Methoni (Greek: Μεθώνη), alternative form: Mothoni (Μοθώνη) from Mothona, a mythical rock is a town on the southwestern coast of the prefecture of Messinia, Greece. It is located 9 km south of Pylos and 9 km west of Foinikounda. The Municipality of Methoni also includes the nearby villages of Grizokampos, Finikouda, Finiki, Lahanada, Varakes, Kainourgio Chorio, Kamaria, Evaggelismos and the Oinnou
ssai Islands. The latter constitutes from Sapientza, Schiza and Santa Marina and forms a natural protection to Methoni harbour. Tapia, Kokkinia, Kritika are areas around the village and some of the most beautiful beaches in the southern Peloponesse. The town is also known by the Italian name Modon or Modona, as it was called by the Venetians. Tourism dominates its industry because it has a glorious beach to the south and restaurants, bars, taverns and hotels support the tourism. Agriculture and services are its second industry. Antiquity
Further information: Ancient Greece
Methoni has been identified as the city Pedasus, that Homer mentions under the name "ampeloessa" (of vine leaves), as the last of the seven "evnaiomena ptoliethra", that Agamemnon offers Achilles in order to subdue his rage. Pausanias named the city Methoni, named after either the daughter of Oineas or a small islet. The Oinoussai complex of islands protected the port of Methoni and at the same time stopped the large sea turbulence. Along with the rest of Messenia, the town gained its independence from the Spartans in 369 BC. During the 4th century BC, Methoni was elaborately fortified and continued to remain autonomous well into the Imperial Roman era, when it enjoyed the favor of some emperors. During the Byzantine years it continued to remain a remarkable harbor and one of the most important cities of the Peloponnese, seat of a bishopric.