Kalamata, the capital of Messinia, is one of the most beautiful coastal cities of Greece, and its beach is famous not only for the endless promenades, but also for its crystal blue sea that tempts the visitors! But if you want something different, then the innumerable beaches of Messinia will meet your every requirement.
Cosmopolitan or crowded, isolated or located next to the seaside resorts, famous beaches, such as Voidokilia in Pylos, some organized and some deserted, are sure to win your heart – apart from its natural beauty, Messinia is also famous for its spectacular coastline.
1. Mikri Mantinea
10 km east of Kalamata, you will find the beach of Mikri Mantineia, in a magnificent location, in front of the homonymous village. The beach is located at the meeting point of the mountain Taygetos and the blue sea, where beautiful little bays are formed, drowned in vegetation. The beach is covered with white pebbles, has been awarded the Blue Flag, and has a lifeguard. There are many bars and cafes on the beach, as well as plenty taverns almost touching the sea.
Mikri Mantineia, like the entire eastern coast of the Messinian gulf has become a major tourist resort of Kalamata. Lots of tourist accommodation – hotels and lodgings – by the sea, while new infrastructures are constantly being built, attracting summer visitors, not only from the region but also from various parts of Greece who come here to enjoy the sea while overlooking the imposing Taygetos.
2. Santova
Located in the Avia region, 12 km east from the town of Kalamata. It is one of the most cosmopolitan beaches of the area as it has several beach bars, which organize almost daily summer parties with known DJs from Greece and abroad.
Famous are also the night parties on Santova, with small fires on the beach and drinks literally by the sea. It has fine sand, with small pebbles on the edge of the sea. It is the only beach in the region that has sand, even though it is not very wide.
3. Almyros
It is one of the most popular and bustling beaches of Kalamata. The beach is located 6 km east of the town, just before the road turns to Mani. It is covered with white pebbles, has sun loungers and umbrellas and of course plenty of cafes and beach bars. It is ideal for water sports such as water skiing and wind surfing.
The beach also features a beach volley court for the sport lovers. The scenery on the beach is magnificent: on the one side the turquoise sea which mirrors the olive and palm trees bordering the beach and on the other the imposing mountain Taygetos. And in the background the city of Kalamata…
4. Kalogria
It is the most famous, the most lively and the most organized beach in Western Mani. In the summer, especially on weekends, the beach is jam-packed. Greeks and foreigners “invade” the beautiful coast, which is covered with white sand, has blue, shallow, icy waters, as the underwater sources of Taygetos always keep the sea clean and cold. It also has umbrellas and sunbeds, beach volley court, bars, restaurants, water sports, bicycle and canoe rentals.
It is ideal for the young and families with young children. If you can stay on Kalogria beach until late afternoon, you will see the sun setting right in front of you, in one of the best sunsets in Greece. On the beach Kalogria lived for two years (1917-1918) Nikos Kazantzakis, together with the legendary hero of his novel “Life and Times of Alexis Zorbas”.
At the northern end of the coastline is the house where he lived with Zorbas, while the on the southern end, near the beach, is the “cave of Kazantzakis’, where he found refuge to read and write. The cave can be visited today either by swimming or by boat.
5. Stoupa
It is the second busiest beach in western Mani, after Kalogria. It is located almost next to Kalogria, right in front of the main road of the village of Stupa. Called the “Miami” of Mani, with the turquoise waters, fine golden sand, countless umbrellas and sunbeds and endless string of people.
Despite the crowds, the water is always clear as the subterranean rivers that start from Taygetos flow here underwater and “recycle” the sea. It is worth it to have a mask with you and explore the beauty of the seabed.
6. Foneas
It is the most favorite of the lesser known beaches of Western Mani, as it is well “hidden” at the end of a path among the trees. It is untouched by tourism, essentially unorganized (with only one canteen with tables during the summer months), it has white pebbles and turquoise waters. There is a large, characteristic rock that divides the beach in two and gives natural shade.
The most… flexible and adventurous can climb it and plunge into the deep waters. On Foneas beach ends the famous Gorge Foneas or as it is otherwise called, the ravine Noupantis, which begins form from the Monastery of Vaidenitsa and ends after about 8 km on this crystal beach.
7. Velika
Located two and a half kilometers from the village of Velika, after passing through the reeds growing in the area, you reach the large and sandy coast. The fine golden sand and trees, make it a meeting point for many locals and tourists who want to cool off and relax in the waters of the Messinian gulf. At the edge of the beach there is a large cafeteria that stands almost at the edge of the sea.
8. Petalidi
Petalidi beach is located just before the harbor of the seaside town. The coast has a length of 300 meters and is covered with large pebbles, while its seabottom is sandy. On Petalidi beach, located 15 km from Messini, you will find shade beneath the trees that surround it and a traditional coffee shop on the seafront, where you can drink your coffee while enjoying the beautiful view.
9. Voidokilia
It is the most famous beach in Messinia and one of the best in Greece! It is located next to the Lagoon of Yalova, 10 km away from Pylos. This natural bay has unique beauty: fine white sand stretches over a large area, from one side of the beach to the other. The sea is calm, turquoise and exotic. On your left, as you face the sea, you see Paleokastro, where you can find the Cave of Nestor.
On your right, on the other end of Voidokilia, up on the hill, is a vaulted tomb attributed (not yet confirmed) to Thrasymedes, son of Nestor. There is low vegetation surrounding the bay, and the beach is full of beautiful shells – you just have to dip your hand in the sand!
10. Finikouda
The beach is located right in front of the village of Finikounda, in southern Messinia. Opposite you see the island Shiza, the largest island of the cluster of Messinian Oinouses. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for its clear sea, is covered with sand and has clear, turquoise waters, warm and shallow, which makes it an ideal destination for families with young children. Because it is located in the village, you will have whatever you need nearby. The beach is almost always crowded, as it is preferred by the locals.
