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!
Argos - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, castle, orthodox cathedral; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Arta - Known for bridge, byzantine empire, castle, museum, orthodox cathedral
Athens - Known for archaeological site, museum; 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 beach, castle, coastal town, marina, museum, viewpoint
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
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 beach, bridge, coastal town, fortress, seaport, viewpoint
Sparta - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site
Volos - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, beach, coastal town, marina, museum, nature, 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.
This off-season balanced 12 days tour is aimed for people who interesting in the history of Greece, to walk that ancient historical places where are roots of culture of our civilization. During this tour we will visit 6 places that are on the list of UNESCO. Many other we going to visit 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.
This off-season 14 days tour is for 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 main 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 main UNESCO places in one tour.
Greek Peloponnese round tour in 15 days. Visit all main attraction of Peloponnese peninsula and see castles, ancient places, beaches. Travel Peloponnese with Monterrasol and visit Sparta, Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Monemvasia, Methoni and other places.
We welcome you to come with us to Greece off the beaten track 16 days tour from Athens. With this tour, we will explore non-touristy areas of the Peloponnese. Prepare yourself for breathtaking views, ancient Orthodox monasteries in mountains, mountain narrow gauge railroad, non-touristy archaeological sites, small villages, amazing viewpoints, and local roads.
We will visit the archaeological sites of Nemea, Midea, Asini, Tainaro, Messene, and Iniades. We will see Methoni castle, fortresses Pylos and Kardamyli. We will come to the following ancient and very important Orthodox monasteries: Elonas, Andromonastero, Prodromou, Filosofou New and Filosofou Old, Mega Spileon, Prousos, and Holy Kipinas. We will take a mountain railroad from the coast up to the mountains.
On the route, we will pass amazing viewpoints, picturesque gorges, beautiful beaches, panoramic views, and meet authentic Greek cuisine in real local tavernas, together with local wine, beer, and spirits.
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.
This Peloponnese and Greece mainland off-season discovery 19 days (18 nights) round tour from Igoumenitsa will pass through places that on UNESCO World Heritage list and on the UNESCO Tentative List. We will visit ancient towns and monasteries, castles and fortresses, beaches and mountain towns.
The tour will visit Parga castle, we will walk in Arta museum, see Mesolongi sea lake, climb on steps of Nafpaktos castle and touch statue of Cervantes, take an images of longest bridge of the fully suspended type, walk in Patras fortress and pray in St Andrew cathedral, walk in site of Olympic Games Ancient Olympia, walk the steps of old fortresses in Pylos and Methoni, explore archaeological site Messene, visit famous Sparta and medieval fortified town Mystras, touch stones of ancient civilization in Mycenae, wonder on Corinth canal, visit old Hosios Loukas UNESCO monastery, ask Delphi oracle and see the place of the feat of Leonidas, visit unique UNESCO complex of monasteries in Meteora, walk over Aegae archaeological place, and on the way back see mountain town Metsovo with famous winery, ancient Ioannina castle and Dodoni archaeological site included in UNESCO Tentative List.
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 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.
May 21, 2025 Vir, Croatia. Vir peninsula, linked to Croatia's mainland by a bridge, is a North Dalmatian coastal gem blending modern comforts with rustic charm. Once a quiet fishing area, it's now a family-friendly destination famed for sandy beaches, clear waters, and vibrant summer energy. Its accessibility and mix of relaxation and activities make it a hit with both locals and international visitors.
May 9, 2025 Filosofou, Greece. The Filosofou Monasteries, located near the town of Dimitsana in the Peloponnese region of Greece, is a significant historical and cultural site that attracts tourists for its unique blend of natural beauty, architectural heritage, and spiritual significance. The monasteries are nestled within the stunning Lousios Gorge, providing a picturesque backdrop of natural beauty.
April 30, 2025 Grgeteg, Serbia. The Grgeteg Monastery, one of several monasteries on the Fruska Gora mountain in northern Serbia, founded in 1471, is famous for its baroque church with intricate iconostasis.
April 22, 2025 Diakopto, Greece. Diakopto is a coastal town located in the Achaea region of West Greece, situated on the Gulf of Corinth near the mouth of the Vouraikos river and at the lower end of the Vouraikos Gorge. Diakopto is a tidy town known for its beautiful gardens and picturesque port. Diakopto is also know for a station of Rack Railway toward Kalavrita. The train can reach high altitudes and operate on steep grades, passing through territories of unique interest and spectacular views.
April 14, 2025 Llogara pass, Albania. The Llogara pass is a high mountain road within the Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Riviera. The road itself is a steep zigzagging road on the southern end of the mountains and is 1027 meters above sea level. The pass is the highest point on the main coastal road between Vlore and Sarande and is 31.5 km long.
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