When you make a travel plan to Greece, Kalamata is not the first option that comes to mind. While Greece destinations like Mykonos island fascinate tourists, Kalamata often falls off the radar.

That is unfortunate, as this region is nothing short of fascinating for those looking for a unique Mediterranean experience. Being Messinia’s capital, Kalamata is one of the largest cities in southern Greece. Avid travellers will find that it offers an excellent combination of natural beauty and remarkable historical features.`

From the blue waters of Messinian Bay to the beauty of Mount Taygetos, the region has all the ingredients necessary for crafting a memorable holiday. A perfect setting for a Hollywood rom-com tale you might say.

So is Kalamata worth a visit?

Absolutely. This is a unique region in Greece that is as fascinating as the rest of the country.

And the best part about a Kalamata travel plan?

Kalamata is less crowded than the other tourist centres in Greece, which allows you to enjoy the “ local” feel and Mediterranean vibes.

A Short History Of Kalamata 

The first reference to an ancient city in the same location is found in the “Iliad” as “Pharai”. Archaeologists have found traces of human life near the city from periods between 2600-2300 BC. Through the ages, the history of the city has been linked with Spartans, Franks, Venetians, and Turks. 

While Kalamata did not enjoy much historical and political importance, 12th-century cartographer al-Idrisi mentioned it as a large and populous city. A few churches from the 11th and 12th centuries still stand in the city as a memory of the Byzantine Empire. 

After the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453, the city became a part of the Ottoman Empire. During the Hellas War of Independence, Kalamata was the first city liberated from the Turks to become a part of independent Greece.

Thanks to its port, Kalamata has been an important trade centre in the Mediterranean Sea. In the 19th century, the cocoon and silk industry was an important aspect of the economy in  Kalamata. After a lull in the 70’s and 80’s, the city’s economy has bounced back to a positive state. Today, agriculture is its main economy, with olive oil being the primary produce. 

You might wonder, what makes kalamata olives so special?

Well, these are olives of the Kalmon variety, grown only in the geographical region of Messinia. In fact, they are legally protected by a PDO status. That means, only the olives grown here can be called Kalamata olives. These olives are shaped like almonds and have dark purple skin. This makes them stand out from typical black olives. After seasoning, they have a unique smoky, fruity taste and are exceedingly nutritious.

Main Attractions In and Around Kalamata

Kalamata is the second most populous city in southern Greece- or the Peloponnese area- and the capital and central port of Messinia. The city is a two and a half hours drive from Athens. You can take a flight to the Kalamata International Airport (KLX) which is 11 kilometres ( 7 miles) from the main city. Otherwise, take a ferry to nearby ports like Patras or Gythio and then reach Kalamata by taking a bus or renting a car.

Natural treasures, medieval villages, olive groves, museums, and Greek heritage- there is a lot to explore around Kalamata. The environment allows you to dive deep into Greek culture and will surely transport you into a different era. In fact, the Peloponnese Peninsula is full of places to visit and Kalamata can be the perfect base for that.

Besides being the right spot for exploring the beauty of the southern Peloponnese region, Kalamata is a haven for foodies and a shopper’s paradise. It is the ideal spot for exploring Greek cuisine as a larger part of the Mediterranean culinary tradition. More about the best restaurants in Kalamata later.

From local delicacies to trendy outfits and handmade jewellery, shopping in Kalamata is all about exploring a wide range of Messinian treasures. The artisans and shopkeepers are passionate about their work and their hospitality is remarkable. The best time for shoppers is between the months of July and August when the sales are on.

Olympia Archaeological Site & Museum

Olympia is one of ancient Greece’s most celebrated sites and the birthplace of the Olympic Games. It has one of the largest collections of Greecian archaeological treasures. A drive through the beautiful valley of the Alpheios River will take you to the site where you will find licensed guides to lead you. 

This is the place where the first Olympic Games were held in the summer of 776 BC and the first Olympic flame was lit. Walk into the site and visit the Temple of Zeus and the Temple of Hera. You can also visit the Gymnasium, the training centre for the athletes, Nero’s mansion, and The Bath.

