27 June 2023

Greece – Peloponnese – Methoni

Methoni is a village and a former municipality in Messenia, Peloponnese and its name may be derived from Mothona, a mythical rock. Methoni has a great Greek past and its port was of great commercial importance. The Venetians who occupied the place at the beginning of the 13th century, fortified the town to ensure maritime routes for trade. In continued struggles, it passed through Turkish and Venetian hands several times until in 1828 it was liberated by the French.

We stayed at Camping Methoni (36.817402, 21.7152 lat, long), its location is great, just in front of the beach and a little walk to the town. The facilities are not new but they are ok, with perfect pressure in the showers, a really good wife connection and shade plots. It also has a tavern with tables on the beach and a mini market. We paid 21.50 euros per day including electricity. We really recommend visiting Methoni and staying at this camping. By the way, the beach is sandy so you don't need special shoes.

We walked to the town with amazing views of the Castle. Methoni consists of a few streets with little shops and a couple of supermarkets. The promenade is full of restaurants and terraces by the sea. There is a square surrounded by taverns with typical Greek food. Its beach is sandy, with crystal waters and very warm. To the South of the promenade, on the rock, you find the spectacular and impressive Castle of Methoni, surrounded by the Ionian Sea and attached to the town on one side. And on an islet, you find the octagonal Bourtzi Tower.

We went to see the Castle which entry is 3 euros. The entire fortress is oval in shape and its interior is accessed by a raised stone bridge that takes you to the gate of the Fortress. As soon as you enter you find what used to be the Square of Arms, which was where Venetian and Ottoman social life was concentrated. And the purple granite column of 3.67 meters comes from a Christian shipwreck and bears an inscription with the date 1493.

Raised stone bridge to enter the Fortress

We toured the ruins until we arrived at an imposing gate that connects the fortress by a wooden bridge to the Bourtzi Tower.

We crossed to the tower where there are amazing views of the Fortress and wonderful panoramic views of the turquoise blue sea that surrounds it. The tower was used by the guards who watched over the port, as a lighthouse, a prison and even as a shelter for the inhabitants when they were under siege. Next to the castle, the old port is submerged due to earthquakes in the area.

Finally, we went to see the chapel which is located on one side of the Square of Arms.

After that, we went to have a swim on the beach and to lunch. We choose one of the taverns in the square and we shared a plate of grilled prawns and a plate of grilled octopus. The octopus was delicious! When we finished the tavern waiter invited us to another jug of rose wine and ice creams. So we finish a little tipsy!