Kalamata

Introduction

You will find Kalamata situated in southern Greece on the Peloponnese peninsula. Serving as the capital and chief port of the Messenia regional unit, the city sits along the Nedon River at the head of the Messenian Gulf.

Before you go

You can use Kalamata as your base to explore the secrets of Messinia, thanks to its central location at the apex of the blue Messinian Bay and the foot of Mount Taygetos. From here, you can easily reach various cultural destinations by car.

When you begin your sightseeing, start in the historical centre before moving down to the commercial centre. You can stroll along Aristomenous, the main street featuring a large square with numerous shops and cafes. If you prefer the coast, you will find it bustling with life during the summer months, where the long coastline hosts bathers by day and lively clubs at night. For a local experience, visit Navarinou Street near the port to join others strolling and talking by the sea.

Getting there

You can reach Kalamata by traveling by bus from Athens, where express services offer non-stop travel while standard routes include scheduled stops in Tripoli and at the Corinth Canal. Alternatively, you can fly into Kalamata International Airport. Numerous airlines serve this destination, including domestic flights from Thessaloniki and various international connections from cities across Europe.

For your convenience, a bus stop is located directly outside the airport to assist with your onward travel.

Getting around

Information regarding transportation and local transit within the area is not provided in the current records.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your preferred style and location. For budget options, several hotels are located along Navarinou Street, including the Alexandrion, Ostria, Nedon, Haikos, Flisvos, and Plaza hotels. Other nearby choices include the Nevada Hotel on Santaroza Street, George Hotel, and Panorama Hotel at Paralia Vergas.

If you prefer a mid-range experience, you can stay at the Elektra Hotel & Spa. For a more luxurious stay, consider these options:

• Horizon Blu, located near Navarinou and Karakoussi Streets
• Rex Hotel, situated in a neoclassical building in the city center
• Elite City Resort at the foot of Mt Taygetos
• Pharae Palace Hotel on Navarinou and Riga Ferreou Streets
• Mantinia Bay Hotel
• Akti Taygetos Resort, located near the sea overlooking the Messinian Gulf with a mountain backdrop

Food & drink

Savor the local flavors by sampling Kalamata olives, which are prized for their meaty texture and dark skin. These olives are best enjoyed in the local atmosphere where they are grown and preserved in olive oil or wine vinegar. For a quick bite, you can find lively cafeterias along Aristomenous and Navarinou streets that offer a warm ambiance during the winter months or a sunny spot to sit in the square during the summer.

Explore the marina area for a variety of traditional and contemporary dining options. You can stroll along Salaminos, the main marina road, where several taverns and restaurants are located.

What to see and do

Explore the historic heart of Kalamata to discover architectural layers and cultural heritage. You can visit the Church of the Holy Apostles in the old town, which features a Byzantine core and fragments of medieval frescoes, or admire the 19th-century Byzantine-style Temple of the Visitation of the Saviour. Nearby, you can enjoy music events at the Municipal Conservatoire located on the steps above the temple. For a deeper look into local history, visit the Archeological Museum of Messenia housed in a Venetian-type building to see mosaics from Koroni, or the Historical and Folkloric Museum of Kalamata to learn about the agricultural life of the region and artifacts from the Revolution.

Venture toward the pine-covered hills to reach the Castle of Kalamata, which overlooks the sea. In this area, you can visit the Nunnery of Saints Constantine and Helen to learn about the tradition of weaving silk on looms, or explore the semi-cavernous Temple of Saint John at the foot of the castle. For a change of pace, find your way to the railway park, an open museum where train engines from different periods are set in a green landscape. You can also visit the Military Museum to see uniforms and armored vehicles, or head toward the coast to experience various beaches, including Voidokilia Beach near the Old Navarino Castle and Zanzibar Beach near Methoni Castle.

Three days in Kalamata

Day one, you can begin your journey in the heart of Kalamata. Explore the local streets and take in the atmosphere of this region in Messenia, situated within the Peloponnese.

Day two, you can explore the surroundings near the Nedon River or enjoy views toward the Messinian Bay. You might also find yourself near Mount Taygetos as you experience the landscape of the area.

Day three, you can wander through local streets such as Navarinou Street or Santaroza Street to complete your stay in the city.