Kyparissia

Kyparissia is a lovely seaside town, which is located in the western part of the prefecture of Messinia. It is a modern city and is the agricultural and commercial centre of the province of Trifylia. The city is divided into the Upper old Town (Ano Poli), which has been declared a traditional village, and the New City (Nea or Kato Poli). In the Upper Town there are many scattered historical monuments that testify to its history. Kyparissia and the surrounding area has endless beaches and unique natural beauty that impresses visitors.

The history of Kyparissia is in line with that of Peloponnese. During the homeric years, Kyparissia was called the "Kyparissientas" and belonged to the kingdom of Pylos, under king Nestor. Later the area was conquered by Ancient Sparta. Many were interested in the strategic position of the city over the centuries: at the area of the ancient Acropolis, a castle was built during the Byzantine years, while later the Turks and the Franks conquerors rebuilt the fortress by making the necessary additions giving it its current shape. During the Ottoman rule in Arkadia, as it was called in the middle Ages, Kyparissia had a privileged position as the commercial center of the region. The current name of the city is due to the Greek king Otto.

Kyparissia, having several sights, attracts the attention of visitors. The trademark of the city is the Castle of Arkadia ,or if you prefer, the Giants' Castle, which dominates the Old Town. In the Old Town you can visit the Folklore Museum which was once the family home of the poet Kostis Palamas. In the same area is the church of the Agia Triada (Holy Trinity). It is also worth to visit the monument of the Arkadian Mother who is dedicated to the mothers of Arcadia which gave their lives in the fight for freedom. Lastly, just outside of town you will find the archaeological site of Peristeria.

Kyparissia features a variety of superb beaches that satisfy all tastes. Here you will find both sandy and pebbly, cosmopolitan or secluded and quiet beaches. It is worth to visit the beach Ai-Lagoudis, which has been awarded with the Blue Flag. Also the sandy beaches of Kyparissia are a refuge for the caretta-caretta turtles. You can find other beaches such as the Sani, the Kartela, the Stomio and the Lagkouvardo. Moreover, 2 kilometers away from Kyparissia you will find the stunning beach Yiannitsaina. For those who want to enjoy a quiet swim, ideal is the beach of Agia Paraskevi, which is a beach of pebbles and is located 6 kilometers south of Kyparissia.

In the area there are many restaurants and tavernas, where you will have the opportunity to taste some delicious dishes of the local traditional cuisine, such as salted kayiania, and yournopoyla. Some of the distinct flavors of the local cuisine are the meat, the goat stew, the fried cod with skordalia and the unique for their taste and quality sausages that are smoked with sage. Try also some of the sweets of the region such as the dumplings, the lalaggia and the ladokouloura.

Kyparissia has a vibrant night life. Here, you can enjoy your drink in the various bars, and party until dawn at the clubs in the area. Throughout the course of the year many cultural events are organized in Kyparissia.

The phone number of Kyparissia is 27610. Kyparissia is 65 kilometers from Kalamata which has an airport. There are daily routes of KTEL (bus company) from various cities to Kalamata. There are also regular train connections to Kalamata. You can reach Kalamata by plane from the airport of Athens El. Venizelos.