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 towns of Mani dotting its southern end.
The western shore of the bay and the Ionian shore of Messinia are mostly lowlands with magnificent sandy beaches, wonderful little fishing villages and some of the best-preserved medieval castles and fortresses in the Mediterranean.


Walking

Taygetos is the highest mountain of the Peloponnese and both climbing its highest peak, Prophetes Elias (2404 m) as well as its other peaks and hiking consist a unique experience. Climbing and hiking are even more delightful since detailed maps and a proper labelling system lead climbers and hikers to their destination ensuring the greatest safety.

The restoration of a complete net of routes that link the mountain villages with each other or with the ones at the foot of the mountain comes within the scope of the Business Program for the Environment. This net is equipped with a complete labelling system and it usually involves average difficulty. One can choose from a variety of short or longer walks, of great or small difficulty.

Climbing

Apart from hiking routes the experienced climber can choose among the following itineraries of unique beauty, some of which involve however a certain degree of difficulty since they are poorly labelled or not labelled at all.

- One-hour and forty-five minutes climb from Anavryti to Tsarkos where the botanical station is situated at the altitude of 1,700m and then from Ai Nicos Spring through Karea, Panaghia and Kapsodermatousa and Koskaraka Canyon to Gaitses or Pegadia.
- From Mountain Refuge of the EOS of Sparta to Portes and Halasmeno Vouno and back or keep on to Sidirokastro, Rintomo and Panagia Kapsodermatoussa.
- Mountain Refuge of the EOS of Sparta - Portes- Sidirokastro- Vintoli Canyon- Panagia Kapsodermatoussa- Gaitses. This route belongs to the National Path '32'.
- Crossing the Vyros canyon (from Ayios Dimitrios down to Kardamyli).
- Crossing Pentadaktylos.

Cycling

Take advantage of the natural wealth of Messinia and make a unique cycling excursion. One can choose a flat level course, a coastal route, or a rough mountainous terrain. It is an ideal combination of the mountainous landscape with the beauty of the coastline. Some of those cycle tours include:

- Taking the road to Petalidi or Koroni is a nice coastal tour of the Messinian gulf.
- The crossing of the flat plains of central Messinia from the city of Messini to the ancient city of Ithomi , and on to Valyra, Meligalas and Diavolitsi.
- Touring the mountain villages of upper Messinia is a unique experience: Syrizo, Stasimo, Kakaletri, Neda, Sklirou, Ampeliona. Agios Sostis, with the chance to see the ancient temple of Epicurius Apollo.

River trekking

The ideal way to explore the mountains in summer is by following the paths of a cool river. Crossing spectacular gorges, watching magnificent colours, enjoying the rich flora and fauna, everything is possible on a river hike. The suggestions below are suitable for all ages and abilities. As with most river hikes athletic shoes are recommended and trekking poles are an asset.

Polylimnio

In the village of Charavgi, hidden in an environment of absolute charm, the visitor can explore the lakes of Polylimnio (which means "many lakes"). Fifteen small lakes were well hidden for centuries and it is only since recently that they become accessible to the public. They all form a wild but beautifulenvironment with small canyons, and enchanting waterfalls. You can drive to Charavgi with your car, which you will leave in the parking place, just before the beginning of the path that leads to the lakes. There is a small picnic area but no facilities, so you better take with you water and anything else you think you might need. However try not to carry too many supplies because the trail is of middle difficulty and you should wear flat shoes and comfortable clothes.

Neda River

The Neda is the only river in Greece with a female name. According to the Greek Mythology, Neda was a nymph, a goddess of the water. Its total course is approximately 32 kilometres. It is worth mentioning the marvellous monuments that the traveller meets following its course. The crossing takes place in the most spectacular part of the gorge passing through stone bridges, picturesque stone-bridges, historical sites, narrow cliffs, underwater caves and impressive waterfalls. Swimsuit and athletic shoes are a must if you are going to try it!

The Viros Canyon

The gorge of Viros is found in the heart of Messiniaki Mani and was used by the antiquity as street to Lakonia. Viros expands from St Panteleimona that is located in an elevation of 1400m on Taygetos and passing through the Vasiliki Woods goes down to the sea through the heart of the Messinian Mani.

