Messenia

Located in the southwestern Peloponnese, Messenia is a region where ancient olive groves meet pristine beaches. Known for its historic castles, traditional stone villages, and the stunning bay of Navarino, this lesser-known Greek destination offers authentic Mediterranean life away from mass tourism. The area produces some of Greece's finest olive oil and maintains strong agricultural traditions.

• •Home to the ancient Palace of Nestor from Homer's Odyssey
• •Produces premium Kalamata olives and olive oil
• •Features over 4,500-year-old Mycenaean ruins
• •Contains the largest natural harbor in Greece at Pylos

• •Featured in BBC's Mediterranean food documentaries
• •Before Midnight (2013) filmed nearby in Kardamyli
• •Setting for Victoria Hislop's novel 'The Last Dance'
• •Costa Navarino resort hosted numerous celebrity weddings