Perched on the westernmost leg of the Peloponnese, Methoni is a charming seaside village famed for its castle and beaches. It has a fascinating history as a fortified Venetian citadel and fell to the Ottomans in 1500 before becoming part of the Kingdom of Greece in 1833.
Dominating the waterfront is Methoni Castle, a Venetian-built fortification that dates back to the 13th century. Its octagonal tower can be accessed via a stone bridge featuring 13 arches, with the Lion of Saint Mark decorating the castle gate. Nearby are the remains of two Ottoman-built bathhouses while just offshore is the island prison of Bourtzi.
Stretching beneath the castle is the crescent-shaped beach of Methoni where you can sunbathe and swim in the warm waters of the Ionian Sea. For a quieter beach experience, head east to Kritika or jump aboard a boat to explore the uninhabited island of Sapientza.
Getting there
Methoni is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Kalamata and an hour from Kalamata International Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Methoni and the village is small enough to explore on foot.