Guidebook for Kalamata & Messini region
Beach, Mountain & Nature
Nice and sandy! You can get peace & quiet or you can go the beach bars and party. Many places to choose. There is even a a kids fun center. Parking nearby. Huge variety of cafés and restaurants around. Gets wavy under specific weather conditions.
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Paralia Kalamatas
Nice and sandy! You can get peace & quiet or you can go the beach bars and party. Many places to choose. There is even a a kids fun center. Parking nearby. Huge variety of cafés and restaurants around. Gets wavy under specific weather conditions.
Paralia Mpouka
Next to the village of Tripti about 10 kilometres from Sparta lies the gorge and cave of Kaiadas, used at some point in the war of independence a couple of hundred years ago, but now gaining significance as a landmark in this area.
Cave Kaiadas
Spartis KalamatasNext to the village of Tripti about 10 kilometres from Sparta lies the gorge and cave of Kaiadas, used at some point in the war of independence a couple of hundred years ago, but now gaining significance as a landmark in this area.
Taygetos Mountain is the highest mountain range of Peloponnese which combines beautiful hiking routes, picturesque mountainous villages, creeks, stone bridges and trees. It is located between Megalopolis (Arcadia), Evrotas (Laconia) and Messinia. The top of the mountain is called “Profitis Ilias” (Prophet Elias) and is located at 2.407 meters altitude. From Taygetos begin two rivers, Evrotas River which flows in the Laconian Gulf and Nedontas River which flows in the Messenian Gulf.
The name Taygetos derives from “Taygeti” who was the daughter of Pleionis and Atlantas according to Greek Mythology. During Byzantine period the mountain was also called “Pentadaktylos” which means “five fingers” in Greek. The name was related to the 5 tops of the mountain range.
The mountain provides plenty of hiking routes which are well signposted and attract a lot of travelers during the summer period. At the winter the snow makes the climbing quite difficult and special equipment is necessary. One of the most rewarding experiences is reaching the top of the mountain with the chapel of Prophet Elias and the breathtaking view of Peloponnese.
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Taygetus
Taygetos Mountain is the highest mountain range of Peloponnese which combines beautiful hiking routes, picturesque mountainous villages, creeks, stone bridges and trees. It is located between Megalopolis (Arcadia), Evrotas (Laconia) and Messinia. The top of the mountain is called “Profitis Ilias” (Prophet Elias) and is located at 2.407 meters altitude. From Taygetos begin two rivers, Evrotas River which flows in the Laconian Gulf and Nedontas River which flows in the Messenian Gulf.
The name Taygetos derives from “Taygeti” who was the daughter of Pleionis and Atlantas according to Greek Mythology. During Byzantine period the mountain was also called “Pentadaktylos” which means “five fingers” in Greek. The name was related to the 5 tops of the mountain range.
The mountain provides plenty of hiking routes which are well signposted and attract a lot of travelers during the summer period. At the winter the snow makes the climbing quite difficult and special equipment is necessary. One of the most rewarding experiences is reaching the top of the mountain with the chapel of Prophet Elias and the breathtaking view of Peloponnese.
Located on the west Mani, Foneas Beach is one of the most favorite of the less known beaches of the area.
The contrast between the cove’s white pebbles, the turquoise waters and the dark grey and green tall rock on the middle, provokes a breathtaking sight. Despite the tiny coastline (about 100 meters long), Foneas beach has some idyllic corners to lie down.
How to reach the cove? Foneas Beach is about an hour ago (by car) from Kalamata. The Cove is located between Kardamili and Stoupa. More specifically, driving towards Stoupa there is a small bridge with yellow bars where you have to turn right. There you can find a place for parking but note that it is limited especially during the high season.
Foneas beach is not organized therefore you will not find any sunbeds. However, there is an ‘eco-friendly’ canteen with small tables under the olive trees serving coffee, juices, sandwiches and ouzo.
For those who enjoy extreme and alternative activities Foneas beach is one of the best places to visit. Snorkeling, jumping from the rocks or exploring the caves are a few of the activities that you can enjoy at Foneas beach.
