Lights, camera, action in magical Messinia. Greece's islands may steal the show, but this mainland region's movie-star looks and drop-dead-gorgeous beaches are suddenly having their moment in the spotlight.
Travel snapshot
Messinia, one of three peninsulas in the southern Peloponnese, has a far lower profile than the famed Greek islands. That's set to change when The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan's new blockbuster, hits cinemas next week. With Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon and Zendaya among the all-star cast, it reimagines Homer's legendary poem about Odysseus's homecoming.
Messinia's beautiful landscapes feature in several scenes, so it's sure to prove popular with set-jetting fans.
Insider's guide
The tiny resort town of Gialova makes a handy base for exploring this under-the-radar part of the Peloponnese. It sits on sheltered Navarino Bay and has a hilly hinterland covered with olive trees.
There's plenty to do at Navarino Agora, a purpose-built complex at the far end of Gialova Beach with shopping, dining, bars and entertainment. Several wild and unspoiled beaches nearby attract loggerhead sea turtles to lay their eggs.
Don't miss
The standout attraction hereabouts is Voidokilia Beach. Its perfect cove of bone-white sand is flanked at each end by limestone cliffs, atop one of which sits the atmospheric ruin of a fortress. Below this castle is Nestor's Cave, which is steeped in mythology.
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Voidokilia, Nestor's Cave and nearby Methoni Castle - whose seaside setting is a knockout - all feature prominently in The Odyssey, so look out for them on the screen.
Food and drink
Gialova itself has a strip of seaside restaurants, bars and grocery stores, but you'll find further options 15 minutes away in bustling Pylos. Its main square is lined with tavernas and cafés overlooking the waterfront, so it's perfect for leisurely lunches or sunset suppers featuring traditional dishes like calamari, souvlaki (kebabs), moussaka and garden-fresh Greek salad.
Be sure to try Kalamata olives - these plump, purple-skinned local specialities are famously delicious.
Spa day
Take an odyssey of your own at W Costa Navarino, a luxury hotel next to Navarino Agora. The new 100-minute 'Odyssey' treatment (£248pp) at the property's Away Spa is an indulgent journey to relaxation and includes a sea-salt scrub, hydrating body wrap and aromatherapy massage.
I loved being embraced in a crust of mud and left, all wrapped up, on a heated lounger. I felt like a pie being baked!
Getting there
Jet2, British Airways and EasyJet fly direct to Kalamata from the likes of London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham or Bristol. It's around a 50-minute drive to Gialova from the airport.
Staying there
Petrino, a two-bedroom villa with private pool and views over Gialova and the bay, costs from £1,095 for a week's self-catering. Or try the Westin Resort in Costa Navarino from £283 per night, B&B. More info, go to visitgreece.gr.
