Prefecture Of Ilia (Elia)

ILIA located between Achaia and Messinia region.
Pyrgos, the capital of Ilia, located 315 KM western of Athens, approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, driving either via the national highway Athens - Korinthos - Patras - Pyrgos, or via Korinthos - Tripolis - Pyrgos or via Korinthos, Tripolis, Megalopolis, Kalamata, Pyrgos.

Area (sq.km): 2.618, population (2001): 192.340, population density(hab/sq.km): 73
The western Peloponnese, and particularly the region between Patras and Kalamata (Messinia), has been generously blessed by Nature.

Ilia is cris-crossed by roads. Each one leads to somewhere interesting, an ancient temple, a Byzantine monastery, a Frankish castle, a splendid mountain or an endless beach.

The region is littered with ruins of ancient cities, Byzantine churches and Medieval castles, of considerable archaeological and historical importance.

The soil is fertile here, the land blessed, the fields endless.
Every corner is cultivated with vines, olive groves, corn, wheat, vegetables. Every place well tended, nothing wild.
It's nice to fall asleep next to a threshing floor or on a sandy beach.

From Pyrgos, the Capital of Ilia, the road forks to the east, passing across the fertile vale of Olympia. At the far end of this valley, where the rivers Alpheios and Kladeos flow, at the foot of pine-covered Kronios hill, lies one of the most notable sanctuaries in the ancient world, Olympia.

It was at Olympia more than anywhere else that bodily strength and the intellect were worshipped ('A healthy mind in a healthy body').
It was at Olympia that some of the loveliest love myths of the ancient Greeks were born, of Alpheios and Arethousa, Apollo and Daphne, Pelops and Hippodameia, divine and heroic figures associated with the propagation of vegetation and of life.

On either side of the road linking Patras - Pyrgos and ancient Olympia are small towns and quaint villages.

There are also many spas in Ilia, such as the popular hot springs of Killini. This spa has been developed by the GNTO (Greek National Tourist Organisation), and is a well organised spa, with accommodation facilities. At a temperature of 25.5 degrees centigrade, the hot waters are ideal for asthma, skin diseases and rheumatism.

With the various buildings and facilities spread out among the backdrop of eucalyptus and pine trees, this is a truly stunning area, where you will find peace and tranquility.

The coast is indented with bays and beaches to suit all tastes, from secluded coves to organized plages with modern conveniences, as at Katakolo, Aghios Andreas to the west of Pyrgos, Kourouta beach, Kyllini and Kalogria to the north.

Ilia is a very picturesque and beautiful region, with nature and fields as far as the eye can see. Vines, olive and citrus groves and vegetation can be found on very corner. With the various sandy beaches here as well, Ilia is a mini-paradise, and a wonderful choice for your holiday destination in the Peloponnese

Prefecture of Messinia

The prefecture of Messinia is a part of the geographical district of Peloponnese and is located at the southwestern part of the greater region. It borders with Laconia in the east, Arcadia and Elia in the north as well as the Ionian Sea and the Messiniakos gulf. The prefecture of Messinia has 167.000 inhabitants.

The capital and port of the prefecture is the town of Kalamata, one of the most modern towns of the country, with parks, fine street planning, broad roads and excellently developed educational and artistic activity. At the town of Kalamata you will admire the castle, the old town, the churches and the monasteries, the libraries, the theater, the picture gallery, the neoclassical buildings, the monument of the fighters of 1821, the tobacco factory of Karelia as well as the archaeological and cultural museums, which are some of the most interesting sites of the town.

Peaceful nature, warm climate, verdant landscapes, fertile regions, sea with extended sandy beaches, Venetian castles and traditional villages compose the exceptional allurement of the wonderful prefecture of Messinia. During summertime or during wintertime, the prefecture of Messinia is always enchanting.

The prefecture of Messinia pulses with innumerable magnificent settlements that you should visit in order to admire the miracle of nature and history and the grandeur of the human being. Kyparissia and Methoni, two superb coastal hamlets, Gargaliani and Meligalas, two agricultural and commercial centers, Pylos a traditional and historical settlement that resembles an island, Koroni, a scenic coastal hamlet that resembles the cycladic settlements, Finikoundas, a fisherman's village that evolved in a popular resort and Kardamyli, a picturesque coastal village, are few of the most renowned resorts of the prefecture of Messinia. Moreover, if you have a boat you can visit Proti, Sapientza, Shiza, Agia Mariani and Venetiko, which are beautiful and secluded islets.

Wandering around the prefecture of Messinia you will realize that this region was gifted by nature and history.