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Excursion/Taxi Service Details.
Voidokilia
View this wonderful bay from above by taking a 30 minute walk up to Paleokastro ('Old Castle'). Then back down to explore the beautiful beach and have a swim, and sunbathe. You could also walk to Nestor's Cave from the beach. Travel by car from your accommodation. It is just under an hours drive away. You can be guided or dropped off to explore on your own. You can stipulate how long you want before being picked up and returned to your accommodation. For 1 to 4 persons the price is 100 Euros.
The Outer Mani
Occupying the northern part of the middle prong of the Peloponnese it is often compared to the highlands of Scotland. The region is dominated by the Taygetos mountains which rise up to 2,404m at their highest. Away from the concentrated tourist areas of Stoupa and Agios Nikolaos and off the beaten track, you will find a Greece that has not changed in decades. There are villages with Maniot towers, gorges to explore and stunning scenery all round. In spring time the wild flowers are breath taking. This tour can be tailored to meet what you are interested in seeing, whether that be villages, countryside or coastal places. It is a whole day tour and for 1 to 4 people the cost would be 160 Euros.
Temple of Apollo
This fabulous temple is one of the best preserved in all of Greece, and has what most be the most dramatic location. The site is wonderfully isolated, set in mountains at a height of 1,131m. It should be pointed out that the temple is currently covered by a huge tent in order to preserve it whilst restoration work continues. It is however still worth the visit. Inside the tent the space is dominated by the great pillars which are immense ans give you a sense of the temple's enormity. For 1 to 4 people the price is 150 Euros.
Neokastro Castle
Neokastro or 'New castle' was started in the 16th century and was built to dominate the sea.. It was called this to distinguish it from the old castle above Voidokilia. It is surprisingly large, and consists of an outer curtain wall built upon recessed arches, and an inner, hexagonal citadel with a moat around it. It is possible to walk around almost all of the walls, which provide lovely views of Navarino Bay and its islands. The inner citadel is a particularly fine bit of military architecture. The cost of this half day trip is 70 Euros for 1 to 4 people. (This does not include the entrance fee to the castle which is 3 Euros and open Tuesday to Sunday). This half day trip can be joined with Pylos. 100 Euros for up to 4 people.
Pylos
This is a lovely town, the hub of which is the harbour and the adjacent Platea Trion Navarchon where a monument celebrates the three admirals from England, Russia and France who defeated the Ottomans. This is a good place to shop, have a coffee or ice-cream in the square and wander around. It is also the place to hire motor boats for the day and sail around Navarino Bay visiting the little islands, the wooden Russian church and find deserted coves and beaches where snorkelling is very good. The cost of this half day trip is 70 Euros for 1 to 4 people. This half day trip can be joined with Neokastro Castle. 100 Euros for up to 4 people.
Koroni
Koroni is one of the prettiest towns of the Peloponnese. It is reminiscent of some of the islands, with its whitewashed houses set around a small port rising up to a low hill behind, on which perches the castle. It has a sleepy air and is wonderful to wander around, visit the castle and have a spot of lunch. Carrying on from the castle you come to a convent, the Timiou Prodromou dedicated to John the Baptist. The friendly nuns welcome visitors (dressed appropriately) and it has some of the best views of the town. There are quiet beaches nearby. A half day trip for 1 to 4 people costs 50 Euros. If this is extended to a full day then the cost will be 80 Euros. There are no entrance fees to the castle or convent.
Methoni
The castle and the Bourtzi are the main attractions here although it does have a sandy beach which is quite popular.
You enter the castle over an elegant, 14-arched, stone bridge which crosses a large moat. Once over the bridge and through the gate, with its carved pillars, a sharp left turn acts as a further defensive measure, and then leads through a further two gates, one of which is pierced by a cannon hole. The second gate leads you into the interior of the castle itself. This is where the old town of Methoni was. There are a few ruined Turkish baths and a more recent Orthodox church. The odd pyramid-roofed building opposite the gate was an armoury. It is well worth heading for the southernmost wall of the castle, where a large sea gate leads to a causeway and to the Bourtzi tower. It is a beautiful and romantic spot. Price for 1 to 4 people is 90 Euros half day castle and Bourtzi or 130 Euros if you want to add half a day to explore the town or go on the beach. There is an entrance fee of 3 Euros per person for non EU citizens and 2 Euros for EU citizens. Open from 8am to 8pm summer and 8:30am to 3:30pm from November 1st to 31st March. The castle is not open on Tuesdays.
