A characteristic feature of the coastline of Messinia is the embrace of the Messinian gulf formed between the Messinian Peninsula in the west and the Mani peninsula in the east with the magnificent Taygetos dominating from above. On the western edge of the cove of the bay where the Messinan peninsula ends cape Akritas formed, one of the southernmost points of European mainland. Opposite to cape Akritas lies the islet of Venetiko. In ancient times the islet was called Thiganoussa, today the is part of the environmental network Natura 2000, together with the rest islands of Messinian Oinousses and the region of cape Akritas.