We have a short time in Greece: what do you guys think of this itinerary? This will be in the sweltering middle of August. I am a ruins and castles guy but my wife is a beach bum and Messinia has a lot of nice sandy beaches apparently.
Nafplio - 3 nights
Pylos/Costa Navarino area - 3 nights
Athens - 1 night
Staying in 2 bases over a 6-day stay will prevent you from spending a large part of your days driving.
In my opinion 3 days in Nafplio is the right choice if you want to visit the city, Mycenae, Epidaurus and the surrounding area.
If you feel fit enough to drive 2 hours to Nafplio after a long flight, the drive from the airport is easy. It's up to you...
Close to Nafplio, to spend a few hours on a beach, without too many crowds, there is a nice little village nearby: Candia
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gvau35UjiFbUhsMe9
Messinia is a splendid region.
I don't know where exactly you plan to stay in Costa Navarino If your thing is modern resorts with international standards like The Westin Resort, this is probably the place where you will find what you need.
Personally, I avoid this kind of place at all costs to feel that I am really in Greece, and I would prefer Marathopoli or indeed Pylos which have more charm. But it's your vacation and your tastes. not mine.
As a castle guy, a few minutes south of Pylos, also see Methoni and Modon Castle
And don't miss the archaeological site of Messene which is just as impressive as Olympia.
Sounds like a viable plan. Napflion is a wonderful base for 3 nights. In the Pylos area we do not care for the large resorts, but love Karalis Beach Hotel. While it is not on a beach, we enjoy it as it is set directly on the rocks on Navarino Bay with ladders into the sea for the most amazing swimming! Fabulous views, lots of lounge chairs, an easy stroll into town. Delicious rooftop breakfast with amazing views. Another option is Gialova and the Zoe Resort.
You will enjoy the castles at Pylos, Methoni, and Koroni.
Cannot add anything to advice previously provided but I can provide some images that may whet you appetite.
Nafplio https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157632094108982
Peloponnese Battle Castles https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157645468134284
As you pass through Corinth consider a stop at Acrocorinth, There is a massive castle there with 360 degree views over the countryside.
Thank you for the responses. @stanbr those are beautiful photos. It is clear you had a fantastic trip!
@jolui yes we will be avoiding the massive Marriott properties. They are too expensive, and I would rather give my euros to small/local businesses.
@kernk Karalis Beach looks fabulous. Does the attached beach bar get very noisy? I know they like their techno music in Greece :D
If you want lovely beach with some serenity, do look at Zoe ... called a "resort" but actually wonderful family-run place. Has become more "luxe" with discovery, but has lots of charm ... a grove of low palm trees in front shades a lovely outdoor table area for meals. Gialova is a long sandy cove w tavernas & cafes, no high-rise hotels on beach itself. Haven't been lately, so don't know whether it's been invaded by the Superluxe crowd yet, hope not.
