Discover southern Peloponnese for all-round amazing family holidays

Hours of sunshine along with sandy coves and clear, clear seas make Messinia a bit of a natural for beachy holidays. But bear in mind this is the area with so much fascinating ancient history they had to create underwater archaeological parks. It’s also home to the western slopes of Mount Taýgetos, the Peloponnese’ highest peak and hiking heaven for families. Myth-mad kids will love exploring the mysterious and legend-laden Messinian Mani Peninsula famous for seaside villages, fortified towns and hardy inhabitants said to descend from the ancient Spartans. The historic city of Kalamata itself is the place for enthralling museums and exquisite palaces, streets lined with cafés, and intriguing shops. And you don’t have to dive to discover ancient ruins, plenty of the most fascinating are above ground and demand nothing more strenuous than awestruck staring.

• Castle of Methoni, one of the largest in the Mediterranean, built by the Venetians in the 13th century and connected to the mainland by a 14-arch stone bridge. Kids with a passion for gory lore will like the castle’s nearest neighbour, Bourtzi: a tiny, fortified island and place of execution during the 1500s. Less morbid by far is the lovely local swimming beach close to the castle, and the pretty nearby town of Methoni itself.
• Koroni Castle for its mix of Venetian and Ottoman architecture, plus spectacular views over the Messinian Gulf from its pole position on Cape Akritas.
• Hiking with older kids in the stunning Gorges of Messinian Mani. If you only bag one, make it Vyros AKA The Royal Way: the ancient through-route from historic Sparta to Kardamyli Harbour.
• The recently excavated Theatre of Thouria on the outskirts of Kamalata. It’s a work in progress which only makes it more interesting, and keen-eyed kids will easily identify the orchestra pit and several rows of uncomfortable looking stone seats – no dozing off during performances back in 400BC.

• The Messinian Mani Peninsula, a mountainous and otherworldly region packed with incredible myths and legends. It’s said the people here are descended from Spartans. True or not? The style of their historic towns seem to bear out stories of ancient blood feuds and warrior ways, though they’re better known for extraordinary architecture and amazing views these days.
• Seaside villages like pretty Kardamyli, the more tranquil and beachy side of the Messinian Mani Peninsula.
• Glass bottom boat tours of the recently opened Underwater Archaeological Parks at Sapientza Islet and Navarino Bay. Scuba enthusiasts can also dive to see the ancient treasures, but young sailors are more likely to spot dolphins as well as antiquities.
• Ancient Messene, 40 minutes north of Kalamata, a vast and meticulously restored archaeological site with a wonderful amphitheatre, Arcadian Gate, and excellent museum.
• Navarino Bay for the astonishing 13th century Pelaiokastro Fortress and Gialova Lagoon.

Back in 1100BC, Sparta was one of the most powerful city states in Greece, second only to Athens, so you won’t be too surprised to discover Lakonia is a fascinating region for budding historians. Happily it’s also known for delightful seaside villages and lovely beaches, so there’s plenty of playful space to balance the learning moments.

Outdoorsy kids feel right at home in Lakonia. It’s the region with remarkable, natural climbing walls at Lagada. Some of the finest Greek show caves are right here too, along with most of the iconic Lakoniki Mani Peninsula. And if no holiday in Greece is complete without a bit of island-hopping in the mix, the thrilling Lakoniki coastline has that adventure completely covered as well.

• Gytheio for an in-depth look at local life past and present, carefully curated at The Centre of Culture of Eastern Lakoniki Mani. The interactive touch screens take you on a virtual journey round the Mani Peninsula so it’s a great place to start your ‘real’ tour of the area.
• Kastania’s Cave in the far south is another underground marvel where you can walk through no less than 10 caverns, including one known simply as the Chocolate Chamber.
• Sport climbing at Lagada on natural climbing walls fitted with steel bolts. There are over 60 routes and more than enough challenge for the most experienced rock climbers.
• Trypi, close to Lagada climbing park, where kids can gaze into the abyss at Kaiadas Pit. This is the spot where it was once said the ancient Spartans disposed of any sub-standard offspring – a myth debunked by modern archaeologists.

• Island-hopping to Elafonisos just off the dramatic Cape Maleas coast. Spartans and Athenians once waged war here, but peace-loving families will be pleased to find the island’s also home to Simos: one of the best beaches in Greece.
• Exploring the Cape Maleas’ area to see the petrified palm forest at Agios Nikolaos; shipwrecks and ancient temples along the coast; characterful traditional villages.
• Lakoniki Mani, the mysterious and enchanting peninsula at Lakonia’s southernmost point.
• The atmospheric town of Monemvasiá sits on its own island just off the south east coast of Lakonia. Kids particularly like walking there across the short ‘causeway’ bridge from the mainland. Strolling around skinny, cobbled streets between historic mansions and imposing medieval towers is another treat. Always make sure to see the sensational panoramic view from the upper castle, as well as the island’s remarkable hanging Cathedral of Agia Sofia.
• Seaside villages in Lakoniki Mani such as Limeni, Gerolimena and Porto Kagio.
• The cobbled alleyways and quaint towers, punctuated by local cafés and taverna, around the lovely town of Areopoli.