Methoni | Greece

THE DESTINATION METHONI

Methoni is a coastal town located in the southwestern promontory of Peloponnese. Close to Sapienza Island, it is placed on the important maritime route that ever since connected the Italian Peninsula and the Middle East. Due to its protected bay and its strategic location, Methoni became one of the most important markets in the Eastern Mediterranean during the Byzantine period (Middle Age) and under the Venetian Marine Republic rule. Near Methoni, there is the town of Pylos -also known as Navarino, in whose amazing bay since 1980 lies the modern wreck of the oil tanker “IRENES SERENADE”, already declared as Underwater Archaeological Park open to visitors.

In the Navarino Bay, in 425 BC, the naval Battle of Sfaktiria took place between the Athenian and Sparta fleets, leaving behind great historical evidences from the Classical Age. In the same bay on 8 October 1827 during the Greek War of Independence the allied forces from Britain, France, and Russia defeated Ottoman and Egyptian forces trying to suppress the Greek war of independence. It was the last significant battle between traditional wooden sailing ships where 60 ships destroyed.

DISCOVER THE ANCIENT TRAIL OF SAPIENZA

The sarcophagi shipwreck is located at the northern end of Sapienza Island, in an area of significant ecological interest and declared as a protected site within the NATURA 2000 network. Under these waters, you can find many shipwrecks, still lying of the seabed with their loads. You will be able to explore the remains of ancient trade routes dating to the Roman, Byzantine and Medieval periods. At the end of 1970, the Greek Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities conducted a systematic archaeological research and aims to make it an Underwater Archaeological Park open to visitors. Please note that according to the Greek law, a special permit is required by the archaeological authorities for diving in marine archaeological sites.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

The “Shipwreck of the sarcophagi” dates to the Roman period. The ship was carrying several carved sarcophagi made of andesite stone from the ancient city of Assos (known in antiquity as Lapis sarcophagus), and their covers. Its cargo lies approximately at 15m depth, and allows dating the ship back to the 3rd century AD. All the sarcophagi are intact, except one, which probably got broken when the ship sunk. They are all semi-finished, with size approximately 2.20 x 0.80m. The covers are carved in the usual roof-shaped style decorated with antefissae at the four corners.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Methoni Fortress, the guardian of the Venetian seaways from marauding pirates, with many spooky chambers.
The Koroni Castle having impressive fortifications; existed since the 7th century AD and with the church of Agia Sofia built inside the castle area.
The Saint Charalambos Church, a single-aisle building with wooden roof, originally dedicated to Saint Rocco.
Sapienza, one of Oinousses islands, the perfect destination for divers, with many shipwrecks to discover.
Sxiza, the biggest of the Oinousses islands, where there is the “black hole”, a wonderful cave with stalagmites and stalactites.

ACCOMMODATION

There is a wide range of accommodation in the entire area, able to satisfy all kind of needs and tastes. There are hotels from two to five stars, chain hotels, boutique hotels, guest houses and camping facilities.

EXPLORE MEDITERRANEAN FLAVOURS IN THE LOCAL CUISINE

In Methoni, as in the whole Peloponnese area, the visitor can find the most authentic Greek traditional cuisine. In this area, the local farmers produce food excellences like olives, olive oil, grapes, currants, figs and oranges. Unmissable local dishes are the boiled goat, the roasted piglet and the fried haddock in garlic sauce. Another local delicacy is the sausage smoked in sage, a must if combined with a good wine from the local vineyards. Additionally, you can taste the typical dessert called “diples”, a deep fried pastry with honey and cinnamon.

NIGHTLIFE

Methoni offers a variety of bars, clubs restaurants and Greek traditional taverns. There is no specific entertainment district. All year long the visitors can attend many events with traditional music and folklore festivals. During summer time, it is possible to attend drama plays at the Epidaurus ancient theatre.