Among the beautifully carved statues in the museum, the prime attraction is the one with Hermes holding the infant Dionysus in his left arm. The other important structures are the Nymphaion and the Pelopion.

Castle Of Kalamata

A short climb to the top of a rocky hill will take you to the Kalamata castle. The hill was the site of an ancient acropolis that existed at the time of the Trojan War. Over the years, it was ruled by the Byzantines, Franks, Ottomans, and Venetians.

Today, most of the castle is in ruins, but it remains an important landmark. The hilltop offers lovely panoramic views of Kalamata and the Messenian Gulf. If you want to enjoy the best views, wait till sunset.

Ancient Messene

Located at the foot of Mount Ithome, Ancient Messene is an important archaeological site and is around 33 kilometres (21 miles) from Kalamata. Founded in 370 BC, the city was the capital of the Messinian state. The city was built on a grid-based layout and the structures like the stadium, theatre, and the temple are surprisingly well-preserved. Even the fortification walls are still standing.

Besides, the sheer size of the city is astonishing! Even after 100 years of excavation, only a third of the site has been explored. For a detailed collection of the artefacts found here, visit the  Ancient Museum of Messene. You will need a minimum of two hours to walk through the area, but you can always spend more time in history fascinates you.

Polylimnio Waterfalls

A visit to ancient Messene is not complete without a trip to this hidden gem in the Messina area. You can combine this with a day trip to Ancient Messene. A direct drive to the falls from Kalamata will take between 30 to 40 minutes,

The falls on the Kadis River can be reached through an easy hike through lush green, dense forests. The distance is around three kilometres, out and back, from the parking lot. Our suggestion is to visit during weekdays to avoid the crowds. If you are hiking on a hot summer day, a jump into the pool will surely be a refreshing experience.

The turquoise-blue waters of the pools will remind you of glacial lakes, but there are no glaciers here. There are multiple pools, each with its own name. The biggest one is the Kadi Lake, where the waterfall drops from a height of 25 meters. The trail gets slightly challenging in the end as you will have to find your footing over rocks. Nonetheless, it is great fun. 

Victoria G. Karelias Collection of Greek Traditional Costumes

Even if fashion is not your thing, this is one of the most remarkable museums to visit in Kalamata. The museum is a result of Mrs Victoria Karelia’s passion for collecting Greek folk dresses and jewellery, to preserve the cultural heritage.

The exhibition displays 80 complete costumes for men and women, from a period between the mid-18th and early 20th century. The fascinating textures and colours of the embroidered fabrics and wool make this museum a must-visit in Kalamata.

Kalamata Old Town

From the top of the castle, you can see the eye-catching red ochre tiled rooftops of the old town. This historic quarter of the city with its narrow streets, lovely squares, and amazing neoclassical mansions is a stunning place to roam around. With so many shops, cafes, and restaurants (tavernas) to explore it is the perfect place for experiencing the local cuisine and culture. 

The Old Town has multiple museums and the Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles (Agioi Apostoloi). The church is located on the 23rd March Square – the place where the Greek War of Independence started against the Ottoman Empire on 23rd March 1821. Exploring the narrow alleys of the old town is a remarkable experience and you may discover a few hidden gems in the form of local street art here. 

Benakeion Archaeological Museum

The museum offers a close view into the ancient history of the regions of the Peloponnese. The displayed items are from the prehistoric Bronze Age period to the Byzantine Period. The exhibits are classified into four sections, based on the four old provinces of the region. In addition, there are audiovisual materials to provide visitors with a better insight into the civic and cultural life of the area.

Methoni

Methoni is 61 kilometres away from Kalamata and is a scenic coastal town. The primary attraction – the Venetian castle of Methoni – is one of the largest in the Mediterranean region. Fully appreciating the history and beauty of the castle will take around two hours. The beach by the castle is beautiful and perfect for a swim. Next, a stroll through the town is a great experience as you get to marvel at the local architecture.

