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MESSINIA:KALAMATA     

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Messinia's boundaries were establishedin 371 BC following the defeat of Sparta by the Thebans at the Battle of Leuctra.The defeat ended almost 350years of Spartan domination of the Peloponnese-during which time Messinian exiles founded the city of Messinia in Sicily-and meant the Messinians were left free to develop their kingdom in the region tretching west from the Taygetos Mountains .Their capital was Ancient Messini ,about 25 km northwest of Kalamata on the slopes of Mt. Ithomi.

KALAMATA:

Kalamata is the second most populous city of the Peloponnese and the capital and the chief port of the Messinia regional unit. It is renowned as the land of the Kalamatianos dance and of the Kalamata olives .There are numerous historical and cultural sights in Kalamata,such as the Villehardouin Castle,the Ypapanti Byzantine Church ,the Kalograion Monastery with its silk.weaving workshop where the Kalamata scarves are made,and the Municipal railway park.The church of the Holy Apostles is where Mavromichalis declared the revolt against Ottoman rule in 1821.Art collections are housed at the Municipal Gallery, the Archaeological Museum of Messinia at the Folk Art Museum .Kalamata 's night life ,its delicious local cuisine and the beautiful beaches awarded with the Blue Flag of Europe promise an unforgettable stay.

MESSINIA OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:

WALKING:Taygetos is the highest mountain of the Peloponnese and both climbing its highest peak,Prophetes Elias (2404m)as well as its other peaks and hiking consist a unique experience .Climbing and hiking are even more delightful since detailed maps and a proper labelling system lead climbers and hikers to their destination ensuring the greatest safety.The restoration of a complete net of routes that link the mountain villages with each other or with the ones at the foot of the mountain comes within the scope of the Business Program for the Environment .This net is equiped with a complete labelling system and it usually involves average difficulty.One can choose from a variety of short or longer walks of great or small difficulty .

CLIMBING:Apart from hiking routes the experienced climber can choose among the following itineraries of unique beauty ,some of which involve however a certain degree of difficulty since they are poorly labelled or not labelled at all.-One hour and forty-five minutes climb from Anavryti to Tsarkos where the botanical station is situated at the altitude of 1700mand than from Ai Ni Nicos Spring  through Karea ,Pananghia and Kapsodermatousa and Koskaraka Canyon to Gaitses or Pegadia .-From Mountain Refuge of the EOS of Sparta to Portes and Halasmeno Vouno and back or keep on to Sidirokastro ,Rintomo and Panaghia Kapsodermatousa.-Mountain Refuge of the EOS of Sparta -Portes-Sidirokastro -Vintoli Canyon -Panaghia Kapsodermatoussa-Gaitses.This route belongs to the National Path 32.-Crossing the Viros Kanyon (from Agios Dimitrios down to Kardamyli).-Crossing Pentadaktylos.

CYCLING:Take advantage of the natural wealth of Messinia and make a unique cycling excursion .One can choose a flat level course ,a coastal route ,or a rough mountainous terrain .It is an ideal combination of the mountainous landscape with the beauty of the coastline .Some of those cycle tours include :Taking the road to Petalidi or Koroni is a nice coastal tour of the Messinian gulf.-The crossing of the flat plains of central Messinia from the city of Messini to the ancient city of Ithomi and on the Valyra ,Meligalas and Diavolitsi.-Touring the mountain villages of upper Messinia is a unique experience .Syrizo,Stasimo,Kakakaletri,Neda,Sklirou,Ampeliona,Agios Sostis,with the chance to see the ancient temple of Epicurius Appolo.

RIVER TREKKING :The idealway to explore the mountains in summer is by following the paths of a cool river. Crossing spectacular gorges ,watching magnificent colours ,enjoing the rich flora and fauna ,everything is possible on a river hike.The suggestions below are suitable for all ages and abilities .As with most river hikes athletic shoes are recommended and trekking polesare an asset.

POLYLIMNIO :In the village of Charavgi ,hidden is an environment of absolute charm ,the visitor can explore the lakes of Polylimnio(which means ''many lakes")Fifteen small lakes were well hidden for centuries and it is only since recently that they become accessible to the public.They all form a wild but beautiful environment with small canyons ,and enchanting waterfalls .You can drive to Charavgi with your car ,which you will leave in the parking place ,just before the beginning of the path that leads to the lakes.There is a small picnic area but no facilities,so you better take with you water and anything else you think you might need.However try not to carry too many supplies because the trail is of middle difficulty and you should wear flat shoes and comfortable clothes.

