This lovely coastal town is a real gem not only because its ancient history and fine golden sandy beaches but also because it houses an impressive medieval castle.
You understand, it is impossible to see Greece just in a couple of days. Come with us to explore Greece in a 1-2 week road trip. We will pass Methoni, along with other Greece' attractions, to discover the soul of the country, its way of life, culture and traditions, food and drinks. Browse our tours passing Methoni, or contact us directly for a custom tour in Greece. By the way, we charge nothing for a custom itinerary. Contact us directly, let's plan all the details of your trip and get it done!
Ano Pedina - Known for hiking pass, mountain town, scenic road, viewpoint, Zagori cultural landscape, orthodox monastery; Zagori cultural landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Argos - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site, castle, fortress, historical center, museum, orthodox cathedral; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Arta - Known for bridge, byzantine empire, castle, museum, orthodox cathedral
Aspraggeli - Known for mountain town, scenic road, Zagori cultural landscape, orthodox church; Zagori cultural landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Athens - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site, historical center, museum, sightseeing; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Bassae - Known for archaeological site, viewpoint; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Chalkida - Known for aqueduct, beach, bridge, castle, coastal town, marina, museum, viewpoint, orthodox church, islam mosque
Corfu - Known for archaeological site, beach, fortress, historical center, island, marina, medieval old town, museum, promenade, scenic road, sightseeing, viewpoint
Corinth - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site, beach, bridge, coastal town, fortress, landmark, viewpoint
Corinth canal - Known for landmark, sightseeing, viewpoint
Delphi - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site, museum; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Diakopto - Known for coastal town, railroad, scenic road
Dimitsana - Known for bridge, hiking pass, mountain town, scenic road, viewpoint, orthodox monastery
Dion - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological park, archaeological site, museum
Larissa - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site; ancient theatre is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Livadeia - Known for castle, medieval old town, river, waterfall
Messene - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, landmark, museum, viewpoint; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Mesolongi (Messolonghi) - Known for beach, coastal town, lake, landmark, promenade, wildlife
Meteora - Known for landmark, nature, viewpoint, orthodox monastery; monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Metsovo - Known for architecture, mountain town, museum, viewpoint, winery
Monemvasia - Known for ancient settlement, beach, coastal town, hiking pass, island, medieval old town, viewpoint, orthodox church
Monodendri - Known for hiking pass, mountain town, museum, scenic road, sightseeing, viewpoint, Zagori cultural landscape, orthodox church, orthodox monastery; Zagori cultural landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Mycenae - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, viewpoint; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Mystras - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, viewpoint, orthodox monastery; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Nafpaktos - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, marina, monument, museum, promenade, viewpoint
Nafplio - Known for castle, coastal town, fortified town, fortress, historical center, marina, monument, museum, promenade, viewpoint; fortress is a UNESCO Tentative List Site; castle is a UNESCO Tentative List Site; fortified town is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Oiniadai (Oeniadae) - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, walls; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Olympia - Known for archaeological site, museum; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Palace of Nestor - Known for archaeological site, architecture, landmark
Parga - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, promenade
Patras - Known for archaeological site, castle, coastal town, museum, promenade, seaport, viewpoint, winery, orthodox cathedral
Porto Kagio - Known for beach, coastal town, marina, viewpoint
Preveza - Known for castle, coastal town, marina, museum, seaport
Pylos - Known for beach, bridge, castle, coastal town, fortress, marina, venetian empire, wildlife
Rio - Known for bridge, coastal town, fortress, seaport, viewpoint
Sparta - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site
Veria - Known for historical center, historical landmark, museum
Vitsa - Known for bridge, hiking pass, mountain town, scenic road, viewpoint, Zagori cultural landscape, orthodox church; Zagori cultural landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Volos - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, coastal town, fortress, marina, museum, promenade, railroad, seaport
Western Thrace - Known for beach, forest, lake, landmark, nature, park, river
Last reviewed: 6 January 2021
Methoni description
During the Byzantine years Methoni retained its remarkable harbor and remained one of the most important cities of the Peloponnese, seat of a bishopric.
