Venetian fortress Methoni

Methoni is a small town on the southwest coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, best known for its great fortress. It was built by the Venetians, after they took away this area from the Crusaders in 1206. They made the town an important and large medieval center..


Now it is hard to believe in it's importance, since only 1100 people live at this budget resort. Given the extremely important location, the fortress constantly took part in battles and changed owners. The fact is that the owner of the fortress could control many sea routes. Like other coastal fortifications it played an important role during the Greek Revolution in 1821. But unlike other places, here the Turks closed the fortress and did not give it to the rebels. Only in the 1829 the French knocked them out.








A real decoration of the fortress and its visiting card is the Bourtzi Tower, which was created by the Turks. Turks also left other "gifts" such as baths.




Right near the fortress is a large beach.


You can walk to the small pier with boats, which overlooks the tower. In general, it is a quiet, peaceful and budget place, you can come here for 1-2 days if you travel around Greece






Local jokers


In terms of overnight, we did not think for a long time and took a room with a sea view in Methoni Beach Hotel (booking com). This is the only hotel on the beach, so take it.

Getting there: parking N 36 49.068 E 21 42.465. On a bus from Kalamata, look here for schedule. To Kalamata by bus from the terminal Kifissou in Athens (schedule). Kalamata also has an airport.