NEDA RIVER: NEDA is the only river in Greece with a female name.According to the Greek Mythology ,Neda was a nymph ,a goddess of the water .Its total course is approximately 32 kilometres.It is worth mentioning the marvellous monuments that the traveller meets following its course.The crossing takes place in the most spectacular part of the gorge passing through stone bridges ,picturesque stone-bridges ,historical sites ,narrow cliffs ,underwater caves and impressive waterfalls .Swimsuit and athletic shoes are a must if you are going to try it!

THE VIROS CANYON: The gorge of Viros is found in the heart of Messiniaki Mani and was used by the antiquity as street to Lakonia Viros expands from St.Panteleimona that is located in an elevation of 1400m on Taygetos and passing through the Vasiliki Woods goes down to the sea through to the heart of the Messinian Mani.

RIDOMO GORGE:The Ridomo Gorge is one of nature's wonders .It is ideal for recreation ,physical exercise and walking and is of particular aesthetic and tourist importance.The gorge is situated at the beginning of the Messinian part of Mani ,at 15km from Kalamata,originates at the mouth of the Sadova stream and stretches up to the Prophet Elias top of the Taygetos mountain at a distance of 21 km.The most impressive part of the gorge is the point where its bed becomes very narrow ,an area 100m long about 2m wide and 60 m high,at the footpath leading from Kedro (Gaitses)to Pigadia .The double ,stone bridge linking the vertical ,solid slopes of the aforementioned especially beautiful formation is a traditional art monument of great ignificance.

CARETTA-CARETTA SEA TURTLES:Peloponnese hosts 900 sea turtle nests per year(24,3%at national level)in the Bays of Kyparissia ,Lakonikos and in Koroni.In fact ,the Kyparissiakos Gulf constitutes the second most important beach of birth of Karetta in the Mediterranean .The nesting season commences at the end of May and lasts until August.In Agiannaki in the building of the old railway station ,the Environmental Scientific Centre for Sea Turtle Protection was established in June 2001.Its exhibition area offers the visitor the opportunity to learn about the coastal area ,sea turtles and local economic and cultural activities.The exhibition includes information on our planet,the sea turtles,the coast and coastal forest,the lakes and rivers in the area.Organised groups are guided in the exhibition are where ,slide shows concerning sea turtles and the local ecosystems are operated ,whereas other activities including games and drawing are organized for small children .Visits at the environmental centres last approximately 45 minutes and are usually followed by a guided tour in the nature trails.

BIRD WATCHING:The Divari Lagoon (also known as the Pylos or Gialova Lagoon)is a place of exceptional beauty with big historical and cultural heritage,a place with priceless natural value.The lagoon of Gialva belongs belongs to the EUROPEAN network NATURE 2000 and  is one of the most important brands for the birds of Greece.It is the more southern migratory turning point of the Balkans for birds.During migration ,several species occur like the Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber, the Black Kite Milvus migrans,the Osprey Pandion haliaetus and the Crane Grus grus.

WOODTURNING:Courses of instruction in the craft  of woodturning are available in  Koroni .The practical courses are designed to provide the knowledge and experience required for woodturning and range from half a day to a full week.The majority of the work produced is of olive wood ,which is abundant in the area.Most wood used comes from branches removed during the pruning process thus preserving the environment .Other local woods used are ,eucalyptus,mulberry,mastic,oak,carob etc.

SPECIAL INTERESTS GOLF: Costa Navarino features two signature golf courses-at  Navarino Dunes and Navarino Bay for golfers of all levels .With spectacular sea and river views,both TEL:0030 2723090200 https://www.costanavarinogolf.com. 

MESSINIA ENTERTAINMENT:International Dance Festival of Kalamata (July) During your holidays in Messinia ,don't miss this cultural event of international fame .One of the leading cultural events in the life of Kalamata ,the Kalamata International Dance Festival has been held there since 1995 and is one of the most succesful events in Greece.Meeting the highest artistic standards ,the Festival presents groupes and artists from all over the world ,supports modern dance in Greece and organizes seminars of dance under the supervision of internationally known dance teachers.

