Municipality of Avia was belonging in the prefecture of Messinia. It was founded with the “Kapodistrias Plan” in 1999 by the uniting the communities: Avia, Kampos, Doloi, Stavropigio, Altomira and Sotirianika. With the implementation of the Kallikratis program, the municipality was abolished and joined the new municipality of West Mani until nowadays.
Avia (or Paleochora): Avia is a famous seaside village with a beautiful beach and unobstructed views of the Messinian Gulf and also ten kilometers from Kalamata.
Great Mantineia: It is amphitheatrically built, with a wonderful view of the Messinian Gulf. While you are there you should find a place and admire the view!
Akrogiali: It is a newer village in which its lacy shores form wonderful and graphic beaches, where the tourists can enjoy the deep blue sea of the Messinian Gulf.
Kitries: At twelve kilometers from Kalamata to the east of the Messinian Gulf is the picturesque fishing village and the Kitries beach. It is a small beach with lush water, pebbled and scattered rocks and pretty nice colors. The vegetation, rich in the area, reaches above the sea. Kitries belongs to the municipality of West Mani of Messinia Regional Unit located in the Region of Peloponnese, according to the administrative division of Greece as it was formed with the program “Kallikratis”. Kitries though is really close to Kalamata also, so its a very common destination for people who are settled near Kalamata city.
Avia/Akrogiali
This region owes its current name to the mythical king of Messinia, Kresphontis, who renamed it after Peloponnisos was conquered by the Dorians honoring Abia, the daughter of hero Hercules. Abia, persecuted by the Achaeans, had finally resorted to this place to save her infant by building a temple in honor of her father.
In the early fifteenth century, the Venetians built the castle of Mantineia at the location of the ancient city. It was the seat of the barony with the same name. Mantineia was abandoned by its inhabitants to escape pirate raids, and they settled in the upper village of Great Mantineia. The ruined castle town received the name Palaiochora. In 1775, at the site of Asclepius temple the Church of the Dormition was built.
From the mid ninteenth century, the inhabitants of Great Mantineia began settling in the beach area again, in the settlements named Palaiochora, Archontiko and Kopanoi (the modern Akrogiali). Palaiochora became then seat of the community of Great Mantineia in 1924. In 1926 both the settlement Palaiochora and the community were renamed to Avia. In 1998, the community Avia merged with 7 other communities forming the new municipality Avia, with its seat being in Kampos village.
Kitries
During the Ottoman domination, Kitries was the seat of Mani’s “Beydes” and was the most important and vital port of the Messinian Gulf, from which the import and export trades of the wider region took place. In Kitries, the homonymous “Symphony” was written in 1819 by which the great families of Mavromichalides, Grigorakides (Gregorians) and Troupakis promised peace, unity and union of their forces among them in the upcoming 1821 revolution in order to not have any loss. Also there in March 1821 Petrobeis Mavromichalis assumed the command of the Spartan forces, following a decision taken by the united chieftains and captains of these years.
Its products are worldwide well-known, while several believe it’s worth visiting only for its local delicacies. Mani, besides providing pictures of authentic Greek character and beauty, is additionally renowned for its wealthy and fertile land. The traditional Mani diet indeed, according to experts, is ideal in order to keep up a good physical health. This alone proves that Mani’s products and dishes are among those you must undoubtedly try even once in your life. Buy olives, olive oil, honey, the traditional cheese referred to as “touloumisio”, tasty spoon sweets, jams, herbs, oregano, tea and sage. Don’t miss the renowned “sigklino” and “koutalides”. Also try Mani’s pancakes, similarly as the popular “lalagia” that are perfectly combined with honey or cheese sfela from goats.
Try local tavernas and restaurants in Avia/Akrogiali/Kitries for delicious recipes!
Temple of the Assumption of the Virgin (1775) that celebrates on August 23rd, Agios Georgios Church in a panoramic position, as well as Santova’s Gorge are some of the sights you can see and admire there.
Mansion, Koukkinos, Lykotropia, Paleochora, Portela, Patsourou, Poliana, Akrogiali, Santova are some famous beaches of the area with the last one Santova being the more crowded of all.
Some other monuments of Avia have been declared historically preserved. These are the Churches of Agios Haralampos, Agios Dimitrios, Agios Nikolaos and Evangelismos, as well as the building of the old olive mill in the mansion of Frangoulis.
