New York Times Ranks Messinia Among 52 Best Places to Go in 2026

• 19 January, 26

Messinia, in the southwestern Peloponnese, has been included on The New York Times’ 52 Best Places to Go in 2026 list, praised for its natural and cultural wealth.

Curated by The New York Times’ travel editors and contributors, the list features a mix of trending destinations, lesser-known gems, and places offering distinctive cultural, environmental or historical experiences.

Messinia’s Rich Historical Legacy and Cultural Heritage

Ranked 38, Messinia is known for its fertile plains and long coastline and has been inhabited since prehistoric times, holding a prominent place in Greek history with layers of Mycenaean, classical, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman heritage.

With its rich past, Messinia is set to draw global attention this summer with the premiere of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, filmed in part at Methoni Castle, Nestor’s Cave and Voidokilia beach.

Beyond the screen, the region stands out for its world-class olive oil, centuries-old culinary traditions and unhurried coastline, offering visitors scenic hikes, authentic villages and clear Ionian waters, where ancient myth and contemporary culture meet.

“Here, travelers can hike coastal trails with gorgeous sea views, wander through villages untouched by mass tourism, or swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea,” wrote The New York Times editor Demetrios Ioannou.

Other Destinations Featured on New York Times 2026 Travel List

The feature also highlighted unique destinations worldwide, inviting travelers to discover new experiences and cultures.

Revolutionary America — including Philadelphia, Massachusetts, Virginia and New York — topped the list as the best place to go this year, highlighting the country’s history. Other destinations featured include Warsaw, the Osa Peninsula, Oran, Nagasaki, Armenia, Inhotim, the Seychelles, Assisi, Portland and Mon.

Cre: Greek Travel Pages