THE ROUTES OF THE OLIVE TREE: The ELEODROMIA are held in June and are certainly a suggestion for escape from routine.Motorcycle enthusiasts discover the Greek Peloponnese having a starting point beautiful Methoni,the southermmost edge of Messinia.Next to the beach and Methoni's famous medieval castle several events take place and visitors learn about the olive tree and its products,the suggestions for Mediterranean healthy eating. The Routes of the Olive Tree lead the visitor along the most important regions of the Mediterranean where olive trees are cultivated.In Messinia the olive tree dominates the landscape and olives and olive oil have been the traditional local products for many centuries.

FLOWER FEAST : During the last week of May, Anthestiria( flower feast) are taking place at the western seashore of Kalamata 

SOME HISTORY :  THE BATTLE OF NAVARINO OCTOBER 20 -1827 

The battle of NAVARINO was fought during the Greek War of Independence (1821-1829).It proved to be a one -sided victory for the allies (British,French,Russian).While several of the allies' ships were badly damaged ,none were sunk .For Ibrahim Pasha the battle cost him his entire fleet.Also the battle of Navarino is most  noteworthy for being the the last major naval battle to involve salling warships.In 1829 ,after eight years of fighting ,the Ottomans capitulated and Greece finally achieved its independence.

1-Ancient Messini:Ancient Messini (or Messene)is a significant ancient city in terms of its size,form ,and state of preservation and still has much to offer.It possesses not only sanctuaries and public buildings but also imposing fortifications,houses and tombs.Ancient Messini enjois ,amongst other things,the advantsge of never having been destroyedor covered by later settlements and is located on an unspoiled and very extensive inland site .

2-The Temple of Epikourios Apollon:This 5 th century BC temple is situated 14 kms south of the picturesque town of Andritsaina ,near the summit of Mount Kotylio at an altitude of 1131m ,on the border of Messinia ,Arcadia and Ilia .This temple,which was the first site in Greeceto be inscribed on the UN World Heritage LIST,was one of the largest in ancient Greece as well as one of the best -preserved monuments of classical antiquity as its nearly-inccessible location protected from marauders and invaders.Amng all the temples in the Peloponnese and along with the Temple of Athena in Tegea,the Temple of Apollo Epicirius could be consideredas the most beautiful one,thanks to its harmonyof the whole.After all,it was designed by the great architect Iktinos ,who is also credited with the Temple of Hephaestus and the Parthenon in Athens.

3-Methoni Castle : The great Ottoman /Venetian fortress of Methoni lies on a peninsula that was already fortified from ancient times in a region also renowned fot its natural harbour.The castle occupies the whole area of the cape and the southwestern coast to the small islet that has also been fortified with an octagonal tower and is protected by the sea on its three sides.Its norther part ,the one that looks to the land ,is covered by a heavily fortified acropolis .A deep moat separates the castle from the land and communication was achieved by a wooden bridge.The Venetians built on the ancient battlements and added on the repaired it during both periods that they occupied the castle.

4-Koroni Castle :Erected in the 6 th or 7 th century A.D. and used throughout the Byzantine period the castle built on the ruins of the ancient Messenian town of Asine and occupies the headland to the east of the modern town.

5-Pylos Castle- Niokastro :Two castles are built on the summits of the two hills at the ends of the Bay of Navarino ,overlooking the town of Pylos :the older castle of Navarino,called Palaiokastron or Palaionavarinon and the more recent castle ,called Niokastron .Large -skale restoration work has been carried out for many years .The restored hexagonal Fortress on the top of the hill houses the Museum and the Underwater Archaeological Research Centre.

6-The Castle of Kalamata: It is situated behind the north part of the church of the Candlemas of our Saviour and it is believed that it's where the Acropolis of the homeric(1580-1120 B.C)and classical  Faron (palace of Ortilohos and later Diokles)was.The medieval castle was build by Godefredo Villeardouino in 1205 A.D. and underwent many alterations in construction and additions by its subsequent lords.: the Byzantines of Mystras,The Turks and the Eneti of Morozini .The entrance is dominated by the lion f St. Mark,a sample of Eneti era, while in and around the castle have been found ostraka (fragments)and remains of Mycaenean and Roman years as well as tombs of the hellenistic and roman era .On the north side there is a small byzantine temple and it has been speculated that it was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary the Kalomata,after which ,according to some Kalamata was named.

