dive.
If you like more “virgin” beaches with no sun beds and you prefer the rocky or pebble coast.
This in a very beautiful beach in Mani Peninsula, Pelopponese: green, transparent water, caves, a big rock which divides the beach in two. However, the beach is covered with rocks, which make walking quite painful. It is also usually very crowded in August.
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Foneas beach
Επαρχιακή Οδός Καλαμάτας - ΑρεόποληςIf you like more “virgin” beaches with no sun beds and you prefer the rocky or pebble coast.
This in a very beautiful beach in Mani Peninsula, Pelopponese: green, transparent water, caves, a big rock which divides the beach in two. However, the beach is covered with rocks, which make walking quite painful. It is also usually very crowded in August.
Very beautiful small beach. Be aware that they charge the sun beds - umbrella set. First row is about 50€. Right next to this beach there is “Stoupa” beach which is not so expensive.
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Kalogria Beach
Very beautiful small beach. Be aware that they charge the sun beds - umbrella set. First row is about 50€. Right next to this beach there is “Stoupa” beach which is not so expensive.
Food scene
This is the tavern of the village. Souvlaki with pita, Greek salad, Tzatziki, French fries, etc. Spyros can also make delivery to “The Backyard”.
Ταβέρνα στην πλατεία - Καλογερόπουλος Κων. - Tavern Kalogeropoulos
This is the tavern of the village. Souvlaki with pita, Greek salad, Tzatziki, French fries, etc. Spyros can also make delivery to “The Backyard”.
Great views of the gulf. Great food and drinks. Sunset is spectacular!
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Kastraki-Meteoro
Great views of the gulf. Great food and drinks. Sunset is spectacular!
Ksimeroma
38 Eparchiaki Odos Kalamatas - AreopolisNice food / fresh fish
Once you visit Voidokilia, or Pylos or you go for watersports at Divari beach, then you can visit this restaurant. Try the Messinian cheese “Talagani” that they prepare with preserved grape sweet!
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Elia Restaurant
Once you visit Voidokilia, or Pylos or you go for watersports at Divari beach, then you can visit this restaurant. Try the Messinian cheese “Talagani” that they prepare with preserved grape sweet!
Another nice place for swim and food. They organize also live music and experiences like olive’s picking.
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Ammothines Restaurant
Another nice place for swim and food. They organize also live music and experiences like olive’s picking.
Great place to go for a walk , see the ducks and eat. Also nice for kids. Located at the village of “Pidima”.
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Ο Μύλος - Εστιατόριο
Great place to go for a walk , see the ducks and eat. Also nice for kids. Located at the village of “Pidima”.
If you decide to go to Stoupa or Kalogria, the next village only 3,5 Km’s away is called Agios Nikolaos. You will find there a nice tavern and the owner Mrs Elli is a great cook! Try the salad with the orange or the pasta with whole egg and local cheese “ Myzithra”.
Elli' s Tavern
If you decide to go to Stoupa or Kalogria, the next village only 3,5 Km’s away is called Agios Nikolaos. You will find there a nice tavern and the owner Mrs Elli is a great cook! Try the salad with the orange or the pasta with whole egg and local cheese “ Myzithra”.
A small fishing village 12 Km outside Kalamata. 2 taverns there and a small beach. Fresh fish and a Greek salad is all you need! Nice for sunset also.
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Kitries
A small fishing village 12 Km outside Kalamata. 2 taverns there and a small beach. Fresh fish and a Greek salad is all you need! Nice for sunset also.
At the square of the village, Aglaia and Nikos are very willing to make you Greek dishes, like rooster with pasta, fish marinated in wine, Greek salad, fresh fried potatoes etc. You can pay them a visit and ask them what you would like to eat and they can accommodate.
Kapheneio
At the square of the village, Aglaia and Nikos are very willing to make you Greek dishes, like rooster with pasta, fish marinated in wine, Greek salad, fresh fried potatoes etc. You can pay them a visit and ask them what you would like to eat and they can accommodate.