Settled in Akrogiali, Avia or Kitries where lots of hotels and rentals are located as a starting point, you can visit all the neighboring villages of Mani and Messinia. Kardamili and Stoupa are only 28 kilometers and 32 kilometers respectively from there. The road that leads to the amazing caves of Diros and Mani, through the Maniatic wild landscape is one of the most picturesque and graphic streets in Greece.
Spring Breaks
Visitors who head to Avia/Akrogiali/Kitries between late March and May should expect to find clear skies and temperatures that hover between fifteen and twenty five degrees, making sightseeing pleasant and creating perfect walking conditions. It’s not uncommon for water temperatures to be warm enough for swimming throughout the early Spring also. The important Easter preparations that take place this time of year, where you see locals flooding the streets for the biggest celebration of Christianity. Next day is followed by music, dancing, eating and drinking as a tradition. By avoiding the summer rush, tourists should be able to find smart deals on flights and accommodation, making Spring a good season for budget travellers to visit Avia/Akrogiali/Kitries.
Summer Sun
Sunscreen and shades are essential for a Summer visit to Avia/Akrogiali/Kitries, and the dry heat, which is possible to exceed 40 degrees, can feel stifling. If you intend to visit Avia/Akrogiali/Kitries at this time, don’t attempt to pack too much clothes into your trip. Arrange several of lazy beach days and make sure your hotel room or apartment is air conditioned. Greek holidaymakers flock here during the summer months, so you should expect crowded beaches so book your lodgings earlier as well.
Autumn and Winter in Avia/Akrogiali/Kitries
As the temperatures drop, also do the tourist numbers, and the early Autumn is a very pleasant time to visit Avia/Akrogiali/Kitries. During September the waters are still warm enough for swimming, and you’ll have plenty of space for splashing into. Sightseeing becomes more comfortable as the heat becomes less oppressive, so October, November and forward are good times of the year to explore the mountains. During the Winter, there are fewer international flights to Kalamata, but it is always possible to fly in to Athens and take the transport through the beautiful newly created highway and inside the graphic villages along the way.
Beautiful natural scenery, tropical beaches with crystal clear blue waters and unobstructed view of the Messinian Gulf, Avia, just 10 kilometers southeast of Kalamata, is one of the most popular holiday areas with remarkable tourist traffic. It consists of the settlements Avia, Akrogiali, Archontiko, Paleochora and Great Mantinia.
The beach in Akrogiali is suitable for families who prefer quietness or even for young people. It has a few sun loungers and umbrellas and, naturally, it is surrounded by cafes and shops that offer fresh juice, coffee, and food on the beach. Similarly the beach of Kitries is also quiet and proper for families. As Akrogiali it has few sun loungers and umbrellas and, naturally, it is surrounded by fish taverns that offer fresh fish next to the sea. The route from the cosmopolitan beach of Santova to Kitries is very picturesque and graphic. It passes through small settlements, touches the seashore and has views on the small creeks. In some spots it leaves the seaside and invades with turns in the hinterland, through olive and orchard fields that are unique. The road enters the small village of Kitries and reach until the sea front and the beach of Kitries. The beach there, although small, gathers in the summer a large number of tourists mainly due to the natural magnificent scenery surrounding this small cove.
Driving: You’ll be able to drive from Athens to Avia/Akrogiali/Kitries in about three hours on the National Road. Its not a bad drive and you will pass some attention-grabbing countryside. After all it’s a lot more interesting for the passenger than it’s for the driver who should keep his eye on the road in order to be alert for all the crazy things Greek drivers do. However even that may be amusing and if you’re a good driver you will not have any issues. Rent a Car
By bus: Coach services are operated by KTEL between Athens, Kalamata.
The trip lasts three hours to Kalamata. Ticket value is thirty five euros one-way and fifty five euros round-trip ticket.
You don’t have to pre-book for a price ticket. You’ll pay at the terminal, before bus departure or on the bus. If you’re there half an hour before departure you must find a seat. Find a Bus
By taxi: You’ll be able to rent or hire a taxi transfer from Athens directly to Avia/Akrogiali/Kitries through the contact form and also you can arrange the price with the driver! This can be a simple solution if you don’t wish to drive all the way by yourself! Taxi Transfer
Municipality of Avia was belonging in the prefecture of Messinia. It was founded with the “Kapodistrias Plan” in 1999 by the uniting the communities: Avia, Kampos, Doloi, Stavropigio, Altomira and Sotirianika. With the implementation of the Kallikratis program, the municipality was abolished and joined the new municipality of West Mani until nowadays.
