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Methoni
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Methoni Castle
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Methoni Castle

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Methoni Castle
4.5
835 reviews
#1 of 11 things to do in Methoni
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1-2 hours
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
25 within 3 miles
Palia Istoria
397
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Greek • Vegetarian Friendly
Taverna Nikos Methoni
335
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Greek • Vegetarian Friendly
MODON Restaurant
167
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Greek
Klimataria
416
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Greek • Vegetarian Friendly
Sapientza Restaurant
286
0.6 mi$ • Greek • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Doureios Ippos
60
0.5 mi$ • Bar • Cafe • Pub
Andreas Alector Tavern
129
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Greek • Vegetarian Friendly
Oneiron Geuseis
35
0.4 mi$ • Dessert • Cafe • Fast Food
Rex Taverna
54
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Greek
To Kastro
11
0.5 mi
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Attractions
3 within 6 miles
Sapientza Isle
77
1.7 miIslands
Church Of Agios Georgios
0.4 miChurches & Cathedrals
Transfiguration Of The Savior
0.4 miChurches & Cathedrals
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
835 reviews
Excellent
517
Very good
263
Average
36
Poor
6
Terrible
13
Kevin S
Pontypridd, UK6,113 contributions
A really good castle, excellent photos
Jun 2022
A wonderful example of medieval castles built in the 13th century. A large area covered by the exterior walls, sea on parts, a now dry moat on the other. The bridge over the moat into the castle through the broad walls is particularly impressive. At one time parts of the own lay within the walls, now largely overgrown with low vegetation. The paths lead you towards the seaward side of the castle and through a gate to another stand alone structure, the Bourtzi of Methoni castle. The view to here, and from here back to the main castle is excellent with the clear water twinkling in sunlight. A bargain €3 entry fee, free parking 150 metres from the bridge to the main entrance gate.
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fergs85
Thornton-Le-Dale, UK993 contributions
Not to be missed if in the region
Jul 2022
The castle dominates the small town of Methoni, but not in an overbearing way. It’s built on the headland, with extensive curtain walls, and is protected by the sea on three sides. You won’t be surprised to know that the Venetians were responsible for the construction of this castle, and it acted as part of a pair with the castle at Koroni to allow control of the seas around the base of Messenia. Not surprisingly, the castle eventually fell into the hands of the Ottoman Turks after a lengthy and brutal siege in 1500.
There’s not a great deal to see inside, but there are some fascinating remains of a Turkish bath house.
The highlight of the castle is undoubtedly the Bourtzi, an octagonal tower that you will arrive at having walked right through the castle interior. From the upper floor you get some great photo opportunities.
Two other features to lookout for: a number of carved winged lions, the symbol of St Mark, which the Venetians always adorned important buildings with as a statement of their power; and the stone bridge over the dry moat, with 14 arches, which was the work of French engineers in the mid-19th century.
It’s also worth knowing that the castle is open 6 days a week, from 8am in the morning till the early evening. There’s not much shade inside – we visited first thing in the morning, and it was already too hot for comfort by the time we had finished.
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lne Vigl
Piraeus, Greece422 contributions
Hidden gem to be given special care
Mar 2023 • Family
Had the most beautiful time at Methoni castle, probably the biggest castle in Greece I have ever visited. Combining the breathtaking sea view and the picturesque greenery, no words can actually describe it, no pictures even. You need to see it to feel it and believe it. I could spend days looking at the sea, thinking about how people that actually lived in the castle spent their every day lives, what would be situated where etc. it’s sad there seems to be little to no interest for this castle, the cost of the ticket was 4 euros for a 5 member family with kids, which I think it not reasonable, then again I am no expert. The castle is a hidden gem that needs special care :-)
Written March 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
EdgarCosset
Brooklyn, NY1,602 contributions
An historic stronghold
Jun 2020
Castle lovers, aim your cannons! One of the largest fortifications in the Med, this is the real deal with over six hundred years of bloody history as it changed hands between Venetians and Ottomans, Franks, expeditionary French, and WWII Germans. Bring your imagination and envision attackers scaling walls, fighting through successive gateways and narrow streets while defenders deploy their cannons and maximize fields of fire before retreating over a causeway to the last stronghold for a final stand.

