The prefecture of Messinia is at the south-west tip of the Peloponnese. Its principal town, Kalamata, is the home of the world famous black olives but the town is also blessed with a long stretch of sandy beach and some fine seafood tavernas. Kalamata plays host to a dance festival every August.

There are many charming fishing villages along the coast line and most of them have ruins bearing witness to the civilisations who have inhabited these lands. Methoni has a massive 13th century fortress overlooking the sea and a nice beach. Kardamyli is a quaint little village with some good traditional tavernas. Pylos has a dramatic castle overlooking the sea and the bay was the site of a major nautical battle during the Greek war of independence.

Car hire is an advantage in this area, with so much to see it would be a shame to miss anything.

Windsurfers like the beach at Finikounda. Hikers like Mt Taygetos near Kardamyli.

There are flights to Kalamata from the UK during the summer months.

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