Kalamata

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.

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

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.

Drink

The marina area is home to loads of traditional (and not) restaurants and taverns. Limeni, Mangiona, Argo are just a couple of the names you'll encounter while strolling along Salaminos (the main marina road).

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 Laconian 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. You will go through the wonderful villages Artemissia and Trypi. 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