Avia (or Paleochora): Avia is a famous seaside village with a beautiful beach and unobstructed views of the Messinian Gulf and also ten kilometers from Kalamata.
Great Mantineia: It is amphitheatrically built, with a wonderful view of the Messinian Gulf. While you are there you should find a place and admire the view!
Akrogiali: It is a newer village in which its lacy shores form wonderful and graphic beaches, where the tourists can enjoy the deep blue sea of the Messinian Gulf.
Kitries: At twelve kilometers from Kalamata to the east of the Messinian Gulf is the picturesque fishing village and the Kitries beach. It is a small beach with lush water, pebbled and scattered rocks and pretty nice colors. The vegetation, rich in the area, reaches above the sea. Kitries belongs to the municipality of West Mani of Messinia Regional Unit located in the Region of Peloponnese, according to the administrative division of Greece as it was formed with the program “Kallikratis”. Kitries though is really close to Kalamata also, so its a very common destination for people who are settled near Kalamata city.
Avia/Akrogiali
This region owes its current name to the mythical king of Messinia, Kresphontis, who renamed it after Peloponnisos was conquered by the Dorians honoring Abia, the daughter of hero Hercules. Abia, persecuted by the Achaeans, had finally resorted to this place to save her infant by building a temple in honor of her father.
In the early fifteenth century, the Venetians built the castle of Mantineia at the location of the ancient city. It was the seat of the barony with the same name. Mantineia was abandoned by its inhabitants to escape pirate raids, and they settled in the upper village of Great Mantineia. The ruined castle town received the name Palaiochora. In 1775, at the site of Asclepius temple the Church of the Dormition was built.
From the mid ninteenth century, the inhabitants of Great Mantineia began settling in the beach area again, in the settlements named Palaiochora, Archontiko and Kopanoi (the modern Akrogiali). Palaiochora became then seat of the community of Great Mantineia in 1924. In 1926 both the settlement Palaiochora and the community were renamed to Avia. In 1998, the community Avia merged with 7 other communities forming the new municipality Avia, with its seat being in Kampos village.
Kitries
During the Ottoman domination, Kitries was the seat of Mani’s “Beydes” and was the most important and vital port of the Messinian Gulf, from which the import and export trades of the wider region took place. In Kitries, the homonymous “Symphony” was written in 1819 by which the great families of Mavromichalides, Grigorakides (Gregorians) and Troupakis promised peace, unity and union of their forces among them in the upcoming 1821 revolution in order to not have any loss. Also there in March 1821 Petrobeis Mavromichalis assumed the command of the Spartan forces, following a decision taken by the united chieftains and captains of these years.
Its products are worldwide well-known, while several believe it’s worth visiting only for its local delicacies. Mani, besides providing pictures of authentic Greek character and beauty, is additionally renowned for its wealthy and fertile land. The traditional Mani diet indeed, according to experts, is ideal in order to keep up a good physical health. This alone proves that Mani’s products and dishes are among those you must undoubtedly try even once in your life. Buy olives, olive oil, honey, the traditional cheese referred to as “touloumisio”, tasty spoon sweets, jams, herbs, oregano, tea and sage. Don’t miss the renowned “sigklino” and “koutalides”. Also try Mani’s pancakes, similarly as the popular “lalagia” that are perfectly combined with honey or cheese sfela from goats.
Try local tavernas and restaurants in Avia/Akrogiali/Kitries for delicious recipes!
Temple of the Assumption of the Virgin (1775) that celebrates on August 23rd, Agios Georgios Church in a panoramic position, as well as Santova’s Gorge are some of the sights you can see and admire there.
Mansion, Koukkinos, Lykotropia, Paleochora, Portela, Patsourou, Poliana, Akrogiali, Santova are some famous beaches of the area with the last one Santova being the more crowded of all.
Some other monuments of Avia have been declared historically preserved. These are the Churches of Agios Haralampos, Agios Dimitrios, Agios Nikolaos and Evangelismos, as well as the building of the old olive mill in the mansion of Frangoulis.
