BETWEEN OLIVE GROVES AND THE SEA
Avia, Kalamata and Messenia
Our excursion ideas for your holiday-home stay.
OUR TIPS FOR AVIA & KALAMATA
Enjoy. Explore. Embrace the outdoors.
Our personal restaurant recommendations and excursion ideas for your stay at Orea Elena or Mikri Eleni. Please check opening hours in advance and book directly if you are planning an evening meal.
Dining out & sitting by the sea
To Iliovasilema · Megali Mantinia
A classic family-run restaurant where we always eat exceptionally well: fresh, excellent Greek cooking. In summer, we love sitting on the terrace overlooking the bay; in winter, it is cosy indoors by the fire. The family raises its own sheep and lambs.
Agkali · Akrogiali
Our recommendation for a wonderful beach bar: sit outside by the sea in summer and enjoy the cosy atmosphere in the quieter seasons and winter.
Thiasos · Kalamata
Our tip for suckling pig: for us, Thiasos serves the best in town.
Foíno · Kalamata
Modern, creative and one of Kalamata's culinary highlights for us. We especially love the wonderful house-baked bread. A lovely choice for a special evening out.
Oinopantopoleion Chrysomalli · Kalamata
Classic ambience meets modern Greek cuisine. We love the excellent food and superb wine list; in the warmer months, the enchanting courtyard is a particular favourite.
A morning at the market
Kalamata's main market
Wednesday and Saturday are market days at the central market hall. It is a lovely opportunity to browse the stalls and pick up fresh fruit, vegetables and regional produce for your holiday-home kitchen.
Discover the ancient world
Ancient Messene · Archaia Messini
An extraordinarily impressive archaeological site in our view: here you can gain a sense of an entire ancient city, with its theatre, stadium, temples, colonnades and homes. Allow plenty of time for the extensive site – and take water and sun protection in summer.
Palace of Nestor · near Chora and Pylos
A journey back to the Mycenaean age. Among the striking surviving details is a bathtub. It calls to mind a story from Homer's Odyssey: Telemachus, son of Odysseus, visits Nestor and is bathed by Nestor's daughter Polycaste. The link to the surviving tub is a literary association, not evidence that Telemachus used it.
Waterfalls & nature
Polylimnio · near Charavgi
Waterfalls and small lakes in a verdant gorge: Polylimnio makes a rewarding trip inland. Choose a route suited to your experience and wear sturdy footwear. Check the weather, access conditions and local guidance before visiting.
Neda Waterfalls
Another idea for a day in nature is the Neda Gorge and its waterfalls. Plan your journey and exact access route carefully. A walk to the waterfall and a longer gorge hike have very different requirements.
Discover Kalamata
Stroll through the old town, visit the Church of the Holy Apostles or the castle, then walk along the seafront: Kalamata brings city life and the sea together. The archaeological museum and railway park are also worth a visit.
Beaches and coastline
From Santova and Verga to the Mani coast, there are many options for a day by the water. For a longer excursion, consider Gialova Lagoon and the horseshoe-shaped bay of Voidokilia.
More excursion ideas
You will find more hiking areas around Kardamyli and in the Taygetos Mountains. The archaeological site of Nichoria is also a worthwhile destination for history enthusiasts.