The Republic of Venice had its eye on Methoni since the 12th century, due to its location on the route from Venice to the Eastern markets. In 1125, they launched an attack against pirates based at Methoni, who had captured some Venetian traders on their way home from the east.
Under Venetian rule, the town experienced its zenith, becoming an important center for trade with the Levant and enjoying great prosperity. Methoni became an important staging point on the route between Venice and the Holy Lands, and many descriptions of it survive in pilgrims' accounts.
With the Ottoman conquest of the Despotate of the Morea, the town came under threat; Christian and Jewish refugees from the rest of the Peloponnese flocked to its walls, while the Turks raided its environs. In 1499–1500, Ottoman ships raided the town from the sea, while Sultan Bayezid II in person arrived to supervise its siege. After 28 days, on 9 August 1500, Methoni fell. The populace was either massacred or sold off as slaves.
The Castle of Methoni is a medieval fortification in the port town of Methoni, Messenia, in southwestern Greece. The castle of Methoni occupies the whole area of the cape and the southwestern coast to the small islet that has also been fortified with an octagonal tower and is protected by the sea on its three sides. Its north part, the one that looks to land, is covered by a heavily fortified acropolis. A deep moat separates the castle from the land and communication was achieved by a wooden bridge. The Venetians built on the ancient battlements and added on and repaired it during both periods that they occupied the castle.
After the Battle of Lepanto (7 October 1571), Miguel de Cervantes was taken to Methoni as a prisoner and spent some time in the Turkish tower. He might have conceived a few pages of the Don Quixote while there.
On various parts of the fortification of the Methoni castle there are Venetian emblems with the winged lion of St. Mark and inscriptions. This is the case on the north part of the Loredan battlement, where there is an inscribed plaque from the time when general Loredan was in command in the Peloponnese. On the north wall, on the right of the main entrance, there is also a plaque with the coat of arms of the families of the Foscarini, Foscolo and Bembo, to which the inscription denotes the construction of the Bembo battlement, just before 1500.
Methoni related tours
We at Monterrasol Travel welcome you to see Methoni during multi-day private car tour. Contact us if you would like to customize your tour to Methoni.
We have developed several private tours that visiting beautiful Methoni. But, if you have a special conditions or any from these tours fit you, please do not hesitate to contact us, we can organize a tour exactly as you would like. We charge nothing for develop a custom itinerary. And remember, we have no problems to take you from almost any place where you stay, hotel or private accommodation.
Day 1. We depart Athens and travel to the impressive Corinth Canal, a 19th-century engineering marvel. We then visit the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus (UNESCO World Heritage Site), renowned for its 4th-century BC theatre with perfect acoustics and its archaeological museum. After that, we will come to the beautiful seaside town of Nafplio for accommodation.
Day 2. After staying in Nafplio, we explore the towering Palamidi Castle (UNESCO Tentative List Site), an 18th-century Venetian fortress. We see the ancient Acronauplia fortress, visit the Bronze Age Asini archaeological site, and enjoy the coastal charm of Tolo before returning to Nafplio for accommodation.
Day 3. After an overnight in Nafplio, we travel to the legendary city of Mycenae (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a major center of Greek civilization from 1600–1100 BC, famous for the Lion Gate and royal tombs, explored alongside its museum. We return to Nafplio for accommodation.
Day 4. After 3 nights in Nafplio, we visit the massive Bronze Age citadel of Tiryns (UNESCO World Heritage Site), famed for its cyclopean walls. We then proceed to the ancient city of Argos (UNESCO Tentative List Site), one of Greece's oldest continuously inhabited places. Afterwards, we will come to Sparta for accommodation.
Day 5. After staying in Sparta, we explore the magnificent Byzantine city of Mystras (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a 14th-century administrative capital featuring palaces and churches. We visit one of its historic Eastern Orthodox monasteries, like the Pantanassa, still inhabited by nuns. We return to Sparta for accommodation.
Day 6. After an overnight in Sparta, we dedicate the day to the famed city-state, exploring its archaeological site with remnants of the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, key historical landmarks, the modern statue of King Leonidas, and the insightful archaeological museum. We stay another night in Sparta.
