Experiencing the Beauty of Greece: An Adventure in Messinia

Every visit to Greece excites me! The delightful cuisine, the laid-back atmosphere, and the myriad of flavors I devour upon arrival are just a few reasons why this country remains close to my heart.

Up until recently, my discoveries were limited to its magnificent islands. I adored Santorini for its breathtaking views and traditional dishes. I thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of Samos, nestled nearby Turkey. Additionally, trips to enchanting destinations like Skiathos, Corfu, and Rhodes were memorable.

This year, I made a significant decision: to explore Greece’s mainland, particularly the stunning region of Messinia in the Peloponnese.

This year provided the perfect opportunity to dive into the culture of mainland Greece, particularly the beautiful region of Messinia.

Arrival at Costa Navarino

After a quick flight from London to Athens, the journey to Costa Navarino was about 2-3 hours, and the trip flew by. We arrived as the sun dipped below the horizon, marking a picturesque beginning at the juncture of the Mediterranean and the Ionian Sea.

While the sunset dazzled the senses, my growling stomach reminded me that indulging in a delicious meal was the priority.

Indulgent Dining

After check-in, we wasted no time exploring the kitchens at Flame, which remained open to satisfy our culinary cravings.

Reflecting on my attire, I must have appeared quite comical at the restaurant—but at that moment, I was solely focused on securing an heaping portion of tender steak! 🤣

After enjoying a delectable fillet (always best rare for enhancing flavor), we ended the meal with a delightful dessert and headed back to our room.

Initially in a food daze, I later realized our room was a remarkable surprise; it came with its own private pool—an unexpected delight! This was the commencement of a fantastic holiday.

That night, I quickly fell into a serene sleep, leaving me feeling refreshed, waking to the cheerful melodies of birdsong.

Experiencing Local Culture

The first adventure was to dive into the pool, but a well-planned breakfast awaited us first!

Breakfast featured delectable Greek pastries and pies—all consumed with enthusiasm and likely contributing to my expanding waistline!

While exploring the grounds of our hotel, we discovered historical Greek artifacts sprinkled about, giving ample opportunity for a leisurely stroll and a taste of art.

Such remarkable experiences, easily overshadowing any physical exertion I’d undertaken. Ha!

Learning About Greek Cuisine

Becoming intrigued by the spa, it was the perfect time for a little pampering. Although fully booked on our first day, I swiftly noted appointments for the following day.

As expected, time sped by, and soon afternoon slipped into evening.

With a typical Greek meal spread before me, I was completely content—mountains of flavorful food just waiting to be enjoyed!

Over a Greek feast, we savored dishes while locals shared melodies and insights into their culinary culture.

We eagerly engaged with locals, who also demonstrated traditional Greek dances—an enriching experience, even if my own dancing skills left much to be desired! 🤣

After a delightful day, we lounged by the beachfront with refreshing frappes before returning to our serene private pool.

Indulging in vibrant Italian flavors at Da Luigi wrapped up our day. We learned essential tips about olive oil, including the need for dark storage and consumption within three months of bottling—insightful indeed!

Our tasting experience felt like a unique adventure—akin to wine tasting, yet all about the freshly produced olive oils.

Final Thoughts on the Adventure

This diverse experience exemplified the fusion of culture and cuisine in Messinia—a meaningful journey that piqued my interest and broadened my culinary horizons. With memories forged and lessons learned, I eagerly anticipate future travels to the captivating landscapes of Greece.

This delightful journey unfolded perfectly in a beautiful setting, showcasing the essence of Greece.

Feel free to explore more about Messinia awe-inspiring beauty in my next post.