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There could not be a more interesting
and enjoyable holiday than one you spend exploring the wonderful
landscape, visiting the unique ancient sites, meeting rare wild life in
the wet lands and discovering a “paradise on earth”
Yes, Eleonas is an ideal base for walks and short expeditions.
Think of strolling along the paths that wind between the fields and wander
through the quaint picturesque villages exploring some of the most
magnificent places in Greece. Gentle hillsides with extensive olive groves
that constantly change color in the light of the sun and the ever-present
radiant blue of the sea in the background make every trip a unique
experience.
At the southern edge of the bay of Navarino you will see the town of Pylos
spreading amphitheatre style down to the sea. The town of 2.500
inhabitants was designed and constructed by the French engineers of the
army corps under General Maison between 1828 and 1833.
The huge plane trees in the square with the local cafés serving drinks
under their shade are the center of local life and the best relaxation
spot.
The arches bordering the square give a unique character to the town. From
the little harbor of Pylos just in front of the square you can take a boat
trip to the island of Sphakteria and visit the Chichli-baba islet where
according to legend, if a pregnant woman goes through the arched passage
of the islet, she will give birth to a boy.
At the southwestern edge of the town the Castle - called “Neocastro” - was
built in 1573 and then extended and repaired in 1686. It covers an area of
75.000 m sq and is the best-preserved castle in Greece. The exploration of
the castle will take your feet over stone paved paths used for centuries
by many different populations and as you stroll through the extensive
grounds you will feel the presence of past generations.
An historic experience right on your doorstep!
The little town of Methoni, just a 10 km drive from Pylos, is known as a
fisherman’s village. The beautiful atmospheric castle curves around the
bay protecting the town like an outstretched arm. After exploring this
stunning Castle, which is a riot of flowers in the spring, take a walk
through the village to the small local market for souvenirs and local
products.
Further round on the east side of the peninsula you will find the
picturesque town of Koroni, with the ruins of the Venetian castle on the
cliffs which separate the town from the long sandy beach of Zagga. The
church of Evangelistria and the nunnery within the castle are the only
places in Messenia where you can still see working Nuns.
The little town of Koroni has a very characteristic Greek color with its
narrow streets and beautiful old houses. Here you can find local products
and Greek art shops as well as pottery works.
Just 9 km from Eleonas you will find the ruins of Nestor’s Palace. The
famous Ancient King of Pylos. It is also worth visiting the museum in the
nearby agricultural town of Chora just 2 km further on from the Palace.
Olympia is one of the world’s best-known ancient sites and only a one and
a half hour drive from Eleonas. Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic
Games that started in 776B.C. and conquered the world with their spirit of
peace and co-operation. Nowadays the Olympic Games are again the number
one athletic event in the world. The Ancient site of Olympia concentrates
all the high lights of Ancient Greek history and architecture. Here you
will find the remains of the temples of the Olympus Gods Zeus and Hera,
the Philippion from King Filippos of Macedonia, Phidias’ workshops, the
Echo-hall, the Stadium and the Palestra and many other invaluable historic
monuments.
Mystras is a Byzantine city, 2 km outside of Sparta, which used to be the
capital of the Byzantium Empire.
The city ruins hug a steep hillside and boast impressive churches with
frescoes from the middle ages and late Byzantine times as well as the
dramatic palace of the Despots and the houses of wealthy Byzantine
families. Mystras is a 2-hour drive from Eleonas through the breathtaking
Taygetos Mountains.
The caves of Diros near Areopolis on the Mani peninsular are well worth a
visit. Still being excavated, the caves offer a rare chance to see
stalactites and stalagmites on a boat ride. It is a two hours drive from
Eleonas through the stark scenery of the Mani.
Monemvasia at the far southeastern side of the Peloponnese is an entire
Byzantine city inside castle fortifications. Here you can experience the
unique atmosphere of a medieval town and feel you have stepped back in
time. As the journey from Eleonas to Monemvasia takes 4 hours you may wish
to stay overnight, in which case we can help with bookings. Excellent
accommodation is available inside the castle in old restored houses and
you will find tasty examples of traditional Greek cooking.
In the northeastern province of the Peloponnese in the Argolis area you
will find some of the most impressive Ancient sites such as the Theater of
Epidavros, the Palace of Mycenae, Ancient Tyrins and Ancient Korinth.
The picturesque town of Nauplion, with the castle of
Palamidi high on the cliffs overlooking the town, offers a host of
extremely interesting places to explore. Nauplion was the first capital of
the NeoHellenic State after the emancipation from the Ottomans. The
classic architecture of the old town is rigorously protected.
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