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Foneas beach
Επαρχιακή Οδός Καλαμάτας - ΑρεόποληςLocated on the west Mani, Foneas Beach is one of the most favorite of the less known beaches of the area.
The contrast between the cove’s white pebbles, the turquoise waters and the dark grey and green tall rock on the middle, provokes a breathtaking sight. Despite the tiny coastline (about 100 meters long), Foneas beach has some idyllic corners to lie down.
How to reach the cove? Foneas Beach is about an hour ago (by car) from Kalamata. The Cove is located between Kardamili and Stoupa. More specifically, driving towards Stoupa there is a small bridge with yellow bars where you have to turn right. There you can find a place for parking but note that it is limited especially during the high season.
Foneas beach is not organized therefore you will not find any sunbeds. However, there is an ‘eco-friendly’ canteen with small tables under the olive trees serving coffee, juices, sandwiches and ouzo.
For those who enjoy extreme and alternative activities Foneas beach is one of the best places to visit. Snorkeling, jumping from the rocks or exploring the caves are a few of the activities that you can enjoy at Foneas beach.
Kataphygi is located in Messinia, West Mani, near the small and charming village of Agios Dimitrios. However, note that it is not an organized beach. It's not child-friendly or child-proof, the way down is not easy-going and extra care is required when it's blowing: big waves break the rocks and the surface can be creepy.
There is also an entrance to an approximately 4 km long underground cave with river and impressive stalactites. It is the fourth longest cave in Greece, largely unknown to tourists. Do not investigate it on your own, find an experienced cave explorer instead.
Kataphygi
Kataphygi is located in Messinia, West Mani, near the small and charming village of Agios Dimitrios. However, note that it is not an organized beach. It's not child-friendly or child-proof, the way down is not easy-going and extra care is required when it's blowing: big waves break the rocks and the surface can be creepy.
There is also an entrance to an approximately 4 km long underground cave with river and impressive stalactites. It is the fourth longest cave in Greece, largely unknown to tourists. Do not investigate it on your own, find an experienced cave explorer instead.
A short car trip or longish walk from Stoupa, here is a hidden gem. The sort of place you thought no longer existed. Crystal waters on a pebbly cove, wonderful snorkling, and the most terrific little cantina set just above the beach, serving drinks and just brilliant Greek food. Unspoilt, uncrowded and quite, quite magical.
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Delphinia Beach
A short car trip or longish walk from Stoupa, here is a hidden gem. The sort of place you thought no longer existed. Crystal waters on a pebbly cove, wonderful snorkling, and the most terrific little cantina set just above the beach, serving drinks and just brilliant Greek food. Unspoilt, uncrowded and quite, quite magical.
Sightseeing
A castle with a rich history on a rocky hill at the NW side of the city of Kalamata.
An ancient acropolis existed on the hill before the Trojan war, and later a Byzantine fortress, but the ruins we observe today are the remains of the castle that was (re)built there in the beginning of the 13th century, during the Frankish occupation.
In the 6th century AD., a church was built in the castle devoted to Virgin Mary. An icon of Virgin Mary in the church became famous as 'Kalomata' (meaning 'beautiful eyes'). This later evolved to 'Kalamata' which became the name of the church, the castle and the city.
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Каламатски замок
28 SpartisA castle with a rich history on a rocky hill at the NW side of the city of Kalamata.
An ancient acropolis existed on the hill before the Trojan war, and later a Byzantine fortress, but the ruins we observe today are the remains of the castle that was (re)built there in the beginning of the 13th century, during the Frankish occupation.
In the 6th century AD., a church was built in the castle devoted to Virgin Mary. An icon of Virgin Mary in the church became famous as 'Kalomata' (meaning 'beautiful eyes'). This later evolved to 'Kalamata' which became the name of the church, the castle and the city.
Some fantastic finds from the Messine region, dating back to 6000bc
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Archaeological Museum of Messinia
3 Agiou IoannouSome fantastic finds from the Messine region, dating back to 6000bc
For those who wish to travel to past centuries and have a taste of local traditions, the visit to the Historical and Folklore Museum, in the historic centre of Kalamata, is necessary.