If you are visiting during the summer months, take a boat from Methoni to the exotic island of Sapienza. The main attractions are the gorgeous beach of Ammos and a forest of arbutus trees. With an area of only nine square kilometres, this is the most beautiful island in the region.

Pylos City

A day trip to this picture-perfect coastal town with lush greenery and whitewashed houses is another great option. Pylos has significant archaeological heritage like the strategically located fortress of Niokastro, built by the Turks in 1573. The fortress offers excellent views of the Pylos Bay and the town.

For the best views, visit the church of Assumption of the Virgin Mary at the hilltop. A walk along the waterfront as the sun sets is one of the most rewarding experiences of the trip. You can also enjoy a boat ride to the Sphacteria Island. The fort on the island is the location where 420 Spartan soldiers fought against an Athenian army in 425 BC.

Do not forget to visit the iconic Voidokilia Beach, around 16 kilometres from Pylos town. Shaped like the Greek letter Omega (Ω), the spectacular setting of the beach makes it a rewarding destination in the area.

Diros Cave

This marvel of nature is considered one of the most beautiful lake caves in the world and can be visited on a day trip from Kalamata. The journey to the cave takes around three hours. To reach the cave, you will need to cross the Gulf of Itilo, and the blue waters of the bay are eye-catching. 

As per Greek Mythology, the Diros Cave is an entrance to the underworld. The cave system used as shelters and places of worship since the Neolithic periods. Much of the waterways in the cave system remains unexplored and the visitors are allowed a 1.5-kilometre journey into its depth. The first 1.2 kilometres is on a boat over the crystal-clear subterranean lake. 

In the caverns where you can watch ancient fossilized remains and magnificent limestone formations. The colours inside the walls of the cave are pretty incredible. Keep in mind that touching the limestone features inside the cave is strictly prohibited.

Many travellers combine a trip to the caves with a visit to the beautiful Mani peninsula and the lovely villages around it. The picturesque town of Kardamyli with its idyllic beachside setting is the gateway to the Mani peninsula. The village of Gythio is famous for its beautiful neo-classical architectural styles. Other attractions are the castle towns of Mystras and Monemvasia which are delightful heritages from the past.

Koroni

An hour’s drive from Kalamata wil take you to this picturesque ancient town, the perfect destination for enjoying a medieval setting. Above the colourful harbour, sits the Venetian castle, or the Koroni citadel which goes back to the 7th century and was rebuilt in the 13th century. The citadel can be reached by an uphill hike that offers stellar views.

There are multiple pristine beaches and coves around the village for enjoying the blue waters. The Zaga Beach with is golden sands is one of the best beaches to visit. You can wander through the picturesque cobbled paths of Koroni to visit the impressive Agiou Dimitriou Square. 

The old mansions in the town with their flowered facades are a delight to watch. There are plenty of taverns and cafes that serve traditional Greek fare and are the perfect spot for enjoying the town’s lively culture. If you have time, spending a weekend in the magical setting of Koroni is a great idea.

The Top Beaches Around Kalamata

There are multiple beaches around Kalamata, that combine the clear blue waters with endless walks over soft sands. Plus, the rich marine ecosystem of the Messinian Gulf makes it a great spot for witnessing marine life. Here are a few of the top ones that you should plan to visit.

Kalamata Beach

This one is located close to the city and is the perfect beach for the family. The oceanfront is lined with bars, restaurants, and tavernas, making it the right spot for chilling out and also for enjoying lively nightlife. While it is a popular destination, due to the long length of the beach, it never feels crowded.

Analipsi Beach

The combination of fine sands ance clear waters makes this beach a great spot for swimming. The beach is more than a kilometre long, and the village of Analipsi has a serene setting.  It is also a popular spot for windsurfing. A drive to this lovely beach from Kalamata will take around 15 minutes.