7-The Castle of Kyparissia: The castle which constituted the acropolis of ancient Kyparissia was built in the Upper Part of the Kyparissia and overlooked the blue endlessness of the Ionian sea as well as the tame valley .We don't  know when the Castle of Kyparissia was built but the Lower Walls have been built according to the symmetrical style of fortification which constitutes a sign of mycaenaic style architecture,while during the Byzantine years ,and under Justinian's ruling ,the castle is restored and on the four corners ,four turrets were built from which only the eastern one is saved.

KING NESTOR,PYLOS&MODERN PHYSICS

One of the greatest experiments in modern Physics is taking place near the deepest point (5267m/17280ft) of the Mediterranean sea,off Pylos.There,a large array (telescope)is used to detect the inetraction of the exclusive and mysterious neutrino particles with sea -water .This quest can ,in turn,yield valuable information as to the past and future of the Universe .Fittingly ,the experiment is named Nestor after the ancient King of nearby Pylos.

NATURE PURE GOLD

Neda River : At the northern end of Messinian Neda ,the only female-gender river of  Greece ,named after nymph Neda ,goddess of the waters ,flows towards the gulf of Kiparissia.The waters of Neda begin their journey from the numerous springs at the foot of Mt. Lycaeon ,near the village of Petra,they follow an amazing ,meardering course through narrow gorges,cool clearings and verdant ravines,under arched ,stone bridges and through dark caves and falls ,to the fertile meadows of the Kiparissia  Gulf,covering a distance of 32 km.Neda and its villages -true gems of the Greek nature-maintain a rare ,exotic beauty and give a new meaning to the words recreation and relaxation .

Canion of POLILIMNIO:In the municipality of Voufrada 32 kms away from Kalamata on the road to Pylos ,there is the canyon of Polilimnio with its lakes and waterfalls .Crossing a small path for 5 minutes and passing through dense vegetation and picturesque wooden bridges you will find yourselves in a secret paradise made of small lakes and waterfalls ,surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.

PURE GOLD 

Olive oil & Kalamata olives Messinia is one of the best -known olive production areas of Greece .The rich Messinian land offers a wealth of local products and natural ingredients on which all local recipes are based.One of the best olive oil varieties in Greece (Koroneiki)is being produced here and it is a main ingredient for most -if not all-local dishes.Naturally ,the original Kalamata olives are also included among the local delicacies,and they are served as a "side dish" in almost all meals.Other popular products of the area are the famous figs of Messinia ,honey,pastelli,(sesame-and-honey bar),"diples"(light -fried ,thin pastries with honey ,cinnamon and almonds )as well as "talagani"cheese.

THE FEELING OF AN ISLAND 

With hundreds of kilometers of coastline ,Messinia can feel more like an island .In addition to its coasts ,it also has a number of small satellite islands ,including PROTI ,SFAKTIRIA, SAPIENZA, SCHIZA, and VENETICO. The beaches of Messinia are countless and satisfy all preferences and tastes. White sand, big pebbles or steep rocks ,all forms coexist side by side and make Messinia a heaven for sea lovers. 

                                                 Beaches to the east of Kalamata :

KALAMATA,ALMIROS,MIKRI  MANTINEIA, SADOVA, RITSA ,FONEAS, DELPHINIA, KALOGRIA, STOUPA, AGIOS DIMITRIOS, KATAFIGIO.

                                                  Beaches to the west of Kalamata :

KALAMATA ,AGIOS NIKOLAOS, BOUKA, ANALIPSI, VELIKA, KARIA GONIA, TZANE,PETALIDI, VRAHAKIA, MAKRIAMOS, CHRANI ,EPISKOPI, AGIOS ANDREAS,KOLONIDES ,PEROULIA, GARGAROU,KORONI CASTLE, ZAGA, MEMI, KALAMAKI, FINIKOUNDA, ANEMOMILOS,THINEAS ,MAVROVOUNI, METHONI, GIALOVA, GLOSSA, CHRYSI AMMOS, VOIDOKILLIA,ROMANOU, MATI, VROMONERI.

