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Kalamata is the main city and port of Messenia region, in the southwestern part of Peloponnese, Greece.

Understand

Kalamata is one of the most fortunate cities in Greece, mostly thanks to its geographic position. At the apex of the blue Messinian Bay and at the foot of Mount Taygetos (2.404 m), Kalamata is the ideal base for those who want to discover the secrets of Messinia, since it is central and many tourist and cultural destinations are easily reached by car. The best starting point for sight-seeing around Kalamata is the city's historical centre. Just below the historical centre is the commercial centre. Aristomenous is the city’s main street with a large square. Home to numerous shops and cafes, it's worth a stroll just to enjoy the ambiance.

Below the city centre is the coast. In the summer, the coast of Kalamata bustles with life, both during the day when the long coastline fills with bathers and at night, when young people fill the clubs. The port of Kalamata was once the centre of the town's commercial and industrial development, when it used to connect to all the Mediterranean centres. Navarinou Street, to the east of the port, is the "coast" for locals and the citizens resort. At any time of the day or night you will see groups of people strolling and talking by the sea.

Get in

By bus

From Athens: KTEL Messinias for bus timetables and online ticketing. The trip takes about 4 hr with a 20 min stop in Tripoli on the way to Kalamata and on the Corinth Canal on the way from Athens. The express bus (non-stop service) takes about 3 hours, depending on traffic in Athens. 1 Bus station

By plane

Church of the Visitation of the Saviour

There is a bus stop located right outside of the airport.

Get around

See

  • Saint Apostles. is a historic little church that was built in 1317 by Emperor Andronicus. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 1 Archeological Museum of Messenia, Papazoglou 6. is a beautiful building of the Venetian-type built in 1742, where many interesting archaeological findings are exhibited, including a mosaic from Koroni that represents scenes from the worship of Bacchus. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Municipal Library, Papazoglou 5. houses works of art that were donated after the destructive earthquake of Kalamata in 1986. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Historical and Folkloric Museum of Kalamata, Kyriakou and Ag.Ioannou 20. is housed in a small restored building. Visitors can see objects that date back to the Revolution of 1821, as well as read detailed information about the agricultural and productive life of Messinian inhabitants during the last century. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 2 Temple of the Visitation of the Saviour (Ναός Υπαπαντής του Σωτηρος). built in the 19th century in a Byzantine-style, is a grandiose temple dedicated to the city's protector. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Municipal Conservatoire. On the steps above the temple and host of music events organised almost every weekend. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 3 Castle of Kalamata. The castle is even higher up, on a pine-covered hill overlooking the sea. Built in 1208 by Gulielme Villearduin, it inspired Aggelos Terzakis's novel about Princess Izampo who had lived in the area. At the foot of the castle there is the semi-cavernous Temple of Saint John that has probably existed since the post-Byzantine years. It is said that the citadel of ancient Pharai was below the castle. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Nunnery of Saints Constantine and Helen. built beside the castle in the 18th century, you will also learn about the ongoing Byzantine tradition of weaving pure silk on “lakkoi” (looms). (updated Mar 2016)
  • Pantazopouleio Cultural Centre. in the middle of Aristomenous, always has exhibitions, speeches or shows taking place. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 4 Railway park (Parko OSE). The railway park, at the end of Aristomenous Street, is a pleasant surprise. It is the only open museum of this kind, where train engines and train cars of different time periods are placed in harmony in a green landscape. This place is a recreation ground for children and adults. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 5 Military Museum, 10, "Mitropolitou Meletiou" Str.. closed on Mondays. Uniforms and war material since 1821 to present days. Some armored vehicles are located in the courtyard Free entrance. (updated Mar 2016)

Do

Go to the different beaches. Catch a local sight near the beaches.

- Voidokilia Beach, and while there see the Old Navarino Castle

- Zanzibar Beach (at Lampes) and on your way out see the Methoni Castle

Buy

Eat

Kalamata is widely known for its olives (Ελιά Καλαμών), which have a distinctive size, brown or black skin and meaty texture. Usually preserved in wine vinegar or olive oil, Kalamata olives can only legally be grown and prepared in the immediate area around the town. While they can certainly be sampled in many parts of the world, they are the sort of produce that is best consumed in the climate and ambiance of the place they were grown.

  • The cafeterias along Aristomenous and Navarinou are countless and full of life, with many people enjoying their warm ambiance in the winter or sitting on the chairs at the square during the sunny summer days.
  • 1 O Tzimis (St Apostles Church Square), ☏ +30 27210 23999. Souvlakia and gyros in Kalamata at this stand across from the church of the revolution in the square. €2. (updated Sep 2018)

Drink

  • The marina area is home to loads of traditional (and not) restaurants and taverns. Limeni, Mangiona, Pyrofani, Argo are just a couple of the names you'll encounter while strolling along Salaminos (the main marina road).
  • Kong Dance Gallery (Paralia). Great music at this dance club. 
  • Sofa Sofa. Great night club open on weekends in Kastraki. 

Sleep

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

Go next

You'll find attractive scenery no matter which way you head from Kalamata.

  • To the southeast is Mani (second leg of the Peloponnese), where the woody coastal places of Messinian Mani pass the baton to the steep, rocky and fascinating coastal landscape of Lakonian Mani.'
  • To the southwest (first leg of the Peloponnese), you'll reach Koroni, Methoni and Pylos with their famous attractions.
  • Crossing Kalamata towards the North and heading to Sparta, you will enter the magnificent world of Taygetos, the roof of Kalamata. Taygetos is the biggest challenge for lovers of mountain, trekking and climbing. Imposing and full of contradictions, with slopes, canyons, caves, sources, rivers and rich vegetation alternated with steep rocks, it magnetises the bold ones who will dare to explore it.
  • The Ancient Messini is a few kilometres outside Kalamata, in the Municipality of Ithomi. It's an archeological site that astonishes visitors with its expanse and good condition; in fact, it is considered the best preserved archeological site.
  • Ancient Olympia – birthplace of the Olympic Games, almost two hours away by car.
  • Archeological Site of Mystra
Routes through Kalamata
Corinth ← Tripoli ←  N  S  → -
Pylos ←  W  E  → Sparta


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