On this excursion, we visited two special places that offered us a unique experience as we had not had the chance to visit them before. First, we went to the beautiful Polylimnio, an area full of ponds, trees and waterfalls (both big and small) and then we ended up swimming at the well-known and much-photographed beach of Voidokilia. For those of you who haven’t been there yet, get ready to discover the magic of Messinia, as our detailed guide below will give you all the information you need before your first foray into the area.
Information and location
Polylimnio
Starting with Polylimnio, we should mention that it is located near the village of Haravgi, a short distance from Kalamata. It includes several lakes, with the most famous being Kadi, Kadoula, Mavrolimna, Panagos and Stathoula. The place is not visible from the road, you must first leave your vehicle in the parking lot and then follow the relevant path (there is a sign at the starting point). There is a cafeteria in the parking lot where you can get the basics for your ride. Large vehicles such as buses cannot even approach the parking lot, so you will necessarily have to walk from the village.
To find the gorge you will pass through dense vegetation and wooden bridges. The route is obvious and there are usually quite a few people, so there is no chance of getting lost. Along the way, you will see several lakes, either smaller or larger, where groups of people are swimming. The highlight is the large waterfall, where most people choose to take their dip. The trail is relatively easy, but it is advisable to wear sneakers or hiking boots to avoid slipping on the rocks. The walk takes about 20 minutes from the parking lot and 40 minutes from the village depending on each person’s fitness level and walking pace.
The crystal clear waters will be your recovery after the mini hike and you will surely enjoy them to the fullest. Just be prepared for colder waters!!! At the large lake, where there is a large waterfall, many people choose to simply sit underneath and enjoy the natural hot tub provided by the running water. Right next to this spot, a ladder and ropes leads to a rock from which you can dive. The depth is great at this point, so there is no risk of injury. A video of my dive can be seen here.
Voidokilia
After we left Polylimnio, it was our turn to visit the beautiful beach of Voidokilia. It is one of the most famous beaches in Messinia and one of the most beautiful in all of Greece. It is a place of unique, natural beauty with white fine sand that spreads over a large area, from one end of the beach to the other. Shape-wise it resembles the letter Ω, as one can see from aerial shots, while others compare it to an ox belly, hence the name. The beach is accessible by vehicle up to a point where you can park and walk for a while until you reach it. Just before parking, there is a canteen where you can buy the necessary refreshments and snacks, but also take a shower on the way back since it has showers.
The beach of Voidokilia belongs to the Natura 2000 protected area. On the beach, you will also not find any organized activities or sunbeds and of course, free camping is prohibited. You can, however, normally set up your umbrellas and generally bring your equipment, obviously always respecting the environment.
Finally, there are castles and a cave that you can access by mini hike and enjoy the view and take the necessary photos. The beach will certainly repay your visit in the best way, and you may enjoy it to the fullest, especially if it doesn’t get too windy, getting sand in your eyes!
Historical Data
Polylimnio
Various stories about Polylimnio have been told from time to time, but there were also corresponding events, from which some lakes got their name. Let’s see below what they are:
Lake Panagou: Named after Panagos Grammatikopoulos, who drowned in this lake while trying to cross it in winter, not taking into account the increased momentum of the waters.
Lake Stathoulas: Named after Stathoula Theriou, who drowned there with her two children in 1770, chased by the hordes of Ibrahim.
The Lake of Italos: During the Occupation, a group of Italians were eating in a lake in Polilimni. One of them, while looking for food, slipped, fell into the lake and drowned as he could not swim.
Cadula: Otherwise known as the lake for lovers, it is named after its heart shape.
Black Lake: An inaccessible lake, named for the deep blue, almost black, color of its waters.
Finally, the old inhabitants of the area had given their own explanations for the accidents and had their own legends. According to them, Polylimnio was inhabited by fairies who sang to passers-by in the area and invited them to their waters. The unfortunate ones who heard the call and were carried away, met a tragic death as they drowned in the waters of the lakes. Following the legend, it was believed that the souls of those who died because of the singing of the fairies haunted the respective lakes where they died forever.
Read our article about Crossing the Vouraikos Gorge.
Voidokilia
Several stories, events, and legends have also been associated with the multi-photographed beach of Voidokilia. Below we list the most famous of them:
Starting from the Homeric period, it is said that its name refers to Homer’s Bufrada. It is the beach where Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, arrived by boat and the escort of the goddess Athena, to attend a magnificent sacrificial ceremony to the god Poseidon.
In a later inscription, the name Vouvota is also preserved, although no one can rule out the possibility that the current “Boydokoilia” is a more recent invention, due to its resemblance to an ox belly, as mentioned above.
On the hill on the north side of the beach, where we can do the hike we also mentioned above, a prehistoric settlement has been identified, and in Mycenaean times an important person had been buried there. On the south side of the beach, there is the so-called Cave of Nestor. According to ancient myths, Hermes had hidden the oxen he had stolen from Apollo.
Finally, in the area, you will also find the Paleokastro of Navarino, a castle built by Frankish rulers when they conquered the area in 1204. Because it was only accessible from the beach, the fortress was considered impregnable by medieval military standards.
What to bring with me
Swimsuit: Highly necessary as, as mentioned above, when crossing Polilimni, you will come into contact with water in several places and of course, you will swim. In the meantime, until you go to Voidokilia, if your swimsuit is not dry, you can have a second one with you.
Mountaineering Shoes: To keep your feet steady and avoid any risk of injury in Polilimnium. No open-toed shoes that can leave you exposed to possible injuries on rocks and stones. At Voidokilia Beach, you can simply have your flip flops or an open shoe as there is no risk of injury.
A second change of clothes: Always have dry clothes in the car to change into once you return from Polilimnio and the beach.
Waterproof backpack: To carry the essentials you want without the stress of getting wet and broken.
Waterproof camera: or cell phone case to capture every moment during the ride and your swim in the lakes and Voidokilia.
Mosquito repellents: They will be needed due to the dense vegetation inside the Polylime.
Sunscreen and sunglasses: For obvious reasons, both in Polilimnio and on the beach in Voidokilia. Be careful with the glasses, in case you drop them on the rocks in Polilimnio and lose them, it would be good to have a string as protection.
