Polylimnio
Close to the village of Charavgi there is a small green place like a real paradise consisting of a cluster of lakes and waterfalls. Polylimnio is a pleasant destination suitable for easy hiking and a diving into the lake’s cold water. During your exploration you will pass a series of lakes such as the Italian’s, the Kadoula and the Kadi with amazing waterfalls and crystal clear waters.

TIP: It is advisable to wear sport shoes or mountain sandals.

Voidokilia Beach
The beach of Voidokilia is located near Pylos, next to the Gialova Lagoon, an important wetland of the area. The beach is characteristically beautiful with fine sand and shallow water.

Tips: Avoid afternoon hours because there are too many mosquitoes over there!

Pylos
Pylos is a small seaside town, formerly known under the name Navarino, place of the homonymous naval battle that contributed to the liberating struggle of the Greeks. It is nice to take a walk in the square and why not have a cup of coffee at the port.

Methoni
Methoni is a small village and a point of historical interest. It is built around the castle of Methoni which was built by the Venetians. There you can visit the castle and the Bourtzi Tower located south of the fortress. Also you can eat delicious fish on the beach in front of the castle.

Finikounda Beach
Next to the homonymous village there is the beach of Finikounda. It is quite large in size, shallow, sandy with blue waters. The area is famous for the numerous camsites!

TIP: If you like the organized camping (… or you can start by reading our blog posts about camping!!) You will find many reasons to stay in one of the many campsites of the area.

Tsapi Beach
Although in order to get to Tsapi beach you need to step away from the main provincial road, we feel it is worth it if you want to go to a pristine and quite beach. There you will find a small campsite and a tavern in case you want to rest and taste some greek food!

Koroni
The town of Koroni extends around its castle which was built by the Venetians. It is very nice to go for a walk at the narrow alleys and at the port of Koroni.

Peroulia Beach (or Vounária)
Perhaps one of the most beautiful beaches of Messinia. Access is not the best one, especially on high season, but we trully believe it’s worth it. It is shallow, sandy, without great shade (there are sunbeds) and the whole plave has a view of the Taygetos mountain.

For those of you who need even more inspiration before visiting Kalamata, read the 7 best things to do in Kalamata by All Ther Rooms!

It is certain that during your tour you can discover many other wonderful places for a swim, to enjoy the Messinian landscape, to taste some local delicacies or drink a fine cup of  coffee in front of the sea. We tried to highlight the most important points of interest for you. All the above are obnly a few of the places you can visit during a one day trip from Kalamata city!

Click on the map for the route!

Have fun and don’t forget

“To travel is to live”…!!

* Photo Credit tsemperlidou.gr

The post 7+1 THINGS TO DO WHEN IN KALAMATA – PELOPONNESE appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

1.Accessibility: Always talking about the center you need nothing but a pair of sneakers and in one day you’ve been all over town. If you are, of course, a fan of cycling, you can rent a bike and enjoy your walk on the beach. If you’re tired again, we have a solution. The bus line 50 takes you to a quick tour of the city’s attractions with brief stops and information.

2. Multiculturalism: Undoubtedly one of the European capitals of Erasmus with a strong youthful character, and attracts people of all ages from all over the world who choose to stay in one of the hospitable hostels of the city. The long history engraved in the corners of the city (eg port, Jewish community, etc) is waiting for you to discover it.

3.Sights: From the White Tower to the Yedi Koules (castles) in Ano Polis, you will surely want to make some stops in museums such as archaeological, Byzantine, Macedonian history, Hebrew, folklore, cinema, contemporary art, and Monuments such as Arch of Galerius (the famous Kamara), Rotunda, Roman market, covered market.

4.Alternative Entertainment: In Thessaloniki you can enjoy any form of entertainment. From the favorite Rempetadika, Ouzo and the famous Ladadika to the festival of film, music, photography and countless clubs to choose from. You can also board a pirate ship and go around the beach sipping your coffee or drink, while the street musicians give a melodic touch to the streets of the city.

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Only those who have already visited Halkidiki know! For those who still…have not visited this place, we are here to get to know it better! From the secrets of Kassandra to the nature of Sithonia….

