Koroni is not just history and beauty, it's a town full of life. Visitors can enjoy relaxed evenings by the sea, dining in the small restaurants, browse small artisan shops or watch the sunset from the old fortress walls. With its blend of Greek authenticity, cultural heritage and seaside atmosphere, Koroni is a place to return to.

Foinikouda is a laid-back seaside village loved for its long sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. It has a relaxed atmosphere. Along the waterfront you'll find inviting tavernas where you can taste fresh fish, local wines and other delicacies. Restaurant Elena across the harbour is, in our opinion, one of the best in the area. Try their Ilianthi salad. Greece on a plate!

Let your kids play on the floating bouncy castle and relax in a chair at Bar 'Terra Mare' under the tamarisks. 

Nestled among olive groves and gentle hills, Vasilitsi is a traditional Greek village that offers a peaceful glimpse into authentic Messinian life. It is the closest town to the villa and offers a small supermarket and the authentic and exellent restaurant "Nikos".

Tucked away in a sheltered bay, it feels like a small paradise far from the crowds. There is a small camping and two tavernas. Tsapi beach can be reached by foot in about 2 hours from Allex on a marked road. It can also be reached by car from the road between Foinikouda and Koroni.

Just before the asphalt road becomes a dirt road, when you are driving to Allex, lies Kalamaki beach. It's a small pebble and sand beach that sees a handful of locals and a few tourists during the summer months.

Trees and greenery cover its northern side. It is not organised, so you should bring the essentials with you.

Zaga beach starts from the southern part of Koroni Castle and continues west on the road to Finikouda.

It is a long beach with fine sand and turquoise waters. Along the organised beach, you will find beach bars as well as beach volleyball courts. Apart from its organised part, there are also spots ideal for those who prefer a quiet swim away from the crowds.

Finally, Zaga beach is also accessible through the Eleistra Monastery in Koroni.

When you drive towards Allex about 1 km before you reach Kalamaki Beach, turn left.  

A small sandy beach witch never is crowded.

The village of Peroulia is located 20 km from Alex. Coming from Koroni towards Kalamata, turn right.

It stretches a long distance and at its northernmost end you will find a real paradise. 

This beach is fully organized, with sun loungers, a beach bar and even a restaurant. And what a restaurant! In our opinion the best fish restaurant in the area.

People say that Polylimnio (meaning many lakes) is heaven on earth –and they are right! The lush green gorge with waterfalls, wooded, shady paths and 15 lakes is very close to the Kalamata-Pylos road. So, if you’re in the vicinity in summer or autumn, take a detour (signposted) and go walking and swimming in this earthly paradise. One word of warning: it’s best avoided in winter and early spring as the waters can be in spate.

In recent years, Polylimnio has become a favorite destination for nature lovers and walkers. The route is signposted, and there are recreational and picnic areas along the way.

The paths take you alongside the stream that flows into the Messinian Gulf, and on the way  you cross over small bridges and pass by cascading waterfalls that tumble into beautiful turquoise lakes. When it’s hot you can swim in these beautiful lakes to cool off before hitting the trail again. 

Some of the waterfalls are quite small, but some fall from an impressive height such as Kalouda which has a 25m drop.  Some points to look out for are Mavrolimna, the Italian’s Lakes (the first you will see when you start your walk), Tycheros, Panagos, Stathoula – all names that hide various local traditions. The most popular lake is the larger Kadi lake with its imposing waterfall.

The 3km route is suitable for everyone other than children under 5, but it's a good idea to wear stout shoes. 

It is also called the hidden treasure of the Peloponnese. It is located 30 km north of Kalamata . From Villa Allex it is about 65 km, but you drive almost 1 hour and 15 minutes. Of all the archaeological sites in the Peloponnese, we consider ancient Messini to be the most beautiful, even more beautiful than Ancient Olympia which is located 150km north in the Peloponnese.

You walk for at least 2 hours through the excavations of this ancient Greek city from the 4th century BC. There are beautiful remnants of the theater, Asklepion, bathhouse, stadium and gymnasium. They are busy with restoration and it all looks promising. The stadium has already been partially restored and gives a good impression of how something like this must have looked like in the past.

There is also a small museum. There you see beautiful almost intact sculptures. The impressive sculpture of Hermes is 2.80 m high.

Built by the Venetians in the early 13th century on a rocky promontory, the castle of Methoni is among the largest ones in the Mediterranean. You will be impressed by the 14 arch stone bridge connecting the castle to the shore, which replaced the timber one that stood there before the Venetians. The celebrated symbol of Venice, the lion of San Marco, is engraved on the gate of the castle. You will also see emblems, blazons, inscriptions, and reliefs belonging to Venetian lords, the relics of two Ottoman bathhouses, the Loredan and Bembo bastions, parts of Agia Sophia Byzantine Church, the chapel of Agia Sotira built in 1830 by the French, and the Morozini Column among other sights. 

Paleokastro is a medieval Frankish castle near Pylos in Greece, built around the 13th century on the ruins of an ancient acropolis. The castle is a historic ruin with preserved walls and towers and provided strategic control over the Bay of Navarino. It lost its function when the Turks built the nearby Neokastro in 1573 and was eventually abandoned, but it still offers spectacular views of the surrounding area, and the famous Nestor Cave lies at its foot.

