Messinia, Greece

Messinia lies in the south west corner of the Peloponnese, the southern part of mainland Greece. Messinia is a lush oasis in amid the aridness of the Peloponnese and presents some of the most dramatic scenery in Greece. The mountain landscape of the Messinian Mani is simply stunning and is dominated by Taygetos, one of the largest mountain ranges in the Peloponnese. While the Messinian peninsular has rolling hills and fertile valleys where Mediterranean vegetation, olives, vines, cereals, and fruit trees grow. Thus Messinia is considered to be the market garden and wine centre of Greece.

The Messinian climate is usually mild in the winter and it’s not too hot in the summer, making it an ideal year round destination for visitors. Messinia also has more than 100km of coastline, with some of the best and cleanest beaches in the whole of Greece. The Messinian Gulf is in a shelter bay and a wonderful place for swimming, snorkelling, fishing and sailing. The diversity of fish is extraordinary and the Caretta-Caretta turtles lay their eggs along the coast of kalamata and Kyparissia.

Driving around the coast you will discover colourful towns such as Pylos, Methoni and Koroni, with picturesque harbours and antique fortresses. While exploring Messinia's interior will reveal delights such as ancient Messini, one of Greece's largest archaeological sites. In addition uninhabited isle such as Venetiko and Oenussae can be explored by boat.

Messinia is an idyllic place to go for walks. Wander off the beaten track into the old hill villages and encounter the true beauty of the region. A world apart from the islands, the beautiful and sparsely populated Messinian region is a bastion of disappearing Greek village life. The rural villages in this area are delightfully authentic, traditional and spread out. The local villagers are friendly and welcoming, often plying visitors with gifts of wine and oranges. For the more adventurous, try trekking on the slopes of Taygetos, climbing to its peaks. Walk through the gorges of Viros and Ridomo, or wade along the Neda River. If you are looking for relaxation, refresh yourself with a swim in the cool emerald pools beneath the water falls at Polylimnio. Messinia will amaze you by it’s variety of rich and colourful flora whose combined fragrances infuse the air with a balmy and delicious scent.

Kalamata is the capital of Messinia and has all the facilities that you would expect of a modern city. In fact, it is the second largest city in the Peloponnese as well as the chief port of Messinia. Kalamata is also well known as the land of the Kalamatianos dance and the silk kerchief. Of succulent black olives, honeyed figs and the sesame-covered sweet called pastelli, which you can sample at the immense new market near the bus station. Kalamata is a perfect location for visitors to explore the surrounding area of Messinia as it nestles at the head of the Messinian Gulf and The Mani peninsular is situated to the east of Kalamata and the Messinian peninsular is to the west. Kalamata International Airport has direct flights from most European countries between April and October. Internal fights to Athens start in May 2010. Alternatively you can fly all year round to Athens and drive (260km) or take an air-conditioned coach to Kalamata from the bus terminal at Kifissos (3 1/2 hours). If you are planning to bring your own car, there are daily ferries from Italy (Venice, Ancona, Bari, Brindisi) to Patra. (3 hours – 215 km)