Fitness Retreat June 22- 30 (June 21 departure)
Pylos, Messinia, Peloponnese
Pylos, Messinia, Peloponnese
Messinia will take your breath away. This is a land filled with contrasting landscapes of olive groves, green valleys, mountains, gorges, waterfalls, mountain rivers and beautiful coves with sandy beaches and crystal turquoise sea. There are also many historical sites to visit, including Bronze Age Nestor’s Palace with exciting new finds and a recently opened archaeological site, Ancient Messene –an entire city in existence for more than 1000 years in extraordinary condition and the mesmerizing Medieval Fortresses of Methoni, Koroni and Pylos, each situated next to the sea, offering amazing views and with its own story to tell. We will discover these amazing places by kayaking along the gorgeous coastline, hiking to hidden coastal caves and fortresses and also to beautiful waterfalls, which were home to nymphs and bathing spots of the gods.
Our base will be a luxuruious villa—4 bedrooms, 5 baths with a private swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi located on a hill above the amphitheatrical harbor town of Pylos (street scenes of “Before Midnight” were filmed here). The main square of Pylos town is filled with cafés under the shade of centuries-old plane trees with seafood tavernas and restaurants along the seaside promenade. The town is characterized by stone built houses, picturesque little shops and gorgeous sunsets. Most dinners will be in Pylos, but breakfast and healthy snacks—fresh fruit, cheeses, locally baked goods, wines, etc. will be provided at the villa, as will massage therapies, yoga and personal care specialists for those interested.
Our base will be a luxuruious villa—4 bedrooms, 5 baths with a private swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi located on a hill above the amphitheatrical harbor town of Pylos (street scenes of “Before Midnight” were filmed here). The main square of Pylos town is filled with cafés under the shade of centuries-old plane trees with seafood tavernas and restaurants along the seaside promenade. The town is characterized by stone built houses, picturesque little shops and gorgeous sunsets. Most dinners will be in Pylos, but breakfast and healthy snacks—fresh fruit, cheeses, locally baked goods, wines, etc. will be provided at the villa, as will massage therapies, yoga and personal care specialists for those interested.
THE VILLA
Itinerary
Each morning there will be a healthy breakfast with local products and baked goods.
Saturday June 23: Leave Athens for Pylos around 11am, stopping at Ancient Corinth for coffee and Ancient Nemea for wine tasting and lunch. Arrival at villa approximately 5pm. Dinner at seaside tavern in Pylos.
Sunday June 24: Kayak (or swimming) Navarino Bay: From Pylos, we paddle to the imposing monolithic islet of Pylos or Fanari with the impressive rock arch formed at the northern end and visit the sea caves located around it. We continue to the island of Sfaktiria making a short stop at its southern tip for some rest, swimming and snorkeling. Heading north we explore the coastline of the island until we reach the dock leading to the inside of the island. At this lush part of the island we take a break to rest and enjoy a picnic with fruit and traditional delicacies.
Monday June 25: Hiking and Archery around Polylimnio: We descend towards the gorge, following the water streams leading to a magical natural paradise of waterfalls falling into a wonderful turquoise pond. We also encounter mountain lakes where we can swim. The sounds of nature, lush vegetation and beautiful waterfalls on this 3km easy walking path make this a unique and unforgettable experience. The hike is combined with archery where we can test our capabilities with the bow and the arrow. At the end of the activity we enjoy our picnic with local products.
Each morning there will be a healthy breakfast with local products and baked goods.
Saturday June 23: Leave Athens for Pylos around 11am, stopping at Ancient Corinth for coffee and Ancient Nemea for wine tasting and lunch. Arrival at villa approximately 5pm. Dinner at seaside tavern in Pylos.
Sunday June 24: Kayak (or swimming) Navarino Bay: From Pylos, we paddle to the imposing monolithic islet of Pylos or Fanari with the impressive rock arch formed at the northern end and visit the sea caves located around it. We continue to the island of Sfaktiria making a short stop at its southern tip for some rest, swimming and snorkeling. Heading north we explore the coastline of the island until we reach the dock leading to the inside of the island. At this lush part of the island we take a break to rest and enjoy a picnic with fruit and traditional delicacies.
Monday June 25: Hiking and Archery around Polylimnio: We descend towards the gorge, following the water streams leading to a magical natural paradise of waterfalls falling into a wonderful turquoise pond. We also encounter mountain lakes where we can swim. The sounds of nature, lush vegetation and beautiful waterfalls on this 3km easy walking path make this a unique and unforgettable experience. The hike is combined with archery where we can test our capabilities with the bow and the arrow. At the end of the activity we enjoy our picnic with local products.
Tuesday June 26: Kayak from Methoni across a channel with the numerous ancient shipwrecks to a solitary and beautiful beach on Sapienza island. Here we swim and snorkel in crystal waters and enjoy a picnic with local delicacies. We will also explore the footpaths that surround the island, leading to an impressive lighthouse through an ancient arbutus forest, home of muffle (wild sheep), Cretan wild goats (kri-kri), partridges, pheasants, and many other wild birds.