Day 7. After 3 nights in Sparta, we travel to the iconic 'Gibraltar of Greece', the rock of Monemvasia. We explore its fortified medieval town and historical center, a labyrinth of cobbled streets, and its picturesque lighthouse. Our accommodation for the night is in Monemvasia.
Day 8. After staying in Monemvasia, we further explore this Byzantine hilltop area, visiting one of its many historic churches, like the 12th-century Agia Sofia, and taking in stunning viewpoints from the upper town. We stay another night in Monemvasia.
Day 9. After 2 nights in Monemvasia, we travel to the port town of Gytheio. We then continue to Areopoli, a traditional Maniot town famed for its 18th-century stone tower houses and fortified architecture, and explore its old fortress. We will stay in Areopoli.
Day 10. After staying in Areopoli, we enjoy the coastal scenery at Neo Itilo and Stoupa before visiting Kardamyli to see its Venetian-era fortress. Afterwards, we will come to Kalamata, famous for its olives, for accommodation.
Day 11. After an overnight in Kalamata, we travel to the spectacular ancient city of Messene (UNESCO Tentative List Site), founded in 369 BC with exceptionally preserved fortifications, an agora, and a theatre, along with its museum. We then continue to Methoni for accommodation.
Day 12. After staying in Methoni, we explore its imposing Venetian Castle (UNESCO Tentative List Site), a key stronghold from the 13th century. We travel to nearby Pylos to see its Ottoman-era Neokastro fortress and its historical museum. After that, we will come to Olympia for accommodation.
Day 13. After an overnight in Olympia, we explore the revered Sanctuary of Olympia (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the original site of the Olympic Games from 776 BC, including the stadium and Temple of Zeus. We also visit its world-class museum housing the Hermes of Praxiteles. We stay another night in Olympia.
Day 14. After 2 nights in Olympia, we travel to Patras. We explore the city's Byzantine-era fortress overlooking the Gulf, other historical landmarks, and the grand modern Cathedral of Saint Andrew, a major Greek Orthodox pilgrimage site. Our accommodation is in Patras.
Day 15. After staying in Patras, we see the well-preserved Rio Castle, a late 15th-century Ottoman fortress. We then visit Ancient Corinth, a major classical city-state famed for its Temple of Apollo (6th century BC) and its rich archaeological museum, before returning to Athens.
This off-season 17 days tour is focused on people who would like to get to know deeply the history of Greece and walk that ancient historical places where are roots of culture of our civilization. Around the world such places are on the list of UNESCO. And many other places now expecting to be on UNESCO list; such places are prepared, available for public for fraction of cost, and are on so called UNESCO tentative list.
During this tour we going to visit most of UNESCO places and UNESCO tentative list places, located in Greece mainland. Greece is so rich with history that visit all UNESCO places in one tour will take very long time. Because of that we, Monterrasol Travel, created this tour to be able to visit the most of UNESCO places in one tour.
Come with us to explore famous Peloponnese peninsula and Central Greece! We welcome you to our 19-day circle tour from Igoumenitsa across Greece mainland. We will travel across Greece and will visit main UNESCO sites, fortresses and monasteries, explore archaeological sites, see old bridges and modern museums, as well as visit a few less known cultural attractions.
From Igoumenitsa, we will come toward coastal town Preveza, and on the way will visit the Necromanteion of Acheron (oracle of the dead), an unusual site with an ancient Greek temple of necromancy devoted to Hades and Persephone. Another place we will visit is the archaeological site Cassope, a magnificent and remote site on a high platform overlooking the sea.
In Arta, we will walk over the impressive four-arched stone bridge known from Roman times and visit the archaeological museum. After Arta, we will take road to Lefkada, and on the way visit coastal town Vonitsa, with its impressive fortress and beautiful promenade crossed to small islet.
After a night in Lefkada, we will see Faneromeni monastery, located high above Lefkada between pine trees and admire panoramic view. Later, we will take a road around Lefkada lagoon, to admire beautiful surrounding. Before come to Nafpaktos, we also will see the Messolonghi lagoon.
In Nafpaktos, we will come to see the Nafpaktos fortress, and after will take a small trip inland to see two remote and less known monasteries: woman monastery Saints Nektarios & Fanourios, and man monastery of Saints Augustine & Seraphim Sarov. After visit monasteries, we will return back to Nafpaktos to see the small port witness of several battles, and say hello to Miguel de Cervantes.
