Discover Mani: the Avia district

Avia district stretches from Kalamata up to Kardamyli, being a large unity between the coast of Messenian Gulf and Mt. Taygetos.

Despite the proximity to the sea, the natural landscape is dominated by mountain elements. On the contrary, the cultural landscape is focused in the coastal zone, even though this is almost entirely rocky and harbourless. Therefore, the approachable though manifold sea front from Paralia Vergas up to Kitries is a continuous inhabited zone, being the resort of the rich and populous eastern Messenia. The main settlements, Almyro, Mirki Mantineia, Archontiko Avias, Paliochora Avias and Akrogiali are connected via interim sparsely populated areas, which often bear the family names of old landowners.
The center of the area is dominated by Kambos, an old important village, surrounded by many mountainous and semi-mountainous villages, the most notable being Sotirianika and Altomira.

Text and photos: T. Adamakopoulos