Messinia Prefecture

The prefecture of Messinia is located in the southwest Peloponnese. It is bordered by Neda River and the Arcadian Mountains on the north, Taygetos on the east, the Messinian Gulf on the south and the Aegean Sea on the west. This region has fertile lowlands and the agricultural sector plays an important role in the economy of the prefecture. The most well known products of Messinia are figs, grapes and wine, oranges, olives and oil. In Messinia you will also see many monuments and historic sites as well as wonderful beaches. Kardamyli is the most important town of the prefecture and a popular tourist destination while Methoni, Koroni and Pylos attract Greek population but also foreign visitors. Kiparissia is famous for its beautiful beaches, while the northern part of the prefecture is dominated by Taygetus Mountain, cliffs, canyons, caves, springs, rivers, dense vegetation and rocky landscape.

The capital of Messinia is Kalamata which is also a commercial and industrial center and an important port. It is located in the heart of the Messinian Bay at the foot of the Taygetus Mountain. In Kalamata you can see four major museums: the Archaeological Museum of Messinia, the Benakeion Archaeological Museum of Kalamata, the Folklore Museum and the Railway Museum. A few kilometers outside the city, you will find the Ancient Messina, an archaeological site that was unearthed recently. The site includes the ancient theater of Messina and Fountain Arsinoe.