Tucked away in the south-west of the Peloponnese, Methoni is a picturesque seaside village believed to be named after a mythical rock. It’s home to one of the largest medieval castles in Greece, which features architectural remains from its former Venetian and Ottoman rulers.
In the heart of Methoni is the Church of Agios Nikolaos, which is renowned for its beautiful bell tower and carved wooden ceiling. A short stroll away is the historic Well of Mantonina and the poignant Monument to an Unknown Soldier. Methoni’s peaceful streets are home to traditional Greek tavernas and a bakery that’s been selling cakes and pastries since 1904.
Perched atop a promontory extending into the Ionian Sea is the Methoni Castle, a Venetian-built fortification that dates back to the 13th century. It features a two-storey octagonal tower topped by a rounded dome that is connected to Methoni via an arched bridge. Impressive views of the castle can be enjoyed from the sands of Paralia Methonis.
Getting there
Methoni is just over an hour’s drive from Kalamata and Kalamata International Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect to Methoni and the village is compact enough to explore on foot.