THINGS TO DO

Dive at Sapienza wreck to admire the sarcophagi lying at the bottom of the sea.
Dive at Sxiza where the deepest point of the Mediterranean Sea is situated, known as the “moat”.
Enjoy swimming and water activities throughout the area of Messini.
Experience snorkeling in the Ionian Sea.
Visit the big Lighthouse at Sapienza, constructed by the Englishmen in 1885.
Visit the “black hole” cave, which is decorated with stalagmites and stalactites.
Walk around the twin Fortresses of Koroni and Methoni, with the underground passages.
Enjoy walking along the cobbled streets of the villages and admire the handmade products.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

Nafplio is one of the most beautiful places around Argolis and the most romantic city of Greece.
Epidaurus, the location of the famous ancient theatre, where you can attend a drama play.
Olympia, the place where the Olympic Games were born.
Galaxidi, a small port situated on a natural double harbor surrounded by mountains.
Delphi, recognized by UΝESCO, as a World Heritage Site, for its phenomenal influence in the Ancient World.
Athens is the capital of Greece with its world-famous Acropolis archaeological site and the New Acropolis Museum.

PROGRAMME PROPOSALS

FOR SCUBA DIVING ENTHUSIASTS

Methoni is a small fishing and farming village, a quiet resort on a cape south of Pylos-Navarino and its renowned, enchanting bay. This peaceful place delighted its visitors ever since. This village’s atmosphere is still inebriating, with long beaches backed by olive groves and vineyards and the famous Venetian fortress. Modern Methoni is made of two towns: a low-key settlement huddled on the beach beneath the fortress, and, just above, an animated old town on the crest of a rise - a laidback, pleasant place to rest for a day or two.

> DAY 1 | Arrival in Methoni

Welcome and briefing with our tour operator partner in the arrival hall of the airport, then transfer to the hotel in a chauffeur-driven car. The rest of the day is free. An optional general tour of the town can be offered in the late afternoon. Optional dinner is offered and overnight at the hotel.

> DAY 2 | Diving in Sfaktiria Island and Anemone Cave

After breakfast, we will go to Sfaktiria Island to scuba dive at the Anemone Cave. It is located in the west part of the bay of Navarino and blocks it from the Ionian Sea. Our program contains two dives, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Lunch on board or in a traditional Greek village with local delicacies. We recommend optional diving at night in the clear waters of Pylos. Optional dinner package.

> DAY 3 | Diving in Methoni

Early breakfast and departure from the hotel with certified divers for scuba diving at the Admiral Wreck in 38m depth. Afterwards, we will make a second dive at Varela Reef in 25m depth and then return to the dive center. We recommend an optional diving at night in the clear waters of Ionian Sea. Optional dinner package.

> DAY 4 | Departure day

After breakfast, chauffeur-driven car transfer to the airport for the departure.

Price

1st April – 30th October: from €479pp in double room
Single room +30%
Discount: 15% for family room (2+2)
10^th July - 10^th September: +50%pp

Your package includes:

► 3 nights at a hotel of your choice on bed & breakfast formula

► Transfers upon arrival and departure with assistance ► Diving guide or instructor.

Your package excludes:

► International flights ► Personal expenses ► Optional meals ► Optional excursions and visits

FOR DIVERS TO BΕ AND FAMILIES

The "Junior PADI Scuba Diver" certificate can be achieved by over 10 years-old participants having already attended the eLearning Scuba Experience Course; available for free after the package booking and through the participation to the 4 diving lessons in the sea presented below.

> DAY 1 | Preparation

A briefing with our tour operator partner will take place in the arrival hall of the airport and then transfer to the hotel in a chauffeur-driven car. The rest of the day is free. An optional general tour of the area can be offered in the late afternoon. Dinner (optional) and overnight at the Hotel. In the afternoon, an optional scuba diving lesson is available, before starting with the activities of the second day.

> DAY 2 |First diving lesson

After breakfast, an experienced instructor will provide you with all the necessary equipment and the basic information for a couple of hours, in a pool area. The first open water lesson, in the morning, will take place in a safe and protected bay at a max depth of 5m, in a reef where more than 30 different marine species have been identified among the formations created by the rocks. Lunch is served on board or in a traditional village with local delicacies. In the afternoon, the second lesson will take place in a similar bay, with the same safety requirements. Transfer to the hotel. Optional dinner package.

