The southwestern tip of the Peloponnese, Messenia offers incredible beach resorts, pretty castellated villages and medieval castles. Pepper your tan and flop days with pedagogic jaunts to Olympia and Mystras to discover its glorious past.
Opt for the opulent Costa Navarino near Methoni or family-friendly Zoe Resort by Gialova. The Romanos is another 5-star option with Caribbean standards.
1. Filoxenia Hotel
In the heart of the southern Peloponnese, in the gulf of Kalamata and within walking distance to the beach, this hotel offers you a warm feeling of home away from home. Emerald green grass, topaz blue skies and mountains with reach vegetation are the perfect setting for this exquisite resort in Tsilivi Zakynthos, a unique place that will spoil you from the very first moment.
A stay at Filoxenia will give you a chance to relax, unwind and escape from the everyday. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds this boutique hotel while you take advantage of its facilities and services such as free public parking and dry cleaning/laundry services. Guests can also try out the on-site restaurant and bar. The rooms are simply furnished and offer a balcony or terrace where you can sit back, relax and admire the surrounding scenery.
The best time to book a room at Filoxenia Hotel is during the low season when prices are usually less than $50 a night. However, prices can vary depending on which day of the week you choose to stay and the season in which you are traveling. For example, the cheapest price on KAYAK is found in October, while the most expensive booking is made on Monday.
Filoxenia Hotel is a popular choice for couples and families looking for a quality stay in the Kalavryta area. Its charming blue and white buildings rise over large grounds filled with olive trees, making a great impression upon arrival. Past visitors have described the staff as friendly and quick to offer smiles and a welcoming atmosphere. The resort’s restaurant serves delicious food that is sure to please everyone.
The hotel’s convenient location makes it easy to explore all that Kalavryta has to offer. It is also a short drive from Navagio Beach, Keri Beach and Laganas Beach. The hotel’s on-site spa is a relaxing way to end the day. It features a hot tub, sauna and massage services. The resort also offers a rooftop garden that is a great spot to enjoy the sunset.
2. The Romanos
The Romanos is a beachfront oasis of secluded luxury and alluring views. Its 321 rooms and suites have a contemporary feel and feature spacious terraces with views of the Mediterranean. Guests can enjoy an array of in-house dining options, from the upscale Perovino to the laidback Anax Lounge. The hotel also offers a spa, which includes a sauna, steam room, and massage services.
Guests can also get their daily workout in at the resort’s gym, and take part in various wellness activities including yoga classes, aqua aerobics, and tennis lessons. Other activities include a kids’ club, two pools, and a variety of dining experiences. Those looking for a bit of adventure can try rock climbing, hiking, or sea kayaking at Navarino Bay.
The resort’s location is ideal for exploring the largely untouched Costa Navarino area. It’s within easy reach of the ancient ruins at Olympia, where you can run the same track as ancient athletes did and marvel at their marble statues (equal in artistry to the Elgin Marbles). It’s also an hour’s drive from the sand dunes of Strofilia National Park.
The Romanos is a member of The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, which is an elite group of hotels that offer a unique combination of luxury, service, and exclusivity. Guests can enjoy access to the other hotels in The Luxury Collection, which includes The Palace of Nestor, and a number of other luxury amenities such as free wifi, concierge services, and more.
3. Kalamata Beach Hotel
Located on the northern edge of Kalamata Beach, this hotel offers guests a beautiful view of the sea and is within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and cafes. The hotel also has a small private beach and an indoor pool, as well as a spa for those looking to relax during their stay.
The rooms are well-appointed and feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. They are also equipped with air conditioning and a mini bar. A terrace is also available where guests can enjoy a drink and the sunset. There is also a buffet breakfast served daily at the hotel.
Another one of the best places to stay in Messinia, this hotel is ideally situated near the beaches and attractions of the city. It is within a short walk of the city center and offers free parking and a bar. Guests have raved about the friendly staff and the excellent value this hotel offers.
While the hotel is not considered a 5-star, it is still an excellent option for those looking to stay in the heart of the city. The rooms are clean and spacious, and the staff is helpful and accommodating. The hotel also offers an excellent breakfast and is close to many shops and restaurants.
A beautiful property surrounded by olive groves, this hotel is located just north of Pylos and right on a lovely sandy beach. It features rooms and suites, as well as villas with their own pool. Guests have raved about the incredible views, great breakfast, and wonderful service.
This modern, boutique hotel is a 10-minute walk from the beautiful Kalamata Beach and the restaurants on the boardwalk. It is also within walking distance of many of the city’s historic sites and museums. The hotel is known for its exceptional breakfast, which is made with fresh local ingredients. It is also a great place to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing.
The rooms are modern and offer all of the amenities that you would expect from a luxury hotel. The bathrooms are large and well-appointed, and the beds are comfortable. The hotel also has an excellent restaurant, which is a great option for those looking to dine in the evening.
4. The Aegean Seafront Suites
Sitting on the southwestern corner of the Peloponnese, Messenia is a largely undiscovered gem. Here the vivid blue Ionian Sea clings to immaculate sandy coastline, while verdant valleys and stunning mountain ranges provide a breathtaking natural backdrop. It’s a destination for those who prefer the archetypal Greek island vibe; it’s also an ideal place to indulge in small-scale summer laziness and sample some of Greece’s finest seafood.
The capital, Kalamata, is awash with ancient treasures. The 13th-century fortress, Pali Poli, is a mesmerising sight, and the Old Town’s cobbled streets and Ottoman architecture offer a fascinating glimpse of Greece’s long history. Kalamata’s beaches are heavenly too, though for a real treat head to the secluded Gialova Beach near Voidokoilia; it’s an excellent spot for birdwatching and snorkelling.
There are some great hotels to choose from in the region, including the opulent Westin Costa Navarino that offers Caribbean standards of service and two golf courses. The less-expensive Zoe Resort in Gialova and the Camvillia Resort near Messinia also offer some of the best luxury accommodation in the area.
For those who want to stay in the city, try a budget option like Family Hotel Latini or boutique Hotel Ippoliti. For something a bit more stylish try the 3 Sixty Hotel & Suites in a converted neoclassical town house or the modernist Olympic Star. Patras is a wine lover’s dream; you can visit the headquarters of Achaia Clauss and taste some of the region’s finest bottles.
With its airy, spacious rooms and sense of refined opulence, The Aegean Seafront Suites is one of the most luxurious options in the area. Each room is bright and inviting, with a unique character that fuses warmth, elegance and sophistication. There’s a plethora of amenities, from private pools to artworks by artists such as Nafsika Keke’s photographs depicting a surrealist waterworld and Dania Kotsaki’s bespoke bamboo wall hangings. Located in the Vlychada district, this is a perfect spot for a relaxing holiday.