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For nature lovers-Sithonia

At the east side of Sithonia there are Vourvourou, Diaporos, Kavourotripes only some from the most beautiful places in Halkidiki. Beautiful beaches, blue waters, countless organized and quite luxurious cmpsites, shady plane trees, pines, caravans and beaches! This is the east side of the second leg of Halkidiki  and we’re going to see and western now… There we will find super fresh fish in Porto Koufo and we ll take the chance to climb the Parthenon a beautiful and picturesque mountainous village at the mountain Itamos!

Cassandra and “her” secrets

We now are going to pass to the first leg of our beloved Halkidiki, an area a little more touristic and full of summer bars and clubs with people and all the students of Thessaloniki and not only! Surely the image of overcrowding beaches and tavernas its not something we love to see when we wander around, but such beautiful places are impossible not to attract more and more tourists each year! We will choose to mention the Afitos, the lagoon of Glarokavos and the… Magical Akrotiri Possidi with the characteristic lighthouse (for those who know the magical sunrise at Akrotiri is not comparable to any exotic place!)!  Also look for the Nea Fokea Tower and the Sani Tower.

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Other places of interest in Halkidiki

• Petralona Cave
• Barbara Falls
• Ierissos
• Ammouliani
• Agia Paraskevi Thermal Bath

In our opinion the best way to enjoy all the places we suggested even if its for a little time, is with a great one week road trip at least! Halkidiki is like a cluster of many small islands each of which is special and we love it for a different reason!

Indulge in the hospitality of northern Greece and put Halkidiki in your next plans and bucketlists!

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Built on the site of ancient Pharai, the city took its modern name from a miracle-working icon of the Virgin Mary known as kala matia (good eyes).  It was discovered in the stables of an Ottoman aga (governor), who became a Christian as a miracle. The icon now resides inside the city’s oversized cathedral, the Church of Ypapanti.

Down town

Below the city’s castle, the small but attractive old town is located, a favorite meeting place for young people, because here is concentrated the nightlife (in winter). Old town was almost totally destroyed by the Turks during the War of Independence, rebuilt by French engineers in the 1830s, then levelled again by an earthquake in 1986. A lively Saturday food market at the old town is waiting for the visitors to try traditional products such us Kalamata olives, pasteli, olive oil etc.

Walk to find its castle and places of interests such us the hall that hosts every summer the prestigious International Dance Festival. The castle with the panoramic view is built on the site of the acropolis of Faron. Constructed in the 13th century by William Villehardouin and underwent subsequent additions and alterations by the Venetians and Turks. At the foot of the castle lies the  church of Ag. Ioannis which dates back to the post-Byzantine times. Visit the cathedral of the Visitation-Ypapanti (1873), the monastery of nuns (12th c.), the Byzantine church of the Agioi Apostoloi (13th c.), which received special historical value as here was celebrated the first thanksgiving in liberated Kalamata on March 23, 1821.

Visit also

The old Town Hall, the Gallery of Contemporary Greek Art, with paintings, sculptures and engravings, the Archaelogical Museum with finds dating from the Bronze Age to the Roman period, the Folklore and Historical Museum with traditional items, local costumes and relics from Greek Revolution of 1821, the municipal theater and Railway Park where exposed old engines and railroad cars, the meeting of residents and visitors walking point is the spacious central King George Square. From here starts the pedestrian part of the main road Aristomenous where you can find many shops and cafés. The district developed around the picturesque railway station with pedestrian network, small coffee bars and taverns. One of the gifts of Kalamata, is the huge beach (4km), clean waters (blue flag). The beach stretches along the boulevard Navarinou and is one of the most beautiful places in the city to walk or ride a bike. On the western beach there is a remarkable marina town with many tourist facilities, cafes and restaurants.

