Unique destination oligoimeris escape from those which require good friends, full of tanks and ample exploratory disposal, are the two towns of Messinia, Methone and Koroni. We had the pleasure of being there, a synnefiasmeno afternoon, and apotyposoume in mind - and kameres our amazing images of beauty, such as deilino the castle of Methoni omoio who had not seen. These images of the Greek nature were the only afford this trip.
The Methoni by one, with kamaroto castle seems so serious and inaccessible. Yet, in every corner and a kouvaraki unfolding of history lost in the depths of centuries. The important part, since ancient years already, is the strategic location. The vast frourio, notiotato edge in the west coast of the Peloponnese and the natural harbour were fortresses and ormitiria during the wars of antiquity. And Venetians, from the 12 th century, turned to port located in the middle of the road - Venice East, so also occupied with Koroni, as commercial and nautical passages.
From the gate of the castle, a paved path leads to the Bourtzi, the small fortified islet used by the Turks as a prison. The open horizon that lies in front of the visitor standing at the edge of the small island causes awe: wild rocks and sea skaei off on them a captivating beauty. Legend says that when the Bourtzi lyssomanoun winds, one can hear the cries of prisoners and adikoskotomenon.
The Koroni, on the other, and it has its own Venetian castle, where previously there was a Byzantine fortress, with laxefmenous graves, the Venetian sternes and Turkish steam baths. Inside the castle was erected in 1900, the Church Eleistrias, from the large enclosure in which one admires the vast beach of Koronis and the sea.
The Venetian has helped the city to develop, acquire nafstathmo but also its own manufacturing center with significant exports. Over the years was important civil military center across the eastern Mediterranean, so that to fulfill one of the cases had to… «has barmpa in Koroni ». I know this phrase is said to have emerged in the years of Ottoman rule, a Pasha of Tripoli who to thank for an uncle who had helped in his personal affairs, echrise bei in Koroni. The Beis, in turn, wanting to be helpful to the Koronaious met their wishes by giving ingredients letters to the Pasha of Tripoli.
There is, however, only the castles that impress the visitor in these two cities. Sights vary goitefoun and whoever is available for hiking. It should therefore visit the Catacombs of Agios Onoufrios, 2 km north of Methoni, laxefmenes inside the rock that formed very old cemetery years. Several located near the Church of St. Basil, the road Methoni-Pylos, dating to the 10 th century AD Both parties will awaken in your document… Indiana Jones.
In Koroni, on the other hand, no one comes into contact with the laxity and tranquillity of the Greek province. The images known: multicoloured keramidotes houses with roofs and wooden balkonakia, close «atsaloi» roads, countless churches. Varieties and mezedakia give and take in the surrounding cafes and the local host the passage with a warm smile from those who do not require consideration . Before leaving, do not forget to buy some of the beautiful pottery for which the region is famous.
Although the weather does not swim any more, do not hesitate to make your walks on beaches between the two villages. It surprised by their length, the fine sand and crystal clear waters and perhaps decide where to spend your holidays next summer. An exploratory tour this time is far better. Moreover, bad lies, the sea knows no seasons.
If you have an appetite for more walks and excursions do not hesitate to visit the nearby Finikounda with its beautiful beaches but also Pylos with the picturesque harbour and the beautiful Three Navarhon square in the center. If, indeed, get there do not forget to katsete for Restaurants in «Tavern of Rinas», just before the beach Romanos.
For lunch on Methoni we suggest you choose fish, and more specifically the kitchen of the restaurant «Good Heart» and «Klimataria», with extremely homemade dishes and very reasonable prices. If you find yourself in Finikounda select one of tavernas on the beach, such as «Elena» and «5 F». In Koroni select tsipouradiko «Zorba» on the beach.
Accommodation:
* Methoni Beach Hotel: Next to the castle of Methoni, on the sea is beautiful, stone hotel Methoni Beach, which has a restaurant. The prices of the hotel this time for a double start at 55 euros with breakfast.
* Hotel Diana: Located in the center of Koroni, a breath away from the shops and night life of the place. The prices of the hotel this time for a double start at 40 euros, while others estimate EUR 5 per person for breakfast.
* 12 Gods Resort: The hotel is located in Pylos and has apleti overlooking the harbor. Prices of hotel for this period start at 40 euros with breakfast.