Sightseeing
One of the most picturesque small villages. Suggestions:
Dioscouri Café
Not really a cafe, more a taverna, it lies about 100 meters south of the village up the hill, overlooking the port and Meropi island. It has undeniably the most picturesque setting in the village.
Androuvista café
Set in the heart of the main street, with hand-painted tables. This is the perfect place to people watch. You will find interesting salads served with good local wine.
O Psaras (the fisherman)
Set above a small key. As the name suggests it’s a fish taverna and Vageli will be proud to open the fish fridge’s pull- out trays and open the fish’s gills so you can peer inside to check for freshness.
Lela's Taverna
Look in most guides to Kardamyli and Lela's will be the first place recommended to eat. She did have a rare skill in the kitchen, honed when she was the cook for Leigh Fermor.
Elies:
Last but not least. It’s hard to know where to start with this one, set in an olive grove by the sea. The food is classic Greek during the day when Fanny is cooking and at night the chefs change and it becomes all-round Mediterranean.
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Kardamyli
One of the most picturesque small villages. Suggestions:
Dioscouri Café
Not really a cafe, more a taverna, it lies about 100 meters south of the village up the hill, overlooking the port and Meropi island. It has undeniably the most picturesque setting in the village.
Androuvista café
Set in the heart of the main street, with hand-painted tables. This is the perfect place to people watch. You will find interesting salads served with good local wine.
O Psaras (the fisherman)
Set above a small key. As the name suggests it’s a fish taverna and Vageli will be proud to open the fish fridge’s pull- out trays and open the fish’s gills so you can peer inside to check for freshness.
Lela's Taverna
Look in most guides to Kardamyli and Lela's will be the first place recommended to eat. She did have a rare skill in the kitchen, honed when she was the cook for Leigh Fermor.
Elies:
Last but not least. It’s hard to know where to start with this one, set in an olive grove by the sea. The food is classic Greek during the day when Fanny is cooking and at night the chefs change and it becomes all-round Mediterranean.
If you want to do the extra mile! About 2 hours from “ The Backyard”.
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Diros-hulerne
If you want to do the extra mile! About 2 hours from “ The Backyard”.
Another place that you can swim, eat and walk around. Nice beach : “Loutsa”.
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Foinikounta
Another place that you can swim, eat and walk around. Nice beach : “Loutsa”.
Water Sports
If you are close to Pylos, you will have a great time if you love water sports or want to start now.
Navarino Waterski
If you are close to Pylos, you will have a great time if you love water sports or want to start now.
If you are a water sports enthusiast, this place , in Kalamata offers the whole package!
Thalassa Sports
If you are a water sports enthusiast, this place , in Kalamata offers the whole package!
Hiking
If you are an adventurous person and you like to hike!
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Taygetos Mountain Peak, Prophet Elias
If you are an adventurous person and you like to hike!
Olive oil tasting/Food Tour/Cooking
The history, the soul, the tradition, the gastronomy of Messinia are revealed…
Only 5 minutes away! The Olive Routes! Here you can have Olive Oil Tour, Wine Tour, Cooking/Food Tour, Castle Tour and a great tour for kids!
Contact them Ask for Dimitra and tell them you are from The Backyard!
Castle of Androusa
Only 5 minutes away! The Olive Routes! Here you can have Olive Oil Tour, Wine Tour, Cooking/Food Tour, Castle Tour and a great tour for kids!
Contact them Ask for Dimitra and tell them you are from The Backyard!
If you are on a day excursion from The Backyard to Pylos and Voidokilia, maybe you could try the Olive Oil Tasting / Cooking Class with eco ingredients from their garden. They speak English and German.
Messinian Story
If you are on a day excursion from The Backyard to Pylos and Voidokilia, maybe you could try the Olive Oil Tasting / Cooking Class with eco ingredients from their garden. They speak English and German.