> DAY 3 |Scuba dive to Sfaktiria Island

Early breakfast and departure from the hotel. For those who enjoyed the first scuba lesson, they can continue with a trained instructor, diving in safe and calm waters to explore the rich seabed during the other two diving lessons needed for the PADI Scuba Diver Certificate. We will go by dive boat to Sfaktiria Island to a protected cove to do a scuba dive. For the accompanying people not interested in diving, a cruise around the area of Messinian Oinousses, an enchanting swimming experience in the clear waters around the caves, in wild beauty, is available. Transfer to the hotel. Optional dinner package.

> DAY 4 | Departure day

After breakfast, chauffeur-driven car transfer to the airport for the departure.

Price

1st April - 30th October: from €586pp in double room
Single room +30%
Discount: 15% for family room (2+2)
10th July - 10th September: +50%pp

Your package includes:

► 3 nights at a hotel of your choice on bed & breakfast formula

► Transfers upon arrival and departure with assistance ► Diving guide or instructor.

Your package excludes:

► International flights ► Personal expenses ► Optional meals ► Optional excursions and visits

FOR SNORKELERS AND FREE DIVERS

> DAY 1 | Arrival in Methoni

Welcome and briefing with our tour operator partner in the arrival hall of the port or airport, then transfer to the hotel in a chauffeur-driven car. The rest of the day is free. An optional general tour of the town can be offered in the late afternoon. Optional dinner is offered and overnight at the hotel.

> DAY 2 | Snorkeling in Sapientza

After breakfast, we will take a 10 minute ride to Sapientza Island to the old ancient shipwreck where the sarcophagi lie at a depth of 8m. Snorkeling or free diving is possible to view the ancient artifacts there and admire “The sarcophagi shipwreck”. Boat ride to Sapientza Island for a walking tour at the Koumarodasos forest: an opportunity to see the unique shrub that grows to tree-size proportions only on Sapientza Island. Lovers of hiking can visit the lighthouse of Sapientza built in 1885 on the southeast of the island. Before returning to the port, we will stop at Ammos Beach of Sapientza for a refreshing swim.

> DAY 3 | Snorkeling in Navarino Bay & Sfaktiria Island

Early breakfast and departure from the hotel. Snorkeling trip by boat in Navarino Bay, followed by a stop to the famous Voidokillia Beach for swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing at Nestor's Cave. Afterwards we will arrive at Sfaktiria Island, swim at Trapezaki cove and visit French and Russian monuments of the Navarino Battle. Finally we will stop at Gialova with the dive boat and disembark for refreshments or lunch by the sea, ending by returning to the Pylos harbor. Optional dinner package.

> DAY 4 | Departure day

After breakfast, chauffeur-driven car transfer to the airport for the departure.

Price

1st April - 30th October: from €438pp in double room
Single room +30%
Discount: 15% for family room (2+2)
10th July - 10th September: +50%pp

Your package includes:

► 3 nights at a hotel of your choice on bed & breakfast formula

► Transfers upon arrival and departure with assistance ► Diving guide or instructor.

Your package excludes:

► International flights ► Personal expenses ► Optional meals ► Optional excursions and visits

FOR NON-DIVERS

Enchanting boat cruises and excursions are available for non-divers, for unforgettable baths in untouched spots of the Aegean Sea.

FOR KIDS, TEENS & SCHOOLS

The 'Sea Baptism' is an experience available from 10 to 99 years old participants and no pre-training is required. An experienced instructor, during the sea tour will brief you about the diving basics, in order to provide your first underwater experience with all the needed comfort, safety and fun, and will accompany you in your first dive. The diving site will be maximum 5m deep.

The ‘Bubblemaker’ experience is available for children over 8 years-old, and is carried on in a pool or in a sea water environment maximum 2m deep. The experience lasts 1 hour and no pre-training is required.

The ‘Junior PADI Scuba Diver’ certificate can be achieved by over 10 years-old participants having already attended the eLearning Scuba Experience Course; available for free after the package booking and through the participation to the preparation in the pool, the 4 diving lessons in the sea presented below and after passing the final examination. Special rates are dedicated to school groups of minimum 15 participants.

FOR SEA LOVERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Easily combined with the ‘Snorkelers and Free Divers’ package for the accompanying people. An experienced instructor will be dedicated for each of our special divers, to ensure their maximum safety, comfort and fun.