Vacation Packages to Messenia

General Information about Messenia

Are you looking to travel to Messenia? Then, here we tell you everything about this wonderful destination.

Messenia is a region located in the southwestern part of the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece. It is bordered by the regions of Elis to the north, Arcadia to the northeast, and Laconia to the east. The Ionian Sea lies to the west and south of Messenia.

The region is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains, gorges, and beaches. It has a rich history dating back to ancient times, and there are many archaeological sites and landmarks to visit, such as the ancient cities of Messene and Pylos, the Palace of Nestor, and the Methoni Castle.

Messenia is also known for its agricultural products, including olives, figs, oranges, and wine. 

The capital city of Messenia is Kalamata, which is also the largest city in the region. Other major towns and cities include Pylos, Methoni, Koroni, and Messini. The region is well-connected by road and air, with Kalamata International Airport serving as the main airport in the area.

Sites of Interest in Messenia

Messenia has a rich history and is home to numerous archaeological sites and landmarks that are of great interest to visitors. Some of the most notable sites of interest in Messenia include:

1. Ancient Messene: This well-preserved ancient city was founded in the 4th century BC and includes a stadium, theater, and a temple of Asclepius, among other ruins.
2. Palace of Nestor: This is an archaeological site near Pylos that features the remains of a Mycenaean palace from the Late Bronze Age.
3. Methoni Castle: This impressive fortress was built by the Venetians in the 13th century and is located on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea.
4. Voidokilia Beach: This stunning crescent-shaped beach is located near Pylos and is surrounded by sand dunes and crystal-clear waters.
5. Polylimnio Waterfalls: This series of small lakes and waterfalls is located in a gorge near the town of Haravgi and is a popular spot for hiking and swimming.
6. Ancient Pylos: This archaeological site includes the remains of a Mycenaean palace, as well as the tomb of the famous warrior, King Nestor.
7. Koroni Castle: This impressive fortress was built by the Venetians in the 13th century and is located on a hill overlooking the sea.
8. Ancient Messini: This well-preserved ancient city includes a theater, stadium, and other impressive ruins, such as the Temple of Artemis Orthia.
9. Kalamata Castle: This fortress was built in the 13th century and overlooks the city of Kalamata.
10. Methoni Beach: This long sandy beach is located near the town of Methoni and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.

These are just some of the many sites of interest in Messenia.

What to Eat in Messenia?

The cuisine of Messenia is strongly influenced by the local agriculture, which features a variety of crops including olives, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and herbs. 

Some typical dishes of Messenia include Kalamata olives. This region is known for its high-quality olives, particularly the Kalamata variety. These olives are often served as an appetizer or used as an ingredient in dishes.

Very popular dishes are Stifado, a slow-cooked beef stew made with onions, tomatoes, and red wine, and Kleftiko, a traditional Greek dish made with slow-cooked lamb, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs, typically served with potatoes or vegetables.

Also we recommend you to try Briam, a vegetable dish made with a variety of roasted vegetables, including potatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes, and Pastitsio, a Greek version of lasagna, made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel sauce.

Festivals of Messenia

Messenia has a rich cultural heritage, and several festivals are celebrated throughout the year. Here are some of the most notable festivals of Messenia:

1. Kalamata International Dance Festival: This festival takes place in Kalamata, the capital of Messenia, in July. It features performances by contemporary dance groups from Greece and around the world.
2. Messinia Prosfygika Festival: This festival is held in the town of Filiatra, and it celebrates the culture and traditions of refugees who came to Messenia from Asia Minor in the early 20th century. It takes place in August.
3. Kalamata International Guitar Festival: This festival features guitarists from Greece and around the world and is held in Kalamata in September.
4. Methoni Castle Festival: This festival takes place in the medieval castle of Methoni in August and includes music, theater, and dance performances.
5. Messinia Arts Festival: This festival celebrates various forms of art, including painting, sculpture, music, and literature. It takes place in the city of Pylos in August.
6. Festival of the Sardine: This festival is held in the fishing village of Kyparissia in August and celebrates the local sardine industry. Visitors can enjoy fresh sardines cooked on the spot, music, and dancing.
7. Kalamata Olive Festival: This festival celebrates the famous Kalamata olives and olive oil produced in Messenia. It takes place in Kalamata in November and features tasting sessions, cooking demonstrations, and other events.

These are just some of the festivals that take place in Messenia throughout the year. Each festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the region's culture and traditions, and they are definitely worth attending if you happen to be in the area.

How Is the Culture in Messenia?

The culture of Messenia is rich and diverse, with influences from ancient Greek, Byzantine, and Venetian civilizations. 

Messenia is home to many important archaeological sites, such as the ancient city of Messene, the Palace of Nestor, and the Byzantine town of Mystras. These sites provide a glimpse into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Music and dance are an important part of Messenian culture. Traditional folk music is often accompanied by instruments such as the lyre, bouzouki, and violin. Popular dances include the kalamatianos, syrtos, and tsamiko.

Messenia is home to many religious festivals throughout the year, such as the Feast of the Assumption in August and the Feast of Saint Demetrios in October. These festivals often include music, dancing, and traditional food.

Messenia has a rich tradition of crafts, such as pottery, weaving, and embroidery. Local artisans continue to create these traditional crafts, which are sold in markets and shops throughout the region.

Overall, the culture of Messenia is a unique blend of ancient and modern traditions that is deeply rooted in the region’s rich history and natural beauty.

What to See and Do in Messenia

Messenia is a wonderful destination due to its historical heritage and its fascinating architecture.

In turn, due to its proximity to Olympia and Meteora, many travelers combine their visit to Messenia with these destinations, which is why you will find these sites in several of our offers.

Are you looking to marvel at the most incredible history? Do you want to know about a fascinating culture? Do you want to taste exquisite cuisine?

If your answer is "yes", in Greca we have several proposals for tourist packages to Messenia, which you can modify and adapt according to your needs and times.

There are travel packages for all tastes. Choose your own adventure according to your needs!