Pylos - Methoni - kayaking

Route: Kalamata - Pylos - Methoni - kayaking - Kalamata
Duration: 7 h
Our trip will begin акщь crossing streets filled with olive and orange trees but also with myths and traditions, for about an hour, we will reach the hill in front of Pylos. The first time that you confront the bay of Navarino, combined with the castle and the green colors of Pylos, is going to be one of the moments of the tour that you will never forget. From up there you will be able to see both small and larger islands. The huge rocks in front of us look like an entrance to the sea and are parts of the island of Sfaktiria. At the southern end of this island, you will be able to admire the ruins of a fortification wall built by the Spartans, in 425 BC, during the Peloponnesian war. The picturesque town of Pylos will welcome us soon. While enjoying your coffee at the town’s main square we will learn everything about its history. There, among the plane trees, stands the monument of the Three Admirals from Russia, France and England. You will also learn stories and tales of these three philhellenists. Before we leave Pylos, we will make our next stop at the castle known as Niokastro. It was built by the Turks in 1573 AD, but like every other castle in the region it constantly changed hands. As you walk the cobblestone streets you will admire the four cylindrical towers and also the aqueduct, a legacy left by the Venetians. Our next stop will be the nearby town of Methoni. The castle of this town is one of the most impressive of the Peloponnese, since one of its parts, Bourtzi, reaches into the sea, like an artificial … island! Walking between walls and battlements, it will whisper its own secrets, starting from 1500 AD, when Venetian soldiers started to build it. The kayaking Tour begins from the sandy beach of Methoni, next to the impressive fortress, built in a rock that enters the sea and separated from the mainland by an artificial moat.The town of Methoni, also known as the ‘’eye’’ of Venice in the Mediterranean has been, thanks to its strategic location, important trade and marine centre for the Venetians during medieval years. Across Methoni, lies the ever-green island of Sapientza , home to rare species of flora and fauna, with its seabed “hosting” many ancient shipwrecks of great archaeological value! Once we prepare our equipment and attend a brief but comprehensive introduction to the basics of sea kayaking, we get into our kayaks for a unique paddling adventure. This sea kayaking journey starts by gliding our kayaks within crystal clear waters near the imposing castle walls, enhanced with impressive arcs and bastions. Heading south we reach the serenity of a beautiful island beach. Here we take a big break to rest, swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters and enjoy a delicious picnic with freshly baked bread, organic garden-grown fruits and vegetables, homemade Greek olive oil and cheese. The network of trails crossing the island leads into an ancient arbutus forest that constitutes a unique ecosystem, home of muffle (wild sheep), wild goats (kri-kri), partridges, pheasants and many other species. Once our break is over we explore the north coast of the island before returning back to the staring point, ending that way a brilliant sea kayaking day! After we will back to Kalamata.
Price: per person