Kitries is one such perfect village that can be a main destination or your base for exploring the wider Messinia area.

Kitries is less than half an hour’s drive from Kalamata. On summer weekends, many residents of the Messinian capital choose Kitries to enjoy fresh fish by the sea. The idyllic atmosphere in the picturesque fishing village is always felt when visiting.

The village was once very prosperous and had a special page in Greek history.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Kitries was an important port in the Messinian Gulf and the seat of the Bey of Mani. The region enjoyed a largely semi-autonomous status and was ideal for preparing and igniting the spark of the Greek War of Independence.

To do this, the disputes of the powerful families of the region had to be overcome first. So it happened.

In 1818, a group of Filiki Etairia leaders arrived in Mani, unofficially headed by Christoforos Perraivos. The Filiki Etairia reconciled the most powerful Maniote families: the Mavromichalis, the Troupakis and the Grigorakis, who had mutual suspicion and rivalry bordering on enmity.

The pact was signed on October 1, 1819, in Kitries, in the mansion of Petrobey Mavromichalis, who at that time held the title of Bey.

Of course, most visitors to Kitries today do not choose to spend time at the destination with its historicity in mind. A bigger incentive is the small pebbly beach, with its beautiful waters and few sunbeds, mostly protected from the wind.

Also, there are good food options and a wonderful natural environment with green slopes around the small bay that reaches the sea.

What is certain is that if you want to spend some relaxing and quality days and at the same time have a very good base to get to know Messinia, Kitries is a great option.

Food

Gaitanaros (Tel: 2721058370) offers excellent seafood and a breath of the sea.

The wood oven sets the tone in Ano Mera (Tel: 6975714717), which cooks traditional dishes.

You can also find delicious fish by the sea in Klonaridis (Tel: 2721058648), while Mimis (Tel: 2721058010) is another excellent choice for those who love the sea.

Some information and tips for an excursion in the wider region:

Kitries is 253 kilometres from Athens, 15 from Kalamata and 23 from Kardamili.

The beach of Sandova is very close to Kitries, about 3 kilometres away. It has fine sand and is very popular among the youth, as there are many beach bars that keep it open at night as well.

If Kitries or Kalamata is the base of your excursion, we recommend you visit the amazing archaeological site of Ancient Messina.

Kitries is a quiet base for holidays in Messinia and the Southern Peloponnese. The modern city of Kalamata is always just a short distance away.

by PAUL ANTONOPOULOS

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