Mystra
Nowhere else does the medieval, and especially the Byzantine, world seem to come alive as it does at Mystra. The setting itself is breathtaking and the drive through the Langada pass to get there is stunning.
On this spur of the Taygetos are the ruins of an entire city, the old Byzantine capital of Morea, with its lanes and alleyways, palaces, castle and above all, churches calling out for exploration. It is a large site and needs a full day to appreciate it and see it all. Good shoes are needed for this. Price for 1 to 4 people is 180 Euros. (not including entrance fee of 12 Euros for adults, senior 6 Euros, children free and is open daily).
Gialova Lagoon
This an area of outstanding natural beauty and is part of the European NATURA 2000 network. It is home to over 265 varieties of birds (79 of which are protected), 26 species of reptile, 16 of fish and 28 different types of mammal. The lagoon is the only European habitat of the endangered African chameleon but they barely exist due to the exotic pet trade.
The road runs along the edge of Golden Beach, which is a superb place to swim, sunbathe and admire the views over Navarino Bay to Pylos. There is a wonderful walk around the lagoon and from here you can also climb the hill to the Paleokastro or 'Old Castle' from where you get breathtaking views of Voidokilia and the lagoon. The price of this trip for 1 to 4 people is 100 Euros. This trip can be coupled with the Voidokilia trip to make it a full day and costs 120 Euros for 1 to 4 people.
Ancient Messene
Ancient Messene is simply astounding, especially as it comes as such a surprise. The remains are extensive, from its towering walls, theatre, fountains, marketplace, religious centre, stadium and tombs. It is in fact an entire city. It is off the beaten track and is best entered from a stunning Arcadian gate. The site has a museum too, (cost 2 euros). Close by Mount Ithome can be reached by car via a rough track or can be walked in one hour, and provides amazing views of Ancient Messene and vast swathes of Messinia and over to the mountains of Laconia. There are 2 wonderful and contrasting monasteries here, one abandoned and one still working. A full day is required to explore all the site and monasteries. The price for 1 to 4 people is 100 euros (not including entrance fees which is 12.50 Euros for non-EU citizens and a reduced rate for EU citizens and children). Summer opening times are 8am to 8pm, from November 1st to 31st March 8:30am to 3:30 pm.
Kalamata
This is a city built on its production of its famous table olives and olive oil. It is also home to Karelia, Greece's most famous brand of cigarettes. Unfortunately on 13th September 1986, a large earthquake destroyed many of the old buildings. However, there are some very appealing parts of the city. Around the central Aristomenous Square are many shops selling designer goods of all varieties. The little shops in the old town carry a range of local goods including the silk scarves that the region was once famous for. The food market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays and is one of the best in the Peloponnese. Unfortunately the castle remains mostly closed off but the lower part, where there is a modern amphitheatre, is often open in the mornings and has good views of the city. There are also very good museums to visit. At night the old town is a wonderful place to have a drink and a meal, it is full of atmosphere. In the summer months most people spend the evening on the seafront when the restaurants and bars come alive. The city is the dance capital of Greece and boasts 17 dance schools and 13 drama schools. This helps make the atmosphere when going out in Kalamata so great. The best time to go is in the evening, shops are open late, there are great places to eat and the late bars are well worth visiting. Cost each way is 50 Euros for up to 4 people, at times that suit you.
Langada Pass
This is a wonderful route between Kalamata and Sparta. It is one of the most dramatic in the Peloponnese. The road through the gorge passes through small villages and crests its peak at about 1,600m. It is worth mentioning that this is 250m above the top of ben nevis, Britain's tallest peak, yet mountains still tower above you. This is a good bet for those who want to hike in the Taygetos or simply just get a closer view of the mountains. There are some stunning villages to explore and many places to have a drink or something to eat. Mount Profitis Ilias at 2,404m is the tallest peak of the Peloponnese which can be reached. A well-waymarked trail (1.5 hours) through the trees from where the car can be parked brings you to the Taygetos Mountain Refuge. If you want to stay at the refuge you're best to contact the Spartan Alpine Club, who can also give you advice on reaching the peak, (2.75 hours above the refuge). It is more romantic, but colder, to sleep at the peak itself, where there is a small chapel and some scant shelter. Hordes of people make the climb for 20th July, Elijah's name day. Cost for a day trip through the Langada pass visiting villages and stopping for refreshments is 160 Euros for 1 to 4 people. If you want to be dropped off to trek to the top of Mount Profitis Ilias and stay over night and be picked up the next day then the cost is also 200 Euros.