Ancient Messene (Messinia), Mani, Vergas Beach, Little Mantineia, the Avia,  town of Messina, the mountain villages of the western slope of Mount Taygetos, on the way to the city of Sparta (the route to Sparta is one of the most beautiful in Greece), Oreini Arcadia, Voidokoilia, Agios Andreas, Gargaliani (Marathopoli), Kardamili (New Suburb), Koroni, Methoni, Kyparissia, Petalidi, Pylos (Gialova), Stoupa and Finikounda. which in recent years have developed into resorts with significant tourist infrastructure and nightlife during the summer months,

Events

• The International Dance Festival, held every summer with his artistic radiation beyond the borders of the country and attracted dancers from around the world.
• Cultural events, theatrical performances and concerts at the castle amphitheater in the summer.
• The carnival events of the Municipality, with the standard “carousel” in the town square, every first Sunday of Carnival.
• The revival of impressive custom of “saitopolemou” Easter night of Resurrection (Western Kalamata Beach – Old Slaughterhouse).
• The big carnival in Messina last Sunday of Carnival.

Find out the 7 Best Things to do in Kalamata city. Other than this you can choose amongst:

Climbing, Mountain bike, Walks off road jeep, Excursion enduro, Sea sports, Bike, Running, Organized camping.

Accessibility: two hours and a half away from Athens.

What to buy – eat?

• pasteli
• honey
• herbs
• cheese (graviera – talagani – sfela)
• sygklino pork & sausages
• fresh yoghurt
• fresh fruit & vegetables
• sandals
• ceramics
• traditional neckerchief (silk texile)

Click the map with Kalamata’s places to see!

Things to do in Kalamata – nonstoptravellers

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So let’s meet the exotic Lichadonisia!

Lichadonisia, or Lichades, is a complex of seven or more small islands and islets in the northwest of Evia. They are located in the Sea area where you join the northern Evoikos Gulf with Maliakos and its on the opposite of Kamena Vourla.

Lichadonisia formed after volcanic activity while a large part of the islands sank from an earthquake in 426 B.C. their name came from Lichas, the servant of Hercules, who handed him the tunic of Deianeira, according to mythology and because when Hercules held him responsible for the tunic, hurled him to the sea. From the pieces and his blood were formed the Lichades islands!

Some of the names of the islets are Monolia and the Vagia as well as other smaller called Pontikonisi.

How to get to Lichadonisia.

During the summer season there are daily and weekend itineraries from the port of Kamena Vourla Fthiotida. You can choose a boat with glass bottom and there is usually a mini tour performed by the Captain! Also ask about the beaches where every boat leaves you because the first one is always so full of people that you can hardly enjoy the scenery!

From Kamena Vourla: The start of the routes to and from the Lichadonisia started on June 9, 2018 from the port of Kamena Vourla.

• Timetable: take off 12:00 return 18:00 ticket prices 12.00 Euro adults and 6.00 euro children.
• Itineraries are also operated from the beach of Kavos Lihada of North Evia, upon telephone contact – ticket prices 6.00 Euro adults and free for children.
• The visit to the beach of Lichadonisiwn can be done by Kamena Vourla,  with the boats “Lihadonisia i ” and “Lihadonisia II ” or from Kavos (Evia) with the boats “I saw it all ” and “I saw all II “, the use of umbrellas is free of charge, upon availability for the duration of your stay, if you are visiting the Lihadonisia with the specific boats.

Tip 1: Meet the permanent residents of Lihadonisia who are not other than the wonderful seals of monachus- monachus who live permanently in these waters!

Tip 2: Because for some of you the prices might seem a little bit exaggerated… You can take with you your umbrella and fridge with the necessary respect and discretion always!

Tip 3: Don’t miss the shipwreck…

The paradox of Lichadonisia

These islands turned into a popular tourist destination in recent years, certainly not unjustified. On the other hand, however, the impression that the islets will derive depends on ones initial expectations. Eg. Ok… It is something beautiful and different, ideal for one-day excursions, but come on…its not Seychelles!!!

Consider it as a short getaway and travel experience filled with people who enjoy the crystal clear waters and the incredible beauty of the landscape (when not overcrowded). The area is also available for snorkeling, water sports and scuba diving. Every place has its own beauty and it is good to feel it that way!

After all, the final impressions are only yours!!!

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Andalusia, the heart of the Spanish South, is one of the 17 autonomous regions of Spain and the southernmost one. It is the second largest and the first bu means of population. Its capital is Seville, and in general Andalucia is now divided into eight provinces: Seville, Huelva, Cordoba, Haen, Almeria, Granada, Malaga and Cádiz. Finally, there are almost 8 million inhabitants, it is the city where Pablo Picasso and the painter Velasquez were born, while its beauties fascinated and inspired the novelist Ernest Hemingway! All the above makes it the ideal destination for roatrip !!!

