The immediate area of Messinina is an area of contrasts, lush verdant valleys, endless sandy beaches, hidden coves and sheltered bays as well as small rural villages set into the slopes of the Taygetus Mountains. It is an area steeped in history and tradition and there are many places to visit and discover.
Nearby Kalamata is a bustling and vibrant city in the Peloponnese region, renowned for its Kalamata olives, delicious figs and Kalamatianos dancing. Home to a charming harbour and bustling city centre it is well worth a visit. The dramatic Taygetus Mountain range frames the city and the old town around the Kastro is beautiful with lots of interesting shops to explore. The pebbled beach affords you stunning views out to the Messinian Gulf and if you head towards the centre there are a plethora of bars and tavernas to relax in. There are countless museums and places of interest to explore including The church of the Apostles, the Historical and Folklore museum and the Kalograion Monastery. If you can time your trip so that you visit on a Wednesday or Saturday then you will be able to enjoy market day, a spectacular display of fresh produce from the region.
Insider tip
Just 1km from the Messini resort are a couple of charming beachfront tavernas and 2km inland is the small, unspoilt village of Analipsi. If you want to get away for a short time from the resort, hire a bike and simply have a leisurely ride to these places. Don't forget the water bottle !
Events and festivals
The annual Kalamata International Dance Festival in July, has been continuously contributing to Greece’s artistic life for twenty one years and it has become an internationally recognized.
Popular things to do and see and unmissable experiences
Ancient Messenia
Just 20 minutes from Messenia itself you will find the hidden archaeological site of ancient Messini. Built into the foothills of Mount Ithomi, surrounded by Mount Eva and Mount Psoriari. This fortified city protected the ancient Messenians for countless years and parts of the original outer wall from the summit along the mountains ridge remains today complete with several of the original lookout towers. You can follow the remains through the olive groves and past orchards or visit the archaeological museum and discover more about the history of ancient Greece.
Dyros Caves
Only discovered in 1958 the Dyros caves were found to contain ceramics, tools, silver and bones dating all the way back to the Neolithic age. A visit to the caves is made extra special by the presence of the underground lake, visitors take a small boat into the cavern and complete the journey on foot to marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites.
Poliliminio Waterfalls
Take a walk through the olive groves and vineyards and visit the 15 lakes at the base of the waterfalls. These falls were virtually undiscovered until fairly recently but they are quickly becoming a favourite. There is a 3km walk that is moderately difficult but will afford visitors the chance to take in all the sights, alternatively, you can simply visit the falls and swim in one of the lakes. From the waterfalls you can follow the gorge downhill and end up at a cave which houses some truly beautiful butterfly’s. This is the perfect spot for a cooling swim on a hot summers day.
Climate
Mediterranean with summer temperatures from 27-36 degrees on average.
Other information
- Best time of year to travel: Flights operate from May to October
- Currency: Euro
- Flight time from UK: 3hrs 40 minutes
- Visa and passport information: A visa is not required
