The road of the castles, in Methoni, Peloponnese

The only castle I have visited and is not built on a hill but is next to the sea, is the castle of Methoni. In reality, three of its sides border with the sea and is connected to the shore with a 14 arches stone bridge. The gate of the castle adorns the lion of St. Mark, to always witness that the castle was built by the Venetians in the early 13th century.

From the sea gate starts a paved road leading to the fortified islet Mpourzi . Wandering around the castle can last for hours as it is one of the largest in the Mediterranean. The most magical time to be at the castle is during the sunset, when the sun sets into the Ionian Sea and the lights of the castle turn on, illuminating the massive walls. Sure you can enjoy it if going to swim to the nearby beach, a privilege which might be unique to the Greek area.

Leaving Methoni and leaving behind the imposing castle but both green islands of Messenian Oinouses , the Sapientza and Schiza the road leads to the second big castle of Cape Akritas , the castle of Koroni. You have to make a stop halfway to enjoy one of the most beautiful parts of Messinia, the Finicounda. It is a fishing village with a beautiful beach, scoring big tourist development in recent years.

As the road reaches to an end, the islet of Koroni will intitially welcome the visitor, seconds comes the Venetico and then the town crowened by its castle. It was also built by the Venetians in the 13th century and is one of the few which is still inhabited by houses and churches. Descending from the castle and after wandering in the narrow streets of Koroni you should enjoy an ouzo or coffee in the many shops that line the harbor.