Messinia or Messinea Prefecture is a most gifted part of the Peloponnese. It is not exclusively tourism oriented and thus not crowded with flocks of rivals for a sunbathing stretch of sand. Those travelers who finally make their way here are profoundly rewarded by the beauty of the region and the wealth of cultural and natural sightseeing attractions. An extended shoreline with beaches, picturesque inlets, mountain villages covered in greenery, a mild climate, tranquil nature, a castle, monasteries, fertile plains and green-capped hills can be seen almost anywhere in this part of the Peloponnese.
Messinia is at the southwestern end of the Peloponese and it is one of the best spots of the country. It is covered with olive groves, vineyards and gardens and the villages are some of the most picturesque and well-preserved traditional villages in the country. The eastern shore of the Messinian bay is spectacular, with the western slopes of the Taygetos mountain plunging into the crystal clear waters of the bay, and the medieval castle-towns of Mani dotting its southern end. The western shore of the bay and the Ionian shore of Messinia are mostly lowlands with lovely sandy beaches and wonderful little fishing villages. One could see towns with medieval castles, sites full of antiquities and everything is full of light. Messinia is washed by the Messinian Gulf and the Ionian Sea, while, to the east, it borders with Laconia; and Arcadia and Eleia to the north. The road network of Messinia is modern. The landscapes of Mt. Taygetos and the ascents of its slopes from kalamata to Sparta and to Megalopolis (on the left of the village Thouria) are quite interesting.