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Ιστορικό και Λαογραφικό Μουσείο Καλαμάτας
12 Agiou IoannouFor those who wish to travel to past centuries and have a taste of local traditions, the visit to the Historical and Folklore Museum, in the historic centre of Kalamata, is necessary.
Ancient Thouria was the most important city in western Messinia. The sea from Avia and Fares to the mouth of the river Pamisos was called “Thouriatis bay”. The ruins of ancient Thouria are located on a hillside about 10 km to the northwest of Kalamata, to the north of the present town of Thouria.
At the northern end where the citadel of ancient Thouria is placed, there is part of the ancient wall with rectangular towers of 4th century BC and parts of the walls are still on the south side of the slope. On the southern plateau we still see the foundations of a large building, perhaps a temple having a column.
Ancient Thouria probably had a theater and a large rectangular water on the west side, below the citadel. Many ceramics and stone architectural parts have been found and reveal the size of ancient Thouria.
Since classical times until the Roman era ancient Thouria was once on the side of the Messinians and once on the Spartans. Coins of ancient Thouria however, bear the initials of the Spartans, presenting people from Thouria as Lacedaemons.
In ancient Thouria there were many sanctuaries, but it seems that Athena was specially honored and its figure adorns the coins of the Roman era. A famous temple of the city was dedicated to the goddess Atagartis of Syria considered a form of Venus. Her worship took place in sanctuaries where there were tanks with fish, the symbol of the goddess as she was originally depicted as a fish.
The citadel of the classical period of ancient Thouria was not completely abandoned and continued to be inhabited during the imperial times, the Middle Ages and the Ottoman rule.
ancient Thouria
Ancient Thouria was the most important city in western Messinia. The sea from Avia and Fares to the mouth of the river Pamisos was called “Thouriatis bay”. The ruins of ancient Thouria are located on a hillside about 10 km to the northwest of Kalamata, to the north of the present town of Thouria.
At the northern end where the citadel of ancient Thouria is placed, there is part of the ancient wall with rectangular towers of 4th century BC and parts of the walls are still on the south side of the slope. On the southern plateau we still see the foundations of a large building, perhaps a temple having a column.
Ancient Thouria probably had a theater and a large rectangular water on the west side, below the citadel. Many ceramics and stone architectural parts have been found and reveal the size of ancient Thouria.
Since classical times until the Roman era ancient Thouria was once on the side of the Messinians and once on the Spartans. Coins of ancient Thouria however, bear the initials of the Spartans, presenting people from Thouria as Lacedaemons.
In ancient Thouria there were many sanctuaries, but it seems that Athena was specially honored and its figure adorns the coins of the Roman era. A famous temple of the city was dedicated to the goddess Atagartis of Syria considered a form of Venus. Her worship took place in sanctuaries where there were tanks with fish, the symbol of the goddess as she was originally depicted as a fish.
The citadel of the classical period of ancient Thouria was not completely abandoned and continued to be inhabited during the imperial times, the Middle Ages and the Ottoman rule.
A Frankish castle in the village of Androusa in Messenia 21km from Kalamata.
The highlight in the history of the castle is that it was the seat of the notorious mercenaries of the Navarrese Company who were the last Frankish rulers of the Principality of Achaea. In those times, around the end of the 14th century, it was one of the most important castles in Peloponnese.
Castle of Androusa
A Frankish castle in the village of Androusa in Messenia 21km from Kalamata.
The highlight in the history of the castle is that it was the seat of the notorious mercenaries of the Navarrese Company who were the last Frankish rulers of the Principality of Achaea. In those times, around the end of the 14th century, it was one of the most important castles in Peloponnese.
Mystras, the 'wonder of the Morea', was built as an amphitheatre around the fortress erected in 1249 by the prince of Achaia, William of Villehardouin. Reconquered by the Byzantines, then occupied by the Turks and the Venetians, the city was abandoned in 1832, leaving only the breathtaking medieval ruins, standing in a beautiful landscape.
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Археолошки наоѓалишта на Мистра
Mystras, the 'wonder of the Morea', was built as an amphitheatre around the fortress erected in 1249 by the prince of Achaia, William of Villehardouin. Reconquered by the Byzantines, then occupied by the Turks and the Venetians, the city was abandoned in 1832, leaving only the breathtaking medieval ruins, standing in a beautiful landscape.
