The Peloponesse in Greece has always attracted foreigner property buyers and the numbers are increasing. Messinia located in the South of the Peloponesse seems to have been really and truly discovered over the last 5 years. Foreign buyers especially in the area of Messinia Mani have purchased a lot of properties and many are now searching on the other side of Kalamata near to the seaside towns of Petalidi, Koroni and Methoni. Coastal property is more desirable but there is a minority of buyers who are looking towards more rural locations. Coastal property is more expensive and the area is more developed. The ‘unobstructed sea views’, which are a ‘must’ for all coastal buyers, cannot be guaranteed unless you buy on the edge of a ravine! So, how about rural?

Messinia has a lot to offer since the coast is never very far away from where one might buy (20km). Messinia itself has a variety of landscape: Mani with dramatic coastline, mountainous area with Mani war towers and tower houses and the history that covers the whole area to the areas over ‘the other side’ towards Koroni where the landscape is softer and more fertile. Land full of larger and older olive groves, citrus groves and vineyards, sandy beaches and spectacular views across the bay to the snow-capped mountain range (winter/spring) of Taygetos. The drive from Kalamata and the local airport is approximately the same either side, but the road is easier towards Koroni whereas to Mani you are climbing up and over the mountain.

There is a host of areas and villages set back from the coast that might not offer the sea view, although there are some villages that do, but you will have spectacular views of the countryside. Greek countryside is at its best in the spring when all the wild flowers and tree blossom appear suddenly over night. Greece for me has always been the cypress tree and in the rural areas of Messinia you will see clusters of cypress trees rising above the citrus groves and vineyards.

Coastal life will provide you with a choice of eating places, beach bars and cafes and you will find that there will be a lot of people around during the summer season but you won’t get to meet a lot of Greeks and you certainly won’t get to learn the language. A lot of people having bought on the coast find that they love it during the spring/autumn and winter months and during the summer they go back ‘home’.

Rural life will provide you with a chance to get to know and love the Greek culture learn the language and meet good and caring neighbours. Being private will have to go out the window – villagers and Greeks in general will ask the most amazingly private questions. Private being defined as English private; in Greece we want to know all about it! There is always something going on in the rural areas since most of the inhabitants are farmers – and, as farmers well know you have something to do 365 days of the year.

Property prices on the coast for a 2-bedroom house are in the region of 200,000 Euro where as a rural property (might need a bit of renovation/modernization as might the coastal property) with a large garden and near to a working village would cost in the region of 60,000 Euro.

If you are planning on buying for holiday home usage only, then the best location will be the coast and possible unobstructed sea views since you will possibly want to be within easy reach of the amenities and beaches. If you are planning on holiday home/permanent residence then I would suggest that you look in to more rural locations. Unobstructed views are hard to find and more expensive to acquire.

Whatever location you choose, the area of Messinia and the Mani is beautiful. The locals welcome foreign property buyers with open arms, not only because you have bought their property but also because you are bringing life back in to the villages and restoring neglected properties to their former glory.

By Sarah McKellen – Licenced real estate agent
Kalamata – Messinia - Greece