Settled in Akrogiali, Avia or Kitries where lots of hotels and rentals are located as a starting point, you can visit all the neighboring villages of Mani and Messinia. Kardamili and Stoupa are only 28 kilometers and 32 kilometers respectively from there. The road that leads to the amazing caves of Diros and Mani, through the Maniatic wild landscape is one of the most picturesque and graphic streets in Greece.
Spring Breaks
Visitors who head to Avia/Akrogiali/Kitries between late March and May should expect to find clear skies and temperatures that hover between fifteen and twenty five degrees, making sightseeing pleasant and creating perfect walking conditions. It’s not uncommon for water temperatures to be warm enough for swimming throughout the early Spring also. The important Easter preparations that take place this time of year, where you see locals flooding the streets for the biggest celebration of Christianity. Next day is followed by music, dancing, eating and drinking as a tradition. By avoiding the summer rush, tourists should be able to find smart deals on flights and accommodation, making Spring a good season for budget travellers to visit Avia/Akrogiali/Kitries.
Summer Sun
Sunscreen and shades are essential for a Summer visit to Avia/Akrogiali/Kitries, and the dry heat, which is possible to exceed 40 degrees, can feel stifling. If you intend to visit Avia/Akrogiali/Kitries at this time, don’t attempt to pack too much clothes into your trip. Arrange several of lazy beach days and make sure your hotel room or apartment is air conditioned. Greek holidaymakers flock here during the summer months, so you should expect crowded beaches so book your lodgings earlier as well.
Autumn and Winter in Avia/Akrogiali/Kitries
As the temperatures drop, also do the tourist numbers, and the early Autumn is a very pleasant time to visit Avia/Akrogiali/Kitries. During September the waters are still warm enough for swimming, and you’ll have plenty of space for splashing into. Sightseeing becomes more comfortable as the heat becomes less oppressive, so October, November and forward are good times of the year to explore the mountains. During the Winter, there are fewer international flights to Kalamata, but it is always possible to fly in to Athens and take the transport through the beautiful newly created highway and inside the graphic villages along the way.
Beautiful natural scenery, tropical beaches with crystal clear blue waters and unobstructed view of the Messinian Gulf, Avia, just 10 kilometers southeast of Kalamata, is one of the most popular holiday areas with remarkable tourist traffic. It consists of the settlements Avia, Akrogiali, Archontiko, Paleochora and Great Mantinia.
The beach in Akrogiali is suitable for families who prefer quietness or even for young people. It has a few sun loungers and umbrellas and, naturally, it is surrounded by cafes and shops that offer fresh juice, coffee, and food on the beach. Similarly the beach of Kitries is also quiet and proper for families. As Akrogiali it has few sun loungers and umbrellas and, naturally, it is surrounded by fish taverns that offer fresh fish next to the sea. The route from the cosmopolitan beach of Santova to Kitries is very picturesque and graphic. It passes through small settlements, touches the seashore and has views on the small creeks. In some spots it leaves the seaside and invades with turns in the hinterland, through olive and orchard fields that are unique. The road enters the small village of Kitries and reach until the sea front and the beach of Kitries. The beach there, although small, gathers in the summer a large number of tourists mainly due to the natural magnificent scenery surrounding this small cove.
Driving: You’ll be able to drive from Athens to Avia/Akrogiali/Kitries in about three hours on the National Road. Its not a bad drive and you will pass some attention-grabbing countryside. After all it’s a lot more interesting for the passenger than it’s for the driver who should keep his eye on the road in order to be alert for all the crazy things Greek drivers do. However even that may be amusing and if you’re a good driver you will not have any issues. Rent a Car
By bus: Coach services are operated by KTEL between Athens, Kalamata.
The trip lasts three hours to Kalamata. Ticket value is thirty five euros one-way and fifty five euros round-trip ticket.
You don’t have to pre-book for a price ticket. You’ll pay at the terminal, before bus departure or on the bus. If you’re there half an hour before departure you must find a seat. Find a Bus
By taxi: You’ll be able to rent or hire a taxi transfer from Athens directly to Avia/Akrogiali/Kitries through the contact form and also you can arrange the price with the driver! This can be a simple solution if you don’t wish to drive all the way by yourself! Taxi Transfer
Free
€1.650,00
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Free
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Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
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Free
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