Navarino Bay
The best way to explore Navarino Bay is by hiring a motorboat in Pylos. We do this through Nikos at Pylos Dive Centre. This cost approximately 90 Euros (2022 prices) after which you pay for the petrol that you have used. You can pick up boats from 9:30am and drop them back around 6:00pm. You can visit the small islands with their various monuments, find deserted coves and snorkel and swim, and see a wonderful natural arch which is part of one of the islands. This is a truly brilliant way to spend a day. We can take you to the boat and pick you up at the end of your day for 90 Euros. This does not include boat hire but we can arrange this for you.
Olympia (not done during summer)
Olympia is the most famous site on the Peloponnese. It was where the most important festival of the ancient world took place, in both Greek and Roman times, and it still has a place in modern world culture. Every 4 years it is here that the flame is first lit that is then taken to whichever city is hosting the modern Olympic Games. The ruins are somewhat jumbled and often confusing but Olympia is a place that repays the effort that you put into it. Away from the coach parks and tourist facilities, the atmosphere of the place still prevails, giving some idea of why the ancients chose the site in the first place. Even on a busy day you can find a quiet corner to sit and contemplate. The Olympic ideal, peace between states fostered by friendly competition, was difficult to achieve even in classical times, but here, in this Arcadian glade, you can still feel its power. The trip to Olympia takes approximately 2 hours and therefore requires a full day Entrance to the site including the main museum costs 12 Euros. The cost of the trip which does not include the entrance fee is 200 Euros for up to 4 people.
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Deep Mani Villages
The Deep Mani, in the southern part of the central peninsula of the Peloponnese, is relatively unvisited, rugged and very beautiful. It is mountainous and often windswept, with a haunted past full of feuding clans and bitter resistance to invaders. The countryside is dotted with small Byzantine churches rich in frescoes and the distinctive Maniat towerhouses. The Deep Mani starts at the town of Areopoli which is a gorgeous town to explore. Further south the most striking village full of towerhouses is Vathia. It looks like a medieval fantasy. One of our favourite villages, not to be named here, can also be visited on this excursion and is the perfect place for lunch. You can pretty much decide your own itinary on this excursion. Many people want to visit the Diros Caves on this tour too. 250 Euros for up to 4 people.
Polylimnio Waterfalls
The waterfalls can be found at the Polylimnio Gorge about a 35 minute drive from Villa Iremia. In Greek Polylimnio translates to 'many lakes.' The waters are aqua and waterfalls drop in to many of them. It is a trek which starts from a car park and goes down into the gorge where you come to the first lake or pool. from here you can walk up the gorse to the next lake and waterfall and so on for about 3.5km. The biggest waterfalls drop from 25 meters. This is a natural and beautiful place where on a hot summers day is perfect for cooling down in the pools and breathing in all the natural beauty around you. The pools are great for swimming in and diving into. 60 Euros for up to 4 people.
TAXI SERVICE:
We recognise that some guests choose not to hire a car and so as well as the above excursions we also offer a taxi service so guests can go shopping, go to a beach, go out for lunch or dinner or visit somewhere of their own choice.
As a general guide:
Taxi to Koroni is 30 Euros plus 30 Euros pick up
Triada Beach is 25 Euros plus 25 Euros pick up
Chrani beach, bars and tavernas is 8 Euros plus 8 Euros pick up
Nea Koroni Supermarket is 20 Euros not including waiting time which is 6 Euros per 30 minutes
Petalidi is 20 Euros plus 20 Euros pick up or a waiting time at 6 Euros per 30 minutes
Platanos Taverna Achladochori - scenic route with wonderful views to the Taverna is 25 Euros, direct route on main road 15 Euros plus 15 Euros pick up (direct route only).
Velika Beach is 30 Euros plus 30 Euros pick up
Kalamata Old Town/Market is 50 Euros (including toll)
PLEASE REMEMBER that we do do airport transfers which are currently 40 Euros.
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