Avia is the name of the coastal region, Southeast of Kalamata in peloponnese. Today, it houses small seaside villages with spectacular views of the Messinian Gulf.

The area is famous for its mild climate, excessive sunshine and increased rainfall. The slope of the site helps to avoid stagnant water. These conditions are ideal for the cultivation of olives. Avias annual production is around 500 tons of extra virgin olive oil and the vast surrounding area of Messinia produces above 50.000 tons!              

Αrchaeologists found here the old city Iris. Homer (the ancient Greek author and epic poet) described it as overgrown and fertile. Αccording to the ancient Greek traveler Pausanias, the city was renamed Avia, after the name of the nurturer of Glinos, son of Hercules and Deianeira, who took refuge in the area persecuted by the Achaeans to save the baby. Avia settled in this place and founded a temple of Hercules. After the conquest of the Peloponnese by the Dorians, Cresfondis named the city "Avia".