Explore Messinia

Messinia is on your doorstep

Lagouvardos sits on a quiet stretch of the Ionian coast, an easy base for the southwest Peloponnese.

Within an easy drive

Places worth the drive

Beaches, old castles, a lagoon full of birds and a set of waterfalls, all within about an hour. These are the places Nikos points guests to.

Island by boat

Proti Islet

The green, uninhabited island lying just off Marathopoli, reached by small excursion boat from the village harbour a few minutes from the houses. Its sheltered channel is calm and clear, with a natural cove and an old sailors' chapel to find ashore.

Iconic bay

Voidokilia Beach

A curved bay of pale sand and shallow, sheltered water, often called one of the best beaches in Greece. Behind it you can walk up to Nestor's Cave and the ruins of Old Navarino castle, so it's easy to spend a whole morning here.

Golf & spa

Costa Navarino

A large resort on the coast to the south, with golf courses, a spa and beach clubs that are open to visitors. A comfortable, upmarket day out if you want a change from the quiet of Lagouvardos.

Birdwatching wetland

Gialova Lagoon

A protected wetland and one of Greece's most important bird habitats, where flamingos and herons feed on the still water. Flat, easy walking and hide trails ring the lagoon between the dunes and the pinewoods.

Historic harbour

Pylos

A seaside town built around Navarino Bay, with a shaded main square, tavernas along the waterfront and the walls of the Niokastro fortress looking out to sea. A good place to stroll, eat well and wander before the drive back.

Sea fortress

Methoni Castle

A vast Venetian sea fortress on the southern tip of the peninsula, its walls running out over the water to the little Bourtzi tower on its islet. Wide open ramparts, sea on three sides and a sandy beach right beside the gate.

Waterfalls & pools

Polylimnio Waterfalls

A series of small green pools and waterfalls in a wooded gorge inland, reached on a shady walking trail. A cool change from the coast, with clear pools to swim in along the way.

Ask Nikos

Tavernas worth the drive, the quiet swimming coves, the best time for each spot. Ask Nikos for a shortlist when you book.

Get in touch

Note: drive times are approximate and depend on the exact route. Once you've booked, Nikos sends precise directions and up-to-date tips for each spot.

Destination photos via Wikimedia Commons: Proti © Geoandrios (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Voidokilia © Dimosthenis Eleftheriadis (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Costa Navarino © Grzontan (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Gialova © Fotis Bougas (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Pylos © Dnalor 01 (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Methoni © Jean Housen (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Polylimnio © Grzontan (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Base yourself on the beach

Stay at Lagouvardos, explore Messinia

A car makes all of this easy, and both houses come with free private parking. Book direct for the best rate.

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