On the next day we will take a short ferry to see Rio fortress, and will come to Patras for its famous Holy Church of Saint Andrew, the biggest church in Greece, a Byzantine-style basilica with 13 domes. We will also come to see will see Patras fortress overlooking the whole city. After overnight in Patras, we will to explore its respected archaeological museum, and will come to see Mycenaean Cemetery in the suburb of Patras.
We will continue our tour with Olympia (UNESCO World Heritage site), an ancient sanctuary and birthplace of the Olympic Games, together with its museums. After an overnight in Olympia, we will come to see large castle Pylos with panoramic views and few small museums, and see Venetian castle Methoni (UNESCO Tentative List site) dating to the 1200s.
On the next day we will come to see a huge archaeological site Messene (UNESCO Tentative List site), a former large classical city-state. From Messene, we will come to Monemvasia, an unusual place, a former island, connected nowadays with mainland, and its fortified historical center, palaces, churches, and climb stone steps to see its upper town with amazing panoramic view.
After Monemvasia, we will come to explore famous Sparta, walk its archaeological site, see the monument of legendary King Leonidas, and explore the Olive Oil museum. After an overnight stay in Sparta, we will come to explore ancient Mycenae (UNESCO World Heritage site), an important archaeological site from around the 12th century BC, and its museum.
From Mycenae, we will come to coastal town Nafplio, served short period of time as the capital of Greece. Here we need to see its hilly impressive fortress, see old fortified quarter called Acronauplia, and with short drive come to see archaeological site of Argos.
After leaving Nafplio, we will visit Tiryns (UNESCO World Heritage site), a Mycenaean archaeological site linked to Iliad, Homeric's Odyssey, and from which Heracles performed his Twelve Labours. Next, we will come to explore large and very important archaeological site of Epidaurus (UNESCO World Heritage site), primarily known for its sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of healing, and its well-preserved ancient theater.
After overnight in coastal town Loutraki, we will see the famous Corinth Canal, and on the way to Delphi, we will explore medieval structures in Livadeia and will visit the important monastery Hosios Loukas (UNESCO World Heritage site). In Delphi (UNESCO World Heritage site), we will explore its archaeological site and museum. After Delphi, say hello again to King Leonidas in Thermopylae, and come to Kalampaka. Here we will climb steps of several Meteora monasteries (UNESCO World Heritage site).
After Meteora, on the way back to Igoumenitsa, we will come to see Ioannina with its Ottoman castle, Silversmith Museum of Weapons and Jewelry, and archaeological site Dodoni with its huge ancient theater (UNESCO Tentative List site).
This off-season 19 days tour will allow you to visit not only some of Greece's eighteen UNESCO World Heritage sites but also some of the country's fourteen sites in the UNESCO tentative list, together with other top destinations across this beautiful Mediterranean land. Come and visit this stunning country in the off-peak months! You will quickly understand why Greece is much more than just a perfect summer destination. Greece is a truly year-round destination!
It boasts plenty of things to do: from fascinating museums to imposing archaeological sites, and from mouthwatering gastronomy to perfect- picture villages and towns. Greece is the ideal destination if you enjoy nature and dramatic landscapes, regardless the time of the year you plan to visit it.
We welcome you to all-seasons 3 weeks tour across Greece mainland. With this tour you going to see main attractions of Peloponnese and Central Greece. The tour will bring to to famous UNESCO places, fascinating museums and imposing archaeological sites, picturesque panoramas of see and mountains, dramatic landscapes and scenic routes.
We going to visit well known from the history of civilization towns, coastal and mountain villages, enjoy famous Greek cuisine in local tavernas, climb ancient steps of fortified towns and monasteries, walk the walls of medieval fortresses and castles. Greece is the ideal destination if you enjoy history and nature regardless the time of the year you plan to visit it.
This off-season 21 days tour is focused on people who would like to get to know deeply the history of Greece and walk that ancient historical places where are roots of culture of our civilization. Around the world such places are on the list of UNESCO. And many other places now expecting to be on UNESCO list; such places are prepared, available for public for fraction of cost, and are on so called UNESCO tentative list.