The Gialova Lagoon area, near Pylos, Greece, is a significant part of the Natura 2000 network, renowned for its importance as a wetland for migratory birds and a refuge for the African chameleon. This protected area includes the picturesque Voidokilia Cove and the surrounding landscape, which features pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and offers opportunities for nature exploration. 

Key Aspects of the Natura 2000 Area Gialova Lagoon

• This is one of Europe's most vital wetlands, serving as a crucial stopover for migratory birds traveling to and from Africa. 

• Biodiversity: The area is home to approximately 250 species of birds and is the only refuge in Europe for the endangered African chameleon. 

• Protected Beaches: The famous Voidokilia Cove and the adjacent Divari beach, also known as Golden Beach, are part of the protected Natura 2000 site. 

• Wildlife and Habitats: The site protects a variety of habitats, including the lagoon, dunes, and beaches, contributing to its rich biodiversity. 

Things to Do in the Area:

• Birdwatching: The Gialova Lagoon is an excellent location for birdwatching, with opportunities to observe numerous bird species, especially during migratory seasons. 

• Beach Activities: Enjoy the pristine, clear waters and sandy shores of Voidokilia and Divari beaches. 

• Nature Exploration: Explore the surrounding natural beauty on foot, perhaps taking a path from Gialova to Petrochori. 

• Historical Sites: Visit nearby sites such as the Mycenaean beehive tomb and the Cave of Nestor.  

• Responsible Tourism: When visiting, remember to respect the Natura 2000 status by avoiding disturbance to wildlife and taking all your trash with you. 

Mystras, the most important Byzantine city from the 13th century.

One of the most interesting sights on the Peloponnese peninsula. Mystras is now an abandoned city, five kilometers northwest of Sparta, in the department of Lakonia. At one point in the Middle Ages, as many as 40,000 people lived here. Mystras is located 60 kilometers from Kalamata. The drive over Mount Taygetos takes about an hour and a half, and the route is fantastic; the scenery is impressive, with high mountains, deep valleys, lush forests, and beautiful landscapes.

This former capital of the Morea, the ancient name for the Peloponnese, is the most important and representative example of a Byzantine city from the 13th to the 15th centuries. This "ghost town" is built on the slopes of a steep mountain; you can enter it from above or below. When visiting Mystras, be sure to wear sturdy shoes, as the town is located Climbing onto the slopes of a mountain and strolling through the narrow cobbled streets, mountain paths, and alleyways of the town isn't something you do lightly. It's best to park at the bottom first and explore the lower section. Then, drive to the upper section and explore the castle and the upper part of Mystras with the same ticket.

Kalamata is the capital of the Messinia department on the Peloponnese peninsula. It is the second-largest city in the Peloponnese, second only to Patras, and has a population of 45,000. Kalamata International Airport is also located near the city. The historical and cultural part of the city is largely located at the foot of a hill, topped by the ancient fortress of Kastro. Along the sea and the harbor, you'll find a long boulevard with a beach, restaurants, beach bars, and numerous terraces.

Take a walk through the historic center of Kalamata

In 1986, a major earthquake destroyed part of the city, but everything has since been rebuilt and restored. The city has a commercial port and a marina. The new market, the Nea Agora, several churches, the Metropolis Ypapanti, and the (open-air) railway museum with its vintage steam locomotives are attractive sights. A stroll through the city is highly recommended, including the Kastro and Nea Agora. You can walk to and from the harbor and boulevard along the long shopping street, Aristomenous. There's a parking lot at Nea Agora, or you can park at the harbor. There are also plenty of parking options along the road in Kalamata's center.

The Kalamata olive is named after this city because it is traditionally grown in the Kalamata region. The combination of the warm climate, fertile soil, and traditional harvesting methods produces large, dark purple olives with a full, fruity flavor of exceptional quality. You can buy local olives and oil at Kalamata's daily market or at small family-run farms just outside the city. 

Sparta is located 120km of Allex, 60km east of Kalamata.

Sparta was already an important cultural center in the Mycenaean period. This is evident in Homerus's Iliad (Menelaus and "the Beautiful" Helen). But the historical Sparta emerged in the 10th century BC. That's when four Dorian villages decided to merge (also called a synoecism) into one large polis, situated in the alluvial plain of the Eurotas River. In doing so, they pushed the original inhabitants of the plain to the outskirts and reduced them to second-class citizens, who were used as naked slaves.

This created a rather unique situation for Greece, because the city of Sparta, which lacked a true acropolis or city walls, was situated in the open, fertile agricultural region. Consequently, the inhabitants had to be constantly on the alert for possible enemy raids and uprisings by the original inhabitants, who were in the vast majority. This fact contributed significantly to the formation of the unique "Spartan" character. 

In Sparta, you can visit various historical sites and museums that provide insight into both ancient and modern life.

 - Archaeological Museum of Sparta: This museum houses an extensive collection of ancient archaeological finds, including statues, pottery, and weapons.

- War Museum of Sparta: Here you'll get a glimpse into Sparta's military history, with displays of weapons and armor.

- Menelaion Ruins: The remains of the shrine of King Menelaus, offering a glimpse into the region's mythological history.