Ridomo Gorge

The Ridomo Gorge is one of nature's wonders. It is ideal for recreation, physical exercise and walking and is of particular aesthetic and tourist importance. The gorge is situated at the beginning of the Messinian part of Mani, at 15 km from Kalamata, originates at the mouth of the Sadova stream and stretches up to the Prophet Elias top of the Taygetos Mountain at a distance of 21 km. The most impressive part of the gorge is the point where its bed becomes very narrow, an area 100m long, about 2m wide and 60m high, at the footpath leading from Kedro (Gaitses) to Pigadia. The double, stone bridge linking the vertical, solid slopes of the aforementioned especially beautiful formation is a traditional art monument of great significance.

Swimming

From Stoupa and as far as Gargaliani the coast is low, forming golden beaches ideal for swimming. The visitors get excited about the marvellous combination of nature, the green hills and the wild vegetation. Shores of fine sand, dunes, sheltered caves and wide bays that run for miles and are almost never crowded.

Chrani Beach

Chrani beach offers a great natural wealth and crystal clear waters. Vineyards and olive trees all along the coastline, and others plants and bushes on the beach create a harmonic environment for a relaxing day. Beach cafes will make your stay on the beach even more pleasant.

Kalamata Beach

In the town of Kalamata there's an extensive 4 km beach with crystal clean waters, which has been awarded with the blue flags of Europe. Along the beach there are many shops such as cafes, restaurants, taverns, that satisfies all preferences.

Zaga Beach

The Zaga beach stretches from the feet of the Koroni castle and for 4 kms with the beach Memi as its extension, which goes as far as Vasilitsi and the beautiful beaches of Faneromenis-Kalamakiou. The area Zaga-Memi has natural beauty, and also hosts the Careta Careta sea turtle. The beach is organised and you can find taverns and cafes and other facilities.

Voidokilia Beach

In the north of Navarino there is the beach of Voidokilia. It has magnificent seashore with shallow and blue water, one of the best beaches of Greece. In the area of Gialova, and beside the beach, there is the salt lake of Divari that is the biggest aquatic area of Messinia.

Finikounda Beach

The beach of this community, which is 3 km long, organised and nominated for the blue flag, stretches from the south part of the community to the west, where there is a fishing shelter, which is also used by boats and yachts. Along the beach there are restaurants, cafes and confectionery shops. The beach is quite windy, which makes it ideal for surfers and sea spot lovers.

Gargaliani Beach

In a short distance from the centre of Gargaliani,an endless beach with golden sand, receives of visitors for its clean waters and its natural beauty. In the west of Gargaliani and in a 7 km distance there are the sulphurous healing springs of Vromoneri, suitable for hepatic and arthritic conditions.

Stoupa Beach

Stoupa is 50 km away from Kalamata. In the community there's a beach with granular sand and crystal waters.


Caretta-Caretta sea turtles

Peloponnese hosts 900 sea turtle nests per year (24.3% at national level) in the Bays of Kyparissia, Lakonikos and in Koroni. In fact, the Kyparissiakos Gulf constitutes the second most important beach of birth of Karetta in the Mediterranean. The nesting season commences at the end of May and lasts until August.

In Agiannaki, in the building of the old railway station, the Environmental Scientific Centre for Sea Turtle Protection was established in June 2001. Its exhibition area offers the visitor the opportunity to learn about the coastal area, sea turtles and local economic and cultural activities. The exhibition includes information on our planet, the sea turtles, the coast and coastal forest, the lakes and rivers in the area.

Organised groups are guided in the exhibition area where, slide shows concerning sea turtles and the local ecosystems are operated, whereas other activities including games and drawing are organized for small children. Visits at the environmental centres last approximately 45 minutes and are usually followed by a guided tour in the nature trails.

Bird watching

The Divari Lagoon (also known as the Pylos or Gialova Lagoon) is place of exceptional beauty with big historical and cultural heritage, a place with priceless natural value. The lagoon of Gialova belongs to the European network NATURE 2000 and is one of the most important bands for the birds of Greece. It is the more southern migratory turning point of the Balkans for birds.
During migration, several species occur like the Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber, the Black Kite Milvus migrans , the Osprey Pandion haliaetus and the Crane Grus grus.

Woodturning

Courses of instruction in the craft of woodturning are available in Koroni. The practical courses are designed to provide the knowledge and experience required for woodturning and range from half a day to a full week. The majority of the work produced is of olive wood, which is abundant in the area. Most wood used comes from branches removed during the pruning process thus preserving the environment. Other local woods used are, eucalyptus, mulberry, mastic, oak, carob etc.