During this tour we going to visit most of UNESCO places and UNESCO tentative list places, located in Greece mainland. Greece is so rich with history that visit all UNESCO places in one tour will take very long time. Because of that we, Monterrasol Travel, created this tour to be able to visit the most of UNESCO places in one tour.
This 23 days tour is part 1 of extended touring across Greece mainland, focused on famous Peloponnese peninsula. The tour is intended for people who would like get to know deeply the history and current style of life in Greece. Do you want to walk ancient historical places where are roots of culture of our civilization? Do you want to feel the touch of Greece? Would you like to feel Greek atmosphere in towns and villages, castles and fortresses, museums and tavernas?
The main idea of this tour is visiting together with famous UNESCO attractions also off the beaten patch places of Greece, some of them are hard to reach, some of them are remote, and some are cannot be visited with large bus at all.
This tour can be extended for few days to spend a few days in Athens, to visit Athens attractions and get to know this famous city and places around. Ask us for that!
This off-season 23 days tour is focused on people who would like to get to know deeply the history of Greece and walk that ancient historical places where are roots of culture of our civilization. Around the world such places are on the list of UNESCO. And many other places now expecting to be on UNESCO list; such places are prepared, available for public for fraction of cost, and are on so called UNESCO tentative list.
During this tour we going to visit most of UNESCO places and UNESCO tentative list places, located in Greece mainland. Greece is so rich with history that visit all UNESCO places in one tour will take very long time. Because of that we, Monterrasol Travel, created this tour to be able to visit the most of UNESCO places in one tour.
This extended 24 days cultural and panoramic tour from Dubrovnik to Athens will allow you to explore amazing South Balkans countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and, of course, beautiful Greece.
We will pass through medieval fortified towns in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Greece, old Venetian coastal towns in Montenegro, Albania and Greece, old castles and fortresses in each country, Orthodox monasteries in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Greece, famous archaeological sites in Greece, and an amazing Balkans coastal line with beaches and a crystal-clear sea.
In each country we are going to visit, we will come to a must-see attraction; many of the sites we will visit are UNESCO Heritage Sites. At season time we will stop on beaches to take a rest, refresh, and enjoy the unbelievable clarity of the water. We will enjoy nice roads, panoramic views, local food and drinks, and learn how the countries of the region intersected during history.
This off-season tour is focused on people who would like to get to know deeply the history of Greece and walk that ancient historical places where are roots of culture of our civilization. Around the world such places are on the list of UNESCO. And many other places now expecting to be on UNESCO list; such places are prepared, available for public for fraction of cost, and are on so called UNESCO tentative list.
During this tour we going to visit most of UNESCO places and UNESCO tentative list places, located in Greece mainland. Greece is so rich with history that visit all UNESCO places in one tour will take very long time. Because of that we, Monterrasol Travel, created this tour to be able to visit the most of UNESCO places in one tour.
We welcome you to explore non-touristic sites of Greece with our extended off-season discovery 26-day circle tour from Igoumenitsa. We will explore several famous mainland regions of Greece: Central Greece, Peloponnese, Epirus, and even Zagori, recently nominated as UNESCO World Heritage site for cultural landscape.
Few of visited sites are on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and few are UNESCO Tentative List sites. We will visit castles and fortresses, coastal and mountain towns, ancient monasteries and cathedrals, archaeological sites and ancient bridges, off the beaten track attractions and beautiful taverns.
We will start the tour with visiting town Parga famous fort castle and beaches. Next attraction where we will walk is ancient city Nicopolis (UNESCO Tentative List site), and come to explore and sleep in coastal town Preveza. Through the only under sea tunnel in Greece we will come to coastal town Nafpaktos, and on the way will visit archaeological site Oeniadae (UNESCO Tentative List site) with shipyard and small ancient theater.
In Nafpaktos we need to see a fortress; in historical center we need to say Hello to Miguel de Cervantes which statue is located in old port. Next day, after exploring two fortresses, Antirrio and Rio, take images of beautiful bridge from ferry, we will come to Patras, to see famous castle, cathedral, and few attractions from Roman time.
