Messinia
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Messenia or Messinia is a prefecture in the Peloponnnese region of Greece. The area known as Messenia is surrounded by mountains to the north and west and the Mediterranean to the south and west. This area of the mediterranean is known as the Ionian Sea. The directly to the south of the area is known as the Gulf of Messenia.
The three small islands just off the west coast of Messinia are known as the Oenussae Islands.
The principle city in this area is Kalamata and is the capital and chief port of the prefecture of Messinia. Built in the heart of the Gulf of Messenia, the city is located west of Sparti, and can be reached from Sparti and other Greek cities by bus and train. The city has an international airport and an important harbour. Ferries are available to places such as the Greek island of Kythira. Kalamata is famous for it's olives and a 4 kilometer strech of beach known as Antassi just outside of Kalamata.
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Messinia to day
Since world war two the population of the area has increased from about 30,000 to about 80,000 with immigrants mainly from North America, Austrailia and Europe. Considerable work has been carried out to improve the road ways and this work still continues to day. The area has had it's share of bad luck recently with forest fires and earth quakes which resulted in some damage to older properties.
Climate
The climate of the region may vary with temperatures a bit warmer than in Athens, temperatures can get up to 37degC. Snow is not common during winter months except for the mountains especially the Taygetus. Rain and clouds are common inland over the mountains.
