Messinia is a blessed region, endowed with some of the most spectacular coastlines in Greece. From the famous and geometrically perfect beach of Voidokilia to the secluded, wild, or serene corners of the Messinian Gulf, our seas represent our greatest natural wealth.
At Penguin Travels & Tours, with a core vision of promoting sustainability and reducing our negative impact on the planet, we believe that tourism must operate with respect and responsibility. Sustainable Travel is not just a trend; it is a daily practice built on small, conscious choices.
Below, we have gathered a few simple yet essential steps that every traveler can follow to ensure that the beaches we visit remain clean and unaltered for generations to come.
1. Zero Footprints on the Sand
The golden rule of the responsible traveler is simple: when leaving the beach, the only thing we should leave behind is our footprints in the sand.
- Take your trash with you: Even if there are bins on the beach, if they are already full, the wind can easily carry litter into the sea. Always carry a reusable bag to collect your waste until you find an appropriate recycling station.
- Watch out for small items: Plastic caps, straws, and cigarette butts pose the greatest threat to marine life, as they break down into microplastics and end up in the stomachs of marine organisms.
2. Respect the Local Ecosystem
Some of the most beautiful beaches in our region, such as the area around Pylos and Voidokilia, neighbor sensitive ecosystems and wetlands.
- Do not remove natural elements: While it may be tempting to take shells, pebbles, or sand with you as souvenirs, removing them disrupts the natural balance of the coastline.
- Protect the wildlife: During a day cruise in the Messinian Gulf, there is always a chance of spotting dolphins or other marine species. We always maintain safe distances and do not disturb animals in their natural habitat.
3. Choose Eco-Friendly Sunscreens
Many conventional sunscreens contain chemical ingredients (such as oxybenzone and octinoxate) that wash off into the water while swimming and are highly toxic to marine life and corals. Choose sunscreens with natural/mineral filters (mineral-based) that carry a “reef-safe” label or are certified environmentally friendly.
4. Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Reducing plastic starts before we even reach the shore. Replace plastic water bottles with an insulated flask and opt for reusable containers for your snacks or picnic lunch at the beach. This drastically reduces the volume of waste generated daily.
The Penguin Vision for Sustainable Tourism
At Penguin Travels & Tours, with over 5 years of experience in small group travel, we constantly strive to remove barriers and foster a positive impact on people and the planet. Through our organized and private tours, we aim to highlight authentic experiential tourism that connects the traveler with nature without burdening it.
Whether you are participating in a relaxing sea excursion or exploring the historic castles and coastlines of Messinia, adopting these small steps can make a world of difference.
Do you want to discover Messinia with respect for nature and local communities? Get in touch with our specialized travel consultants, Stavroula Gkeka and Epameinondas Kolokythas, to design your next responsible travel experience together.
📞 Contact Phone: +(30) 27210 80701
✉️ Email: [email protected]
📍 Address: Vasilissis Olgas 4, 24100 Kalamata, Greece
