The Peloponnese probably isn’t the first destination that comes to mind when you think of Greece, right? It wasn’t for us either. But after seeing a few beautiful places online, we decided to explore it. And we’re so glad we did! After we came back, we found ourselves asking: why didn’t we come here sooner? 🙂 I want to show you why the Peloponnese is worth considering for your next trip in this article series titled Greece as You’ve Never Known It. Here, you’ll discover a different side of this country.
- How We Planned the Boat Trip from Methoni
- Methoni Castle – Venetian Walls & Ottoman Legends
- Final Thoughts: An Unmissable Experience in Southern Peloponnese
A holiday in Greece isn’t complete without a boat trip, right? At least, that’s what our kids told us. And since the Peloponnese is a true aquatic paradise, it’s the perfect place to start a sea adventure. Mani had already raised the bar pretty high, but after thoroughly checking the map and nearby attractions, we decided to set sail from Methoni. Why? Because from here, you can easily reach several islands. And we were after a scenic adventure, not just endless blue.
How We Planned the Boat Trip from Methoni
We got in touch with Petros from Methoni Boats, who was incredibly responsive and friendly. It really helped that he speaks English well and immediately understood what we were looking for: a kid-friendly adventure with stories, exploration stops, and diverse landscapes. And believe me, he’s the best man for the job!
We met on a warm morning in Methoni’s port and climbed aboard Sapientza III, a small boat patiently waiting at the dock. The kids were already imagining themselves as pirates. The grown-up kid too! 😆
We started the engine—and off we went!
Legends, Shipwrecks & Crystal-Clear Waters
The first sight that mesmerized us right after leaving the port was Methoni Castle, sitting proudly at the tip of the peninsula. As we ventured farther out, Petros told us sailor legends about pirate ships that once took refuge in these waters. Some of them sank, their treasures lost to the sea. One example is the Roman sarcophagi resting underwater, which we spotted from the boat. Truly impressive! If the weather’s warm enough, you can snorkel or dive right above them.
Near the sarcophagi lies Sapientza Island, home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece! The island is part of the Nature 2000 ecological network, untouched and uninhabited, accessible only with special permission. Luckily, Methoni Boats has authorization to dock there, so we stopped at Ammos Beach, where we found the whitest sand and turquoise water we’ve seen in all of Greece! It truly felt like an exotic paradise.
The island is home only to wild kri-kri goats, a rare species originally from Crete, which can sometimes be seen climbing the steep cliffs. Unfortunately, they didn’t feel like showing themselves to us that day…
The Seal Cave & The Meadow That Keeps Growing
Another spectacular stop was Seal Cave, where the endangered Monachus monachus seals come to raise their pups during winter. 🙂
You can’t go inside by boat, only by swimming—but the water was too cold, so we passed. Instead, we took a short hike to a curious place: a meadow at the island’s peak that, according to Petros, keeps expanding thanks to local bees pollinating the native flowers. They say the meadow grows year after year. It’s like a small botanical miracle on Sapientza Island!
Bobba Island – The Hidden Heart
The final stop of our adventure was Bobba Island, known for its heart-like shape. Unfortunately, we couldn’t see it the way it appears in photos, as the shape is visible only from the air.
Petros showed us a drone photo though—so if you have a drone, don’t forget to bring it and fly it here!
Methoni Castle – Venetian Walls & Ottoman Legends
On the way back, we couldn’t skip visiting Methoni Castle, which we had admired for four hours from the sea. Petros told us it was built in the 13th century by the Venetians on the site of a former Byzantine fortress. It was an important stronghold for trade routes, and its strategic location—surrounded by sea on three sides—made it easy to defend.
At the end of the breakwater stands a small islet with an octagonal tower, known as Bourtzi. It was initially used as a lighthouse and later became a prison during the Ottoman occupation. It has a mysterious aura, especially when seen at sunset (or so Petros told us—we didn’t make it for sunset… yet 😁).
We explored the walls, bastions, and arches for several hours, but had to leave at closing time without seeing the whole site. We’ll definitely come back for the castle and for another sea escape with Methoni Boats!
Final Thoughts: An Unmissable Experience in Southern Peloponnese
Our boat adventure lasted four hours, but they were some of the most memorable hours of our Peloponnese holiday. We laughed, learned legends, discovered stunning places—and the kids are still talking about how they “sailed like real pirates”.
If you find yourself in southern Peloponnese, treat yourself to this experience. It’s the kind of memory that sneaks into your heart and stays. And who knows? Maybe you’ll leave already dreaming of coming back. We certainly are.
*This article was created in collaboration with Methoni Boats.*
Other articles in the Greece as You’ve Never Known It series:
- The Ideal Holiday Home in the Peloponnese
- Spectacular Beaches and Mysterious Villages of Mani
- Monemvasia, the Gibraltar of the East
- Hidden Gems of the Peloponnese
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Happy exploring!
Kids Exploring - Blog despre bucuria călătoriilor cu copii 
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