Wednesday June 27: Hiking around Navarino Bay: Starting from the beach of Divari we follow the path to the beautiful beach of Voidokoilia (see photo on 2nd page), where we will swim. Then, we continue uphill to the cave of Nestor, the mythical king of Pylos and to the medieval castle of Paleocastro . We learn about the intense history of the castle and its strategic location, making it a valuable trophy for every conqueror over time. At this point we have a spectacular view of the Ionian Sea, the lagoon of Yalova-- the largest wetland in southern Greece, the beach of Voidokilia and the bay of Navarino. After a picnic with local specialties, we return. We will visit the recently opened Bronze Age Palace of Nestor on the way to or back from the hike.
Wednesday June 27: Hiking around Navarino Bay: Starting from the beach of Divari we follow the path to the beautiful beach of Voidokoilia (see photo on 2nd page), where we will swim. Then, we continue uphill to the cave of Nestor, the mythical king of Pylos and to the medieval castle of Paleocastro . We learn about the intense history of the castle and its strategic location, making it a valuable trophy for every conqueror over time. At this point we have a spectacular view of the Ionian Sea, the lagoon of Yalova-- the largest wetland in southern Greece, the beach of Voidokilia and the bay of Navarino. After a picnic with local specialties, we return. We will visit the recently opened Bronze Age Palace of Nestor on the way to or back from the hike.
Thursday June 28: Visit to UNESCO site Temple of Apollo Epikourios and hiking to Neda river and waterfalls: According to Greek mythology Neda was a nymph, a goddess of water and she was one of those who nourished Zeus. The gorge of river Neda is a natural wonder of the Messinian countryside. The constantly varying landscape, the lush, the turquoise waters and the majestic cliffs, make the crossing of this gorge an unforgettable experience.The route begins near ancient Fygalia and follow the stream which leads us into a totally unspoiled natural environment of wild vegetation, old plane trees and wild oaks, through narrow rocky passages and impressive ponds discovering a well hidden and genuine natural paradise. Near the village of Neda we discover a creek called ‘’ neraidorema’’ (fairy creek) with crystal waterfalls and blue ponds which then pour into the main river and continue rapidly their course to the sea. Here, we relax in the wake of the gurgling water enjoying traditional delicacies and refreshing swims in the cool waters of the ponds.
Friday June 29: Relaxing day at a small beach with fun caves-- which my son proclaimed to be the best in Greece, with taverna lunch by the sea and exploring Koroni town and castle
Friday June 29: Relaxing day at a small beach with fun caves-- which my son proclaimed to be the best in Greece, with taverna lunch by the sea and exploring Koroni town and castle
Saturday June 30: Return to Athens OR Rafina, stopping at the amazingly intact site of Ancient Messene on the way
Itinerary can be adapted to wishes of guests
Other possible activities:
• An evening of Greek dancing with local band (and dancing instructors)
• Painting on fabric or canvass workshop
• Stand Up Paddling
• Yoga on surfboard
• Olives and olive oil tasting
• Wine tasting
• Honey tasting and bee product use
• Herb gathering and use
• Greek cooking
• Massage therapy
• Facials and waxing
• Pedicures and manicures
• Mountain river rafting through a gorge and visiting traditional mountain villages
• Fully Guided Tours of Nestor’s Palace, Epikourio Apollon, Ancient Messene, the fortresses at Koroni, Methoni and Pylos
The retreat includes:
• 8 nights acommodation in villa
• All activities on itinerary with local guides
• Yoga
• All meals
• All transportation
• Greek cultural guide, culinary expert, interpreter, translator and problem solver, Carol Papaletsos
• Yoga instructor
All-inclusive land price per person
double occupancy from: 3250
Non-refundable deposit of $250 to reserve a spot
Itinerary can be adapted to wishes of guests
Other possible activities:
• An evening of Greek dancing with local band (and dancing instructors)
• Painting on fabric or canvass workshop
• Stand Up Paddling
• Yoga on surfboard
• Olives and olive oil tasting
• Wine tasting
• Honey tasting and bee product use
• Herb gathering and use
• Greek cooking
• Massage therapy
• Facials and waxing
• Pedicures and manicures
• Mountain river rafting through a gorge and visiting traditional mountain villages
• Fully Guided Tours of Nestor’s Palace, Epikourio Apollon, Ancient Messene, the fortresses at Koroni, Methoni and Pylos
The retreat includes:
• 8 nights acommodation in villa
• All activities on itinerary with local guides
• Yoga
• All meals
• All transportation
• Greek cultural guide, culinary expert, interpreter, translator and problem solver, Carol Papaletsos
• Yoga instructor
All-inclusive land price per person
double occupancy from: 3250
Non-refundable deposit of $250 to reserve a spot
