About the Area

Harakopio

Villa Nikos lies between the sea (400m - the gulf of Messinia) and the nearby agricultural village of Harakopio (1.5km) which has two bakeries, a couple of tavernas, a handful of traditional kafeneon/cafes and several general stores plus a post office, doctors, 2 chemists, dentist, 3 hairdressers and other shops. There is a farmers market here every Sunday morning.

Koroni

Koroni (6km) is an attractive Medieval harbour town, with a historical castle and peaceful monastery, stepped streets and old houses with fabulous ornate balconies. Koroni has 2 banks plus a good selection of cafes, tavernas, and shops. The excellent, long, sandy beach of Zaga is located just over the headland from the Castle. You can find watersports on this beach. Koroni also has a market every Sunday morning.

Local beaches

Gargarou beach (400m) can be found simply by following the road past Villa Nikos, as it winds down through olive groves to the sea. If you walk to the far end of this sandy beach, where the beach is known as Perulia, there is a taverna / café. There are several other beaches nearby which can be reached either on foot or by car, and many more fabulous beaches around the coast of Messinia.

Finikounda

The resort of Finikounda (18km) with its picturesque fishing harbour, selection of tavernas, shops and cafes has three excellent sandy beaches, watersports and boat trips.

Methoni

The sleepy town of Methoni (28km) on the west coast of the peninsular, has a huge castle and to explore, lovely old houses and a laid back atmosphere.

Pylos

Pretty Pylos, about an hour drive from Gargarou, scenically situated in the bay of Navarone (scene of the 1827 battle of Navarino) has a large central square full of cafes shaded by two huge plane trees. There’s a good selection of shops around the square and in the backstreets. Pylos also has a large castle, located just outside the town. Boat trips operate around the bay and boat hire is available.

Yialova

The seaside resort of Yialova is a 15 minute drive north of Pylos. Here you will find a sandy beach backed with tavernas and the Yialova nature reserve lagoon/wetlands. Paleocastro (the old castle of Pylos) and the very beautiful Voidokilia bay lie just beyond Yialova.

Archeological sites

There are several archeological sites within driving distance of Gargarou, most notably: Ancient Messini which is just over an hour’s drive to the north; the Byzantine City of Mystras which is around a 2.5 hour drive through the mountains above Kalamata; Nestors Palace -  a small site located to the north of Pylos, and Ancient Olympia, which is around a 2.5 hour drive up the west coast of the Peloponnese.