Capital and harbour of the prefecture of Messinia is Kalamata being in a distance of 238 km. from Athens. It is connected with Athens by plane too. 37 km. southeast of Kalamata it is Kardamyli, a picturesque by the sea village of Messinian Mani with stone-built houses. You can visit the tombs of Dioskouri carved in a precipice a little beyond the village, as well as the ruins of the Medieval Castle, the five impressive towers, the Ravine of Vyros river admiring the wild beauty, the islet Meropi 300 m. of the seaside with the chapel of St.Nicholas. You can enjoy the beach of the village and the nearby seashores Salio, Goulea, Halikia, Kalamitsi. A particularly picturesque region of Mani is the village Stoupa, 45 km. southeast of Kalamata with the marvellous sandy beach of Kalogria. The beautiful Pylos or Navarino with its characteristical arches in the buildings and the square with the canons, is situated 50 km. southwest of Kalamata. In the centre of the harbour it is located Marathonissi and the historical island Sfaktiria. For swimming you can go to the beach of Pylos or to Gialova. The picturesque country town Koroni with the imposing venetian castle is in a distance of 52 km. southwest of Kalamata. The medieval environment is apparent in the old mansions, the narrow streets and the churches. For swimming you can go to the beaches Zaga, Artaki, Aghia Triada. One of the most imposing castles of Greece is the one of the country town by the sea Methoni, 61 km. southwest of Kalamata. Entering the castle you will see reliefs in the wall with the lion of Saint Marcos. The immense beach of Methoni is sandy with shallow sea. In the inmost part of a small bay it is located Petalidi, one of the most significant tourist centre of Messinia, 26 km. from Kalamata. Near Petalidi there are sandy beaches or with pebble and shallow sea. Gargaliani, 70 km. west of Kalamata, offer a wonderful view to the plain of Marathopoli with the fantastic beach.