In the Messenia region, numerous natural beauties, including famous beaches such as Voidokoilia Beach, Foneas Beach, and Devare Beach, can be found. All of those are known for their peaceful surroundings and magical azure waters. Messinia is also home to Taygetus, the highest mountain in the Peloponnese, reaching 2,405 meters. The myth says Mount Taygetos was made by men and shaped to look like a pyramid, and that is because its high point looks like a pyramid. Northwest of Taygetus is the city of Kalamata, the capital and central port of Messenia. It is revealed to us in the cove of the Messenian Gulf, probably founded on the site of the Homeric city of Pharai. The shade of the Taugetus, the endless silver-golden olive groves resting on the coast, and an endless beach paint the charismatic state in the most beautiful colors. Kalamata is 240 km from Athens, which can be covered in approximately two and a half hours by car. The modern city of Kalamata is positioned alongside the waters of the Messenian Gulf, making it an ideal base for daily excursions to the southern part of the Peloponnese. Kalamata tours to destinations such as Mani, Pylos, Ancient Messene, and Ancient Olympia. These destinations can be conveniently explored from Kalamata.

North-west of Kalamata is the archaeological site of Ancient Messene, where the richness of ancient Greek civilization is evident in ruins. Notable features include well-preserved temples dedicated to various gods, such as the Temple of Artemis and the Temple of Zeus Soter. These temples feature impressive architectural elements, including columns and intricate carvings, and offer an insight into the religious practices of the time. The site also has a large stadium where athletic competitions are held. The remains of walls, gates, and public buildings reveal the design of the ancient city and its strategic and civic importance. As visitors explore the site, they encounter the remains of a thriving society, from the agora (marketplace) to the theatre. Ancient Messene is a fascinating and rather sizeable archaeological site worth visiting. With its Kalamata tours, Private Tours Greece has many suggestions in the Peloponnese region, including Ancient Messene as a destination for those interested in Classical Greece. The archaeological site of Ancient Messene is located in a valley roughly in the center of Messenia, south of Mount Ithome, and about 30km from the city of Kalamata. Ithome was the strongest fortress in Messenia, controlling the valleys to the north and south. Messene was established in 369 BC by General Epaminondas from Thebes after the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC, which resulted in the defeat of the Spartans and the establishment of Theban hegemony. It became the capital of the free Messenian state after a long period of about four centuries of Spartan occupation. Ancient Messene had strong fortification walls with towers and gates, 9.5 km long, built in just 85 days. Visitors to the archaeological site will come across the ancient stadium, the Asclepeio, the old theatre, and some beautiful mosaics just behind it.