A place blessed by nature with rare beauty. A place full of sandy beaches with clear blue waters, picturesque fishing villages and fairytale mountain settlements, fast-paced cities, welcoming people and amazing cuisine. This is by many the most beautiful region of the Peloponnese, Messine.

A few words about the area

 Messine is a region of the southwestern Peloponnese and borders to the north with the Prefecture of Ilia, to the northeast with the Prefecture of Arcadia and to the east with the Prefecture of Laconia. This is an area that has been inhabited since prehistoric times, mainly due to its fertile plains, while many finds have been found from the Neolithic era as well. The first "leg" of the Peloponnese could be an island since it has 140 km. emerald coasts and is embraced by the Ionian Sea and the Messinian Gulf. The population of the region amounts to 159,954 inhabitants, ranking it the 17th most populous region in Greece. Below I have selected for you what I think a first-time visitor to the area should see.

10) Neda River

 Neda is one of the few Greek rivers, and certainly the best known, that has a feminine name! It is located on the borders of the prefectures of Messine and Ilia, originating from Mount Lykaios and emptying into the Ionian Sea, between the coasts of Kyparissia and Zacharos. This 32 km long river crosses a fairytale gorge full of waterfalls, the likes of which you have never seen before. The route on its idyllic paths is particularly passable and suitable for everyone.

9) Ancient Messene

 Just thirty kilometers outside of Kalamata, near the current village of Mavrommati, lies one of the most important archaeological sites of our country. Ancient Messine was built in 369 BC. by the Theban general Epaminondas and the location for its establishment was chosen after the discovery of the spot where the will of Aristomenes was located! The city at that time took its name from the mythical queen of the country, Messine, who was the daughter of the Argive king Triopas and the wife of Lacona Polykaon. Ancient Messine is a rare archaeological site, where the visitor has the opportunity to admire impressive temples, houses, walls and public buildings, which are preserved at such a great height and in good condition.

8) Foinikounta

 Foinikounta is a coastal settlement near Methoni, whose beach is among the best in the Southern Peloponnese. It is a huge beach with golden sand and deep blue waters, where in the summer months the inseparability prevails. In fact, it is a hangout for both the young and the old, as there are many campsites, rooms for rent and traditional taverns around. However, in spite of the world, Foinikounta remains as if taken from a postal cart.

7) Koroni

 There are some parts of the Peloponnese that, no matter how much you've heard about them, no matter how much you think you know them, in the end they never cease to surprise you! One of these places is Koroni. It is a seaside town, famous for its Venetian castle, which stands tall above the town and is still inhabited today! The port of Koroni is also very beautiful with the octopuses spread out outside the traditional taverns, attracting people to learn about the local cuisine.

6) Kyparissia

 Kyparissia is a beautiful seaside town, located in the western part of the prefecture of Messine, and has about 5,000 inhabitants. It is a modern city, which is highly developed for tourism and has interesting sights and wonderful beaches. So it's worth walking along the harbor with its colorful fishing boats and the old town, photographing the abandoned train station and climbing to the top of a small hill, where the Venetian castle dominates.

5) Pylos

 Next stop on the list is the beautiful Pylos. Previously also known by the Venetian name of Navarino, Pylos is an amphitheatrically built coastal town, on the bay of the same name. The white houses with the red tiled roofs, the picturesque coastal promenade with the small restaurants, the square of the Three Admirals full of plane trees, the Ottoman Niokastro with the unique view of the sea and the home of the Olympic champion Konstantinos Tsiklitiras are just a few of what youwill see in the city.

4) Voidokilia

 Voidokilia is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean and is famous mainly for its round shape, reminiscent of the Greek letter “Ω”! The beach has been classified as a place of special natural beauty and is part of the Natura 2000 Network. As you can see, it is a pristine place with clear blue waters, which is the closest thing to paradise. There is no need for beach bars, umbrellas and other amenities, while the shade is a rare phenomenon, so I recommend that you be fully prepared before visiting.

3) Kardamili

 Under the slopes of Taygetus, overlooking the Gulf of Messine, lies a village of elusive, but at the same time so familiar beauty! I am, of course, referring to Kardamili, which became famous to the general public in 2012 when it became the setting for the filming of the movie Before Midnight with Ethan Hawke and Gillie Delpy! It has stone-paved cobblestones, which challenge you to follow, stone houses taken from fairy tales, points with idyllic views, picturesque taverns and a beautiful harbor.

2) Methoni

 Methoni is one of the most historic towns of the Peloponnese which was renowned for its strategic and commercial port. In fact, during the Middle Ages, it was the intermediate station on the journey that Christians made to the Holy Land! The most important attraction of the city is, of course, its castle. It is one of the most important and beautiful fortresses in Greece, which was built by the Venetians after 1209 in a strategic location, on a rock that penetrates the sea and is separated from the land by an artificial moat. Nowadays the fortress, although in ruins, continues to be impressive. It occupies the whole area of the cape and the south-west coast as far as the small islet (Bourji), which is also fortified with an octagonal tower and protected from the sea on three sides.

1) Kalamata

 At the top of the list could not be anything other than the capital and main port of Messine, Kalamata! It is built under the imposing Taygetos, in the heart of the Mediterranean gulf and is considered the most beautiful city in the entire Peloponnese! It has a quaint historic center full of cobbled streets and neoclassical mansions, a lovely beach promenade, a free theme park with trains, a castle perfect for exploring and, of course, a vibrant nightlife.

How to go

 There are several ways to get to Messine. Initially, one can approach the city by road, either by his own means of transport via Egnatia Street or by a bus. Also, one can arrive by air. The Airport that serves the prefecture of Messine is called "Captain Vass. Konstantakopoulos" and is located just outside the city of Kalamata.

What to eat

 Messine is considered by many to be the land of the Annunciation, since practically everything thrives in this place. Where do I start? From the world-famous olive oil, cane olives, citrus fruits, figs, raisins, cheeses, aromatic plants or herbs. And even though we're talking about a coastal region par excellence, its most traditional dish is pork belly! It is also worth trying kayana, pumpkin korfades, omatia, liopita, pulled pies and, of course, galaktoboureko and milk pie. In Kalamata I recommend visiting the Alkyonides Tavern on the beach, in Koroni Kangelarios and in Pylos Krinos for ice cream and sweets.

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Mouzakidis Pantelis