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Prefecture Of Messinia
Area (sq.km): 2.991
Population (2001): 172.825
Population Density(hab/sq.km): 58
Capital City: Kalamata
Number of Hotels: 99
Number of hotel Rooms: 5.841

State Tourism Offices
Name: Messinia Tourism Office
Location: Kalamata
Address: Aristomenous & Polyviou 6, 1st floor - 24100 Kalamata
Telephone: 27210 86868

Camping Sites
Agios Andreas, Agios Andreas Messinia, Tel: 27250 31880/1
Ammos, Finikounda Messinia, Tel: 27230 71262
Anemomylos, Finikounda Messinia, Tel: 27320 71120
Chryssi Ammos, Analipsi Messinia, Tel: 27220 24020
Community Methoni, Methoni Messinia, Tel: 27230 31255
Erodios, Gialova Messinia, Tel: 27230 28240
Fare, Kalamata Messinia, Tel: 27210 29520
Kalogria, Stoupa Messinia, Tel: 27210 77319
Koroni, Koroni Messinia, Tel: 27250 22119
Kyparissia, Kiparissia Messinia, Tel: 27610 23491

Long Distance Buses
From Athens daily to: KALAMATA
Ktel Address: Kifissou St.
Tel: 210 5134293, 210 5233810
Route: 06.00, 07.30, 08.45, 10.30 (exc. Sun.), 11.30, 12.30, 14.00, 15.30, 16.30, 17.30, 19.00, 21.00, 23.00
Return: 04.45, 06.30, 09.00, 10.00, 10.45, 11.30, 12.30, 14.00, 16.00, 18.00, 22.45
Price: 14,30
Duration: 4 hrs

From Athens daily to: PILOS
Ktel Address: Kifissou St.
Tel: 210 5134293
Route: 08.45, 15.30
Return: 09.00, 19.30
Price: 17,45
Duration: 5 hrs 30'

Domestic Port Authorities
City: Kalamata
Category: Port Authority
Tel: 27210 22218
VHF Channels: 12,18

City: Koroni
Category: Port Authority Station
Tel: 27250 22377
VHF Channels: 12,18

City: Kiparissia
Category: Port Authority Station
Tel: 27610 22128
VHF Channels: 12, 18

City: Pilos
Category: Port Authority
Tel: 27230 22225
VHF Channels: 12

City: Pilos
Category: Navigation Station
Tel: 27230 23200
VHF Channels: 12

Canyon
Name: The Biros Canyon
Location: Kardamyli
Description: The Vyros Gorge. The entrance to the gorge is found outside Kardamyli. Vyros stretches for about 20 km and its rugged beauty is reminiscent of the Samaria Gorge. Visitors can walk up to the springs of the Vyros River (2 h 30-min walk). After that point, the terrain becomes rough, and the route almost inaccessible. Adjacent to the Vyros springs survive several old flour mills.

Caves
Name: Katafigio
Location: Agios Nikolaos
Description: Katafygio Cave, overhung with stalactites, is located 3,5 km to the SE.

Mountaineerings Clubs
Name: Kalamata Alpine
Location: Kalamata
Address: 23, Faron & Evripidou Streets, 241 00 Kalamata
Telephone: 27210 28370, 27210 93603, 27210 21129

Carnivals
Name: Kalamata's Carnival
Location: Kalamata
Description: The Women Scouts of Greece together with the Local Municipal Authorities, co-organize the old custom of Gaitanaki on Thursday of the Carnival at the central square of the city. The main attraction starts with the marching of the Local Music Band. Revival of the Vlach?s Wedding On the same day the local cultural committee, organizes this revival. The wedding procession starts accompanied with traditional music and all people in disguise, meet at the Main East Square, were the celebration is going on with live traditional music, singing, local food and wine. Carnival Parade Students from all schools participate in the Carnival Parade, dressed in carnival costumes.
Municipality of Kalamata: Tel.: 27210 23355, 27210 27317

Name: Messini's Carnival
Location: Messini
Description: Each year many Carnival events are held at Messini, with a climax on the last Sunday before Lent (Cheese-Eating Sunday) and Ash Monday. According to local tradition, these traditional events date back to the years right after the liberation from the Turkish occupation. They include the following : Cheese Eating Sunday: People in fancy dresses go out in the streets, accompanied by the music of the Municipal Band. In the evening of the same day, the ancient and colorful custom of the Fires takes place. It is a unique spectacle, as well-prepared bonfires, are lit in various neighborhoods of the city around which merry · making dancing and eating from the locals goes on till morning, the revival of old customs and tales. Ash Monday: In the morning there is the revival of the execution of an old lady of Messini, Mother Sykou, who according to the tradition and historical evidences, was hanged at Kremala location by order of the Ibrahim Pasha, because she was audacious enough to interpretate one of Imbrahim?s dreams:She told him that his battles were doomed to disaster by the vigor and courage of the greek revolutionary fighters. On Ash Monday, early in the morning, people set up the gallows. Then children members of the local Cultural Association, dressed in appropriate costumes play out the drama of Mother Sykous execution. After the performance, visitors can be hanged by the executioners on the gallows. In the evening of Ash Monday, the events reach their climax. Parades of drum majorettes, floats, disguised people of all ages, dancing groups, traditional music bands, and of course satirical speeches, compose the celebration. Municipality of Messini: Tel. 27220 22601, 27220 22752

Name: Methoni's Carnival
Location: Methoni
Description: In Methoni, we have the revival of the "Koutroulis Marriage" (in greek we use this expression to describe a situation where everything goes wrong · a hubbub) dates back to the 14th century. Nowadays, it is two men who pretend to be the happy couple. This very couple together with relatives, go to the central square. There, the wedding ceremony is held, with priests and a best man. Then they read the dowry agreement in public, and afterwards all people have a great party.
Municipality of Methoni: Tel.: 27230 31255