But there are some practical considerations.

First, contrary to most guidebooks, there is an entry fee: on my visit €12. Also, Methoni was really a fortified city. The walls encompass 23 acres. And even though the military bastions and gates are fascinating, most of what you see today is rocks and weeds. There are no concession stands and little shade. Bring water. You’ll want to spend at least two hours. So, if you are bringing kids, take one hint I got from a marker. Put them on a scavenger hunt to count the Venetian lions of St. Mark. Good but limited parking nearby.

Over time Methoni declined in strategic importance leaving these ruins. But each occupier left the marks of their own architectural signatures. The fortress last fell to the French forces assisting the Greek War of Independence. Replacing the ancient wooden drawbridge approach, they built the impressive 14 arch stone bridge over the moat we see today. Cross over and explore!
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
suitcaseattheready
Montreal, Canada286 contributions
Impressive Sea Fort!
Sep 2021 • Couples
Great visit! Only 3 euros admission. Allow a couple hours. Spectacular views. Wear running shoes. Sandals are not recommended even if you have good soles like on a Teva, the hard dry grass can be very sharp and will poke through and stab your feet and ankles.
If you have kids hang onto them and keep them close by. There are not guardrails everywhere, it’s sporadic, and there are 25 meter sheer drops off cliffs edges. You must be in decent shape to attempt this place, it is not for the very elderly or the disabled. The Seafort to the left of where you enter is the most stunning bit, when you walk through the stone gates what an impressive view! There are no washrooms on the site. There is a small parking lot in front of the castle that holds only 28 cars. But there is parking in other areas around the town not too far away. Bring your own water into the Fort as there’s nothing for sale inside and very little shade available.
Written September 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Martyn C
Stourport, UK52 contributions
Exciting Castle to Explore with Amazing Views
May 2022
The huge castle grounds were exciting to explore, which revealed great views of the sea or harbour or other buildings. The castle at the end was a joy to photograph and explore. It was well worth the visit especially as the 3 Euro fee includes entrance to other locations in the area. We planned the visit after researching on Google Earth and saving free car park location with What3Words at until.monk.scaled
The little church is cute to visit. We didn't find any toilets in the huge castle grounds but we didn't ask. If photographing, go early, the end of May was a good time to visit as quieter. The largest castle in Greece we were told, so go explore.
Written June 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Selebian
Selby, UK2,250 contributions
Spectacular
Sep 2022
This must be the best, most spectacular castle I have ever visited. It really is extensive with some stunning views and the bourtzi part is great too.
It's only €3 entry but I do think it would benefit from more information boards about the site.
Written September 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thespecialagent
London, UK404 contributions
Stepping back in time
Sep 2020
What an amazing place! There's not that much left intact but nonetheless you can easily imagine what the place must have been like when 10,000 people lived within the walls. The setting is fantastic, surrounded on 3 sides by the clear blue water of the sea. So unusual, as most castles in Greece are on top of high hills or mountains. A real gem of a place.
Written September 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Antonio A
4 contributions
Great castle!
Aug 2022
This is a great castle with loads of history!Make sure you have at least 1 hr to spend wear closed shoes light colored clothes and a hat for the summer months. Make sure you have a camera and some water with you and be in a good shape.
Mpourtzi tower is unique and marvelous esp at evening.
Some places in the castle could be maintained better but overall experience was nice.
Written August 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Spiderdog
Cheshire, UK6,524 contributions
Captivating Castle
Sep 2020
Methoni Castle is one of the most important fortresses in the Mediterranean and you should definitely visit it if you are in the area.
The grounds are far more extensive than you would expect and the leaflet that you receive on entry gives you enough information to pick out the main points of interest.
The views from the castle are outstanding and you can easily spend a couple of hours here.
Written October 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Methoni Castle - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Methoni Castle
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