Starting from Patras, we are already in the Peloponnese region, where located the most attractions of this our tour. We will come to famous Olympia, explore archaeological site and 3 museums. Next our locations are fortresses Pylos and Methoni, and we will stay in lively town Kalamata with long beautiful coastal line and beach. From here we also will visit archaeological site Messene (UNESCO Tentative List site).
From Kalamata, with short walk in medieval part of town Kardamyli, we will come to explore Mani peninsula famous for specific tower houses and people who claim be descent from the ancient Spartans. We will see the heart of Mani, the historical capital of the Mani Peninsula town Areopoli, its historical center, charming stone tower houses and cobblestone alleyway.
After Mani, we will pass coastal town Gytheio and will come to see amazing medieval fortified town Monemvasia, and will explore both lower and upper towns there.
Next important places we will explore are famous town Sparta and archaeological site Mystras (UNESCO World Heritage site) with still active monastery. From Sparta, passing by mountain road cute mountain town Kosmas and cliff monastery Elonas, we will come to Nafplio, where around are located several important attractions like Argos, Tiryns (UNESCO World Heritage site), Midea, Asini, Tolo.
On the way to Ancient Corinth we will walk over stones of ancient civilization in Mycenae (UNESCO World Heritage site). Around Corinth we will wonder on Corinth canal and explore ancient fortress Acrocorinth.
Next important attraction to visit is Hosios Loukas monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site). We will have overnight in mountain town Arachova, and from there will come to see famous complex of monasteries in Meteora (UNESCO World Heritage site).
From Kalampaka, the town of Meteora monasteries, we will come to Ioannina to see its castle and nice Silversmith museum. The rest of tour we will spend in Zagori (the whole region is UNESCO World Heritage site), learn the stories of this not usual region, see several ancient bridges and mountain towns.
This off-season tour is focused on people who would like to get to know deeply the history of Greece and walk that ancient historical places where are roots of culture of our civilization. Around the world such places are on the list of UNESCO. And many other places now expecting to be on UNESCO list; such places are prepared, available for public for fraction of cost, and are on so called UNESCO tentative list.
During this tour we going to visit most of UNESCO places and UNESCO tentative list places, located in Greece mainland. Greece is so rich with history that visit all UNESCO places in one tour will take very long time. Because of that we, Monterrasol Travel, created this tour to be able to visit the most of UNESCO places in one tour.
This off-season tour is focused on people who would like to get to know deeply the history of Greece and walk that ancient historical places where are roots of culture of our civilization. Around the world such places are on the list of UNESCO. And many other places now expecting to be on UNESCO list; such places are prepared, available for public for fraction of cost, and are on so called UNESCO tentative list.
During this tour we going to visit most of UNESCO places and UNESCO tentative list places, located in Greece mainland. Greece is so rich with history that visit all UNESCO places in one tour will take very long time. Because of that we, Monterrasol Travel, created this tour to be able to visit the most of UNESCO places in one tour.
Come with us to 31 days all seasons tour over Southern Balkans, to explore 3 countries: Montenegro, Albania, Greece.
In Montenegro, we will visit town Kotor (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is surrounded by fortifications built during the Venetian period. In coastal town Budva we will walk its narrow streets of historical center and surrounding walls. We also will visit Old Bar, the settlement known from Byzantine Empire ages. On the way to Albania we will visit cave monastery Dajbabe with unique frescoes.
In Albania, we need to see historical center of town Krije and its museum, admire ancient theater in Durres, wonder on beautiful sea on Divjaka beach, and come to sleep in town Berat (UNESCO World Heritage Site), called as town of thousand windows. After Berat, we will visit archaeological site Apollonia (UNESCO Tentative List site), and come to see historical center of town Gjirokaster (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Here in Gjirokaster we will walk in Ottoman fortress and see local museum.
In Greece, we will stay within mainland. The very first Greek place is Ioannina, where we will see historical center, fortress, and Silversmithing museum. We will admire huge amphitheater at Dodoni archaeological site (UNESCO Tentative List site), and cute small coastal town Parga with a fortress and gorgeous beach. Next day we will visit Nekromanteio Acheron, a Greek temple of necromancy, walk over famous bridge in Arta and see local museum.
