There are many good places for swimming around the Messenian Gulf, from solitary coves dotting the eastern coastline to fine beaches stretching along the western coast between Petalídi and Koróni. The road between Kalamáta and Areópoli, which climbs into the western foothills of the Taígetos chain, provides frequent views of the indented shoreline and the gulf. The villages, which have numerous little Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches, are very charming.