The Palace of Despots in Mystras: The Palace of the Despots dominates the Upper Town of Mystra. It is a great complex of buildings belonging to different times of construction. They started to be built by the Franks, possibly by Guillaume de Villehardouin and were completed by the Byzantines. The palace of the Despots, who usually were the emperor's second son, is placed on a flat expanse overlooking the Evrotas valley.
These palaces constitute a great example of Byzantine architecture. The whole building complex is L-shaped and has been well-preserved until our days. The palace has four constructions. Some of them have 4 storeys, while others are two-storey mansions. The first building was the residence of the noblemen and the second one was the throne hall.
The Despot used to live in the fourth building, a four-storey construction dating from 1350-1400 A.D. The fifth building, built in the 15th century, was the palace of the Paleologos family. All buildings have numerous arches, chambers, attics, and cellars. The exterior area is quite austere. However, it gives a great view to the plain of Sparta.
The palace of the Despots is also known as the Palataki mansion, which means the small palace, in contrast to the big palace of Constantinople. It can be found on the top of the hill, above the church of Agios Nikolas.
Despot's Palace
The Palace of Despots in Mystras: The Palace of the Despots dominates the Upper Town of Mystra. It is a great complex of buildings belonging to different times of construction. They started to be built by the Franks, possibly by Guillaume de Villehardouin and were completed by the Byzantines. The palace of the Despots, who usually were the emperor's second son, is placed on a flat expanse overlooking the Evrotas valley.
These palaces constitute a great example of Byzantine architecture. The whole building complex is L-shaped and has been well-preserved until our days. The palace has four constructions. Some of them have 4 storeys, while others are two-storey mansions. The first building was the residence of the noblemen and the second one was the throne hall.
The Despot used to live in the fourth building, a four-storey construction dating from 1350-1400 A.D. The fifth building, built in the 15th century, was the palace of the Paleologos family. All buildings have numerous arches, chambers, attics, and cellars. The exterior area is quite austere. However, it gives a great view to the plain of Sparta.
The palace of the Despots is also known as the Palataki mansion, which means the small palace, in contrast to the big palace of Constantinople. It can be found on the top of the hill, above the church of Agios Nikolas.
Some say there is a magnificent home on Greece’s Messinian Bay near the Village of Kardamyli that is one of the most beautiful homes in all of the Mediterranean. Not one, but three stone buildings and a seaside patio stretch over an unspoiled, landscape that can take one’s breathe away. Cypress and olive trees stand like proud sentries in an untamed garden of white oleanders, while brilliant wild flowers cascade toward the turquoise sea. Just below the house, a narrow path with stone steps leads to a small pebble beach. It is whispered that it is here the Muses come for inspiration.
For many years, this architectural masterpiece was the home of the late Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor (1915-2011) and his wife Joan, (1912-2003). In 1996, the couple willed the property to the Benaki Museum, one of the most esteemed museums in Athens. After extensive renovations that began in 2017 with a generous grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the Museum will open the property in 2020 as the Patrick and Joan Leigh Fermor Centre.
Patrick and Joan Leigh Fermor Centre
Some say there is a magnificent home on Greece’s Messinian Bay near the Village of Kardamyli that is one of the most beautiful homes in all of the Mediterranean. Not one, but three stone buildings and a seaside patio stretch over an unspoiled, landscape that can take one’s breathe away. Cypress and olive trees stand like proud sentries in an untamed garden of white oleanders, while brilliant wild flowers cascade toward the turquoise sea. Just below the house, a narrow path with stone steps leads to a small pebble beach. It is whispered that it is here the Muses come for inspiration.
For many years, this architectural masterpiece was the home of the late Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor (1915-2011) and his wife Joan, (1912-2003). In 1996, the couple willed the property to the Benaki Museum, one of the most esteemed museums in Athens. After extensive renovations that began in 2017 with a generous grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the Museum will open the property in 2020 as the Patrick and Joan Leigh Fermor Centre.