The budget for 2 people!

We traveled 700 km in 7 days! We spent 50 € on gasoline, rented a car with 10 € a day (prices start at 5 € / day) and for accommodation, bicycle, food and attractions costs 60 € / day. Airfares with a good search (not last minute!) Cost from Athens around 150 € / person, with airlines such as Aegean, Alitalia, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and are valid for direct flights or via Italy. Total for two people for 7 days;

50 + 10 * 7 + 50 * 7 + 150 * 2 = 770 € + (approx. 40 € from & to Airport) = 810 €

The cost of course can fall a lot if you choose to travel with company to share the common expenses, also the prices are indicative of a relatively well-paid trip. Surely the budget goes lower.

50 + 5 * 7 + 40 * 7 + 150 * 2 = 665 € + (approximately 25 € to & to Airport) = 690 € A

And of course it can cost you even more cheaper, if you choose to stay in a hostel, eat fast food every day and do not visit any museum etc!

The roadtrip

1 Day – Malaga

The first day we said … is devoted to feeling the vibes of the city (as long as the trip will last for several days)! We do not panic! We arrange our stuff and start wandering around! Malaga is the heart of Andalusian tourism, yet has retained its traditional character almost unchanged! Nice houses, rich nature and a high standard touristic center! Do not miss to visit the Picasso Museum at Palacio de Buenavista!

2 Day – Costa del Sol

On the second day, take a trip to the favorite beach of millions of travelers in Marbella where you can enjoy your Mediterranean air and sea! On the same day a little further north visit the city of Ronda, the rock city  with the well-known bridget (famous image among travelers). A city full of olive trees that reminds something of … Greece! Late in the afternoon you have to travel north to Seville.

3-4-5 Day – Seville (and maybe one day Cordoba?)

In the ancient city of Seville, which is the capital of the Autonomous Region of Andalucia, we recommend staying for 3 days! The historical route of Seville is the depiction of the history of all Andalusia and the different cultural influences that shaped its identity throughout the centuries. A city full of magic and fairy tales, as it is the city of Don Quixote! Also, visit the Alcázar, a palace complex with amazing gardens, now used to host the royal family. Ideal city for endless cycling or scrolling rides to feel like kids again, in the historic center, pedestrianized and full of bicycle infrastructure! Well-kept gardens full of flowers, many universities give youthful vibes to the city, boats to Piaza Espagna, and fabulous fresh fish make up the great scenery of Seville. The words that describe Seville the best are the relaxed rhythms and the smiles of the people! Fortunately, the tourism has not changed its genuine beauty! For those of you who want more adventures, one day you can escape to the city of Cordoba, the capital of Muslim Spain, located in the center of Andalucia!

Tips for Seville:

• Book your tickets online
• Try some shrimps and fish dishes

6 Day – Granada

Granada is … music, poetry and culture. It is the Andalucian rose! This province is located at the foot of the mountain and includes the rugged peaks of Sierra Nevada, a city with stunning architecture on calm plateaus, white villages scattered over hills and valleys descending to the rocks and impressive Costa Tropical beaches. The Alhambra, the “red fortress” of the Moorish monarchs in the city of Granada, is the most emblematic of the city which has been declared a Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 1984. Nature at its Best !!!

Tip for Granada:

• Get lost amongst musicians and artists in San Nicolas and watch the Alhambra!
• Search for the authentic caves of flamenco!
• Learn the local gypsy stories!

plaza-espana andalucia non stop travellers

7 Day – Málaga

Return to cosmopolitan Malaga. Enjoy for a while Spanish smells and the lively nightlife and return home more cheerful and wiser!

Extra tips!

• Try the various wines of  Andalucia with prices at about 3 €  per glass on average, sparkling and semi-sweet!
• Especially in Granada, you will try taparia,  our favorite tapas !!!
• In Seville you can eat  for about 50 € / 2persons in a well rated restaurant while with about 4 tapas you will be happy enough all day!
• Try some bull tails !!!
• Experience: for those of you who are in a great tense enjoy a hamam!

Meet people from every corner of the world and of all ages!

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