Little Mantinia

Located 10 kilometres east of Kalamata, Mikri Mantinia is a beautiful white-pebbled beach and a bustling tourist resort. The Taygetos mountain ranges touch the azure waters, creating beautiful coves. During summer this is a popular destination for local families. With plenty of tavernas and cafes around, you can enjoy freshly prepared Greek food while sunbathing.

Foneas Beach

Less than an hour away from Kalamata, this is a relatively lesser-known beach, untouched by tourism and surrounded by dark grey rock faces. While it is small in size, the white pebbles and dark blue waters create a breathtaking combination. The activities you can enjoy include swimming, snorkelling, and cliff jumping.

Santova Beach

This is a cosmopolitan beach located 12 kilometres from Santova known for its vibrant beach bars and evening beach parties. You will find all the amenities needed for swimming or lounging on the beach. Or else, enjoy the sun while relaxing on the soft sands with stunning views of the Kitries headland for company.

Velika Beach

Bordered by golden sands, this is one of the best beaches on the southwest of Messinian Bay. What makes it unique is the Velika River flowing into the water. The area is surrounded by enchanting reeds and there are lush trees that provide shadow. The beach is around 1.5 kilometres long and is around 20 kilometres from Kalamata.

Kalogria Beach

This beautiful beach of white sand is around 40 kilometres from Kalamata and offers some of the best sunset views in Greece. The turquoise ocean is crystal clear, thanks to the currents of the underwater Taygetos waterfalls that keep it clean. It is also the beach where Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis wrote his famous novel Zorba the Greek.

Top Restaurants in Kalamata

For foodies, Kalamata – the land of olive oil-  is one of the best destinations for relishing amazing Greek food. Other than the restaurants, the Kalamata food market outside the old town is a great destination for trying the local cuisine. 

With multiple stalls run by locals, this is the perfect sport to taste the famous olives, sfela cheese, and other local delicacies. Saturday is the best time to visit to grab the widest variety of Mediterranean diet and explore the region’s culinary riches.

Besides, Kalamata also has a coffee culture with plenty of cafes where you can grab a cup and watch the local life flow by. If you are looking for the best dining options, here is a list of the top restaurants in the city. However, there are a lot of small restaurants and taverns that are worth visiting to explore the local flavours.

Oinopantopoleion Chrysomallis

The history of Oinopantopoleion Chrysomallis goes back to 1958 and it has a beautiful courtyard. Each fare is prepared from locally sourced produce and the wine list is fantastic. For sure, the incredible flavours of the dishes will leave you wanting more. Overall, a perfect fine dining restaurant for enjoying a romantic dinner.

Kardamo

Kardamo offers the perfect combination of great fare and discreet interiors. The restaurant has become a top culinary destination in Kalamata in the last decade and offers a mix of traditional recipes and new creations. The locally sourced ingredients are fresh and each dish is outstanding. If you prefer Greek cuisine with a touch of creativity, this is the right place to be.

Thiasos

Thiasos is a popular restaurant on Ipapanti Street in the centre of Kalamata that has a simple and warm setting. It is a great spot for trying out delicious dishes like Greek salads, pork roast, and rolls. The service is fast and the staff is super friendly. Go early on weekends to avoid the crowds.

Versallies

Located near the harbour in Kalamata, Versailles serves fantastic Greek cuisine, made from the choicest raw materials. The atmosphere is lively, the portions are large, and the prices are pocket-friendly. Each dish is delectable and the daily specials exude the taste of home cooking.

Foino

Foino has an upscale vibe and offers an excellent combination of fine food and wine. One of the founding partners of the restaurant is award-winning chef Giorgos Horaitis and the fare is traditional, but with a contemporary twist. While it is pricey, Foino offers one of the best dining experiences in Kalamata.

Ta Rolla

Ta Rolla is an old-fashioned eatery that serves delicious Mediterranean food at affordable prices. The restaurant is a family business and has been operating uninterruptedly for a century. The traditional Greek cuisine uses fresh local ingredients and the menu varies, based on the season. If you have any questions about the dishes, feel free to ask the chefs as they are highly communicative