Description of Messinia
The remote location of
Messinia on the southwestern corner of the
Peloponnese makes sure that the travellers that make it to reach this part of
Greece are rewarded with beauty and hospitality. The beaches of
Mesinia are some of the best in the country, and most of the coastal villages like
Pylos,
Kyparissia,
Kardamili,
Stoupa and
Finikounda offer
hotels and pensions for accommodation while the city of
Kalamata has intense nightlife and
restaurants of exceptional cuisine.
Geography of Messinia
Messinia is a region situated in the southwestern part of the
Peloponnese and its neighbouring regions are
Achaia to the north,
Arcadia to the northeast and
Laconia to the east. The region spans an area of 2.991 sq. km. and a total population of 176.876 inhabitants. The capital city of the region is
Kalamata. The highest mountains are Taygetos, Lykeo and Minthi.
History of Messinia
The history of the region of
Messinia is lost in the depths of myths and legends. The boundaries of the region in antiquity have been established after the defeat of Spartans by the Thebans in the Battle of Leuctra. The capital was ancient Messini, situated about 25km northwest of
Kalamata. In the Middle Ages it was occupied by Franks and Venetians and the strong fortifications in
Methoni and
Koroni date from the Venetian period.
Messenia was occupied by Turks and regained by Venetians, being reverted to Turks once again. The famous decisive naval Battle of Navarino took place near
Pylos in 1827. Finally, it became part of the Greek State in 1832.
Sightseeing in Messinia
The region of
Messinia is one of the most beautiful in the
Peloponnese. It has an extensive coastline with sandy beaches, picturesque coastal and mountain villages and modern cities like
Kalamata or
Kyparissia. The medieval fortresses in
Methoni and
Koroni have given a special character to these towns, while the coastline on the eastern part of the region is visited by tourists due to the beautiful landscapes and the beaches.
Useful Phone Numbers in Messinia
Police of Kalamata: +30 27210 44600
Tourist Police of Kalamata: +30 27210 24680
Hospital of Kalamata: +30 27210 85203
Bus Services: +30 27210 26428
Airport of Kalamata: +30 27210 63805
Railway of Kalamata: +30 27210 95006