MESSINIA TIPS & INFORMATION 

How to get Messinia :fly & drive, by car from Athens ,by air from Athens airport El.Venizelos to Kalamata with Aegean Airlines. Kalamata which is the capital of Messinia ,is one of the main passage of entry into the Peloponnese.See from the north,the two main cities are Corinth (korinthos) and Patras. From April to October there are charter flights to Kalamata Airport and Araxos Airport (Patras)from various European cities.Also there are daily scheduled flights from most of European countries to Athens International Airport .The distance Athens -Tripoli -Kalamata is 260 km long and can be covered by car in approximately 3 hours.The new road takes you through the vineyards of Korinthia and the mountainous masses of Arkadia .Read more about this toll road on Moreas.com.gr . Recently the Greek airline Aegean started operating domestic flights between Athens International Airport and Kalamata airport ,covering the distance from the Greek capital to the heart of Messinia in just 45 minutes .Not only business travellers but also holiday makers had been waiting for many years for this connection to be re-established.Aegean Airlines was foundeded in 1999 and was the first private airline with an air operator's certificate in Greece .Today it is a partner of Lufthansa ,Swiss, Brussels Airlines and other Star Alliance members

Car&ferry boat. If you are planning a trip with your own car,there are daily ferry boat services from Italy (Venice,Ancona,Bari,Brindisi) to Patra .The distance Patra - Kalamata is about 215 km. Scheduled coach (KTEL) Kalamata is also connected to Athens by bus .The KTELbus can be taken at the bus terminalof Kifissos in Athens and covers the distance in about 4 hours.There are several bus services throughout the day . More info and online tickets can be found on https://www.ktelmessinias.gr 

How to get around :If you don t have your own transport,the region is adequately served by local buses and the distances are relatively small.

LOCAL PRODUCTS : Olive oil and olives, wine, figs fruits ,and vegetables,pasteli raisins ,ouzo brandy,PDO AND PGI products: Extra virgin olive oil ,Olives of Kalamata(elies Kalamon)Wine with indicative varieties :Assyrtico,Rditis,Fileri,Sardone,etc...Watermelons,Distilleries: ouzo,tsipouro,etc...

LOCAL CUISINE: Pure taste of traditional cuisine "Gourounopoula " , a well known delicacy "Diples",fresh salads,Fish,etc....

BEST BUYS:Olive oil,olives,wine and pastelli(sesame candy)

HISTORIC PLACES: -The place of Nestoras -The temple of Apollo Epicurius-Ancient Olympia-Ancient Messini -Byzantine Mystras -Niokastro at Pylos-The Castle of Koroni-The castle of Methoni -The castle of Kalamata -The castle of Kyparissia. 

MUNICIPALITIES:1-Dimos Kalamatas 2-Dimos Dytikis Manis 3-Dimos Messinis 4-Dimos Ichalias 5- Dimos Pylou-Nestoros 6-Dimos Trifylias.

APROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCES FROM KALAMATA:-Messini 10km -Petalidi 28km - Chrani 35km -Agios Andreas 41km - Koroni 52 km - Finikounda 55km -Methoni 65km -Kyparissia 60km - Pylos 51km HEADING EAST( Lakonia Region): Mystras 47km - Sparta 52km - HEADING SOUTHEAST(The Mani Region)-Kardamyli 36km -HEADING NORTH(Ilia and Achaia Region :Ancient Olympia 140 km-Corinth 165km -Patras 280km( international ferry port and Araxos Airport)

MESSINIA  YACHTING  AND  SAILING  :Disover the delights of Messinia  by sea ,including Koroni castle ,Cape Tenero,Diros aves ,and magical lighhouses,Learn sailing with classes for beginners or advanced sailors.Offerday or overnight cruises and great snorkeling opportunities too! If you have a boat ,you can visit the islets Proti ,Shiza,Sapientza, Agia Mariani and Venetiko.You can dock your boat at Kalamata or Pylos Port .Information about sailing can also be obtained from the Naval Group in Kalamata (00302721023860)

The yacht marina of Kalamata is built west of the main harbour .The marina has the capacity to accommodate 255 vessels with a maximumlength of 30m.Allbirths are equipped with mooring lines and a system providesthe guests with electricity,fresh water and  telephone.Toilets ,showers and laundry are at the guests availability .Around the marina are several traditional Greek taverns,restaurants and bars.