ABOUT MESSINIA PREFECTURE
There is a monument for those who fought in the revolution of 1821 in the capital. Kalamata, apart from being the capital is also the harbor of the province. There is also an airport there where many tourists have access. The city has hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes and nightclubs. There are theaters and theatrical groups that perform during the summer season and all sorts of cultural activities. It is one of the most contemporary cities of Greece with wide streets that gather many tourists every year around its beaches. One should visit the castle of Kalamata , which was built in 1210 A.D., The church of Agii Apostoli built in 1317 A.D. by Emperor Andronicus and the church of Ypapanti Sotiros, which was completed in 1879 A.D. The icon of Ipapanti is miraculous and thousands of people visit the church every year on the 2 nd of February.
Stoupa is a seaside village of Mani, which is worth visiting throughout the year. The sea is crystal clear and there is a variety of excellent food. Stoupa also offers the combination of mountain and sea. Starting from here you can visit Mountain Taygetos and the peaceful forest of Vasiliki, see the towers of Mani, the churches and the unique little villages as well as the gorges of Viros and Ridomo. The area is also offered for sea sports.
The beaches are well organized with all the modern comforts while there are quieter beaches for those who don't want to mingle with the crowds.
Methoni is one of the most historical areas of Peloponesse famous for its harbor of great commercial and strategic importance. Tourists can enjoy the natural beauty, the sandy beaches, the archaeological sites and the hospitality of the locals. Its imposing castle, one of the largest in the Mediterranean is built upon ancient walls of the area. The beaches of Methoni have been awarded with the ‘blue flags'. It's worth visiting the Cemetery of Agios Onoufrios, the Byzantine church of Agios Basilios and the church of Agiou Leontiou.
Kyparissia is a city with a history of 4000 years. It is situated at the foot of mount Aegaleo and spreads as far as the Ionian Sea. The view from Kyparissia is breathtaking and the climate is ideal all year. The sunset is exceptional. There are many hotels and bungalows. The beaches offer to tourists all the known comforts.
Pylos is a city that reminds you an island. It has sandy beaches that stretch for kilometers. It used to be called Navarino and it was where the naval-battle of Navarino was held. It is the capital of Pylia.
Messini took its name from the ancient city Messini the ruins of which spread for more than twenty kilometers in a beautiful natural environment that combine the mountainous grandure of Delphi with peacefulness of Olympia. Since 1997 Petros Themelis has been excavating in the area in order to discover the ancient city while many buildings have surfaced.
Petalidi is a tourist resort 28 km. from Kalamata with a population of 3.500. It is built upon ancient Koroni . Temples of extreme beauty dedicated to Artemis, Asclepius and Dionysus existed in the city as well as the statue of Zeus the savior. The ancient city had two parts, the acropolis where the statue of god Athena used to stand and the lower city where the market used to be.
One of Greece's most beautiful mountains is Taygetos. The nature here is very thick and one can find beauties which can be found rarely. Many are the climbers who go up the slopes of the mountain that is situated between the historical cities of Kalamata and Sparta.