Bext, we will visit archaeological site Oeniadae (UNESCO Tentative List site) with amphitheater and old shipyard, see Messolonghi lagoon, and come to coastal town Nafpaktos with beautiful long sandy beach. Here in Nafpaktos we will need to see a fortress and walk historical center. In next town, Patras we need to see local fortress, rich museum (second after Athens museum), huge cathedral, and will spend evening in local winery.
Next important location is large archaeological site Olympia (UNESCO World Heritage Site), with several museums on site. Next day, we will come to the most Southern part of this are of Greece, to see fortress Methoni (UNESCO Tentative List site). After we cross a whole peninsula, we will see another fortress, Koroni (UNESCO Tentative List site). Next day, we will walk in archaeological site Messene (UNESCO Tentative List site), and move to coastal town Kalamata, to visit its cathedral and historical center. After Kalamata we will move the middle leg of Peloponnese, the area called Mani, to see this area with very specific architecture.
Next important place to visit is Monemvasia, former island, now connected with by road with mainland. Here, we need to see historical center, and climb on top to visit a local dominant, a church. After, we will move to Sparta, to see archaeological site, king Leonidas monument, and visit local Olive oil museum. Close to Sparta we will visit another quite unique site, Mystras (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Our way to Nafplio will be by mountain roads, we will see mountain town Kosmas and visit hidden in mountains Elonis monastery. We will take a lunch in coastal town Plaka, before arrival to Nafplio. In Nafplio (UNESCO Tentative List site), we will see historical center, fortress, and small sea fortress. In the area of Nafplio, we need to see archaeological site Argos, archaeological site Tiryns (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and huge archaeological site Mycenae (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with its museum.
After Nafplio we need to see archaeological site Epidaurus (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and its museum, and take a rest in coastal town Loutraki. On the way to Athens we will walk in Ancient Corinth archaeological site, admire famous Corinth Canal, and finally arrive to Athens.
Explore 5 Balkans countries Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania and Greece in 32 days cultural tour from Zagreb to Athens. Discover Adriatic coast of Croatia; venetian towns of Dalmatian riviera; medieval towns of Montenegro; famous Orthodox monasteries in Bosnia, Montenegro and Greece; archaeological places in Albania and Greece; medieval fortresses of Croatia, Albania and Greece; UNESCO sites of Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Greece.
January 12, 2026 Ávila (Avila), Spain. Avila, a charming town in central Spain, is famous for its impressive medieval walls that surround the historic center. These stone fortifications are remarkably well-preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the town's rich past and its strategic importance during the Middle Ages.
December 28, 2025 Baeza, Spain. Baeza, a picturesque town in Andalusia, southern Spain, is famous for its outstanding Renaissance architecture. Together with neighboring Ubeda, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 under the name Renaissance Monumental Ensembles of Ubeda and Baeza, for its cultural significance.
December 6, 2025 Veria, Greece. Veria, also spelled Veroia or Beroea, is a city in Central Macedonia, northern Greece, known for its rich history, Byzantine architecture, and proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aigai (modern Vergina). Historically an important center since antiquity and the Byzantine era, it is built on the foothills of Mt. Vermion and crossed by the River Tripotamo. The city has numerous churches, and is nicknamed ＂Little Jerusalem＂ for its many religious sites.
November 23, 2025 Kardamyli, Greece. Kardamyli is a coastal gem perched on the west side of the Mani Peninsula in southern Greece, only 35 kilometers from Kalamata. Surrounded by mountains and the brilliant blue Messenian Gulf, the village is famed for its natural scenery, tranquil beaches, and timeless charm.
November 13, 2025 Ano Pedina, Greece. Ano Pedina is a small traditional village in the region of Central Zagori, first appears in historical records in the mid-14th century. Sitting on the western slopes of Mount Tymfi, it is surrounded by the unique natural beauty and rugged landscapes that characterize the broader Zagori area.
Safe Travels
The Safe Travels stamp allows travelers to recognize destination companies around the world that have implemented health and hygiene protocols that are aligned with WTTC's Global Safe Travels Protocols.
Monterrasol Travel Private tours has implemented health and hygiene protocols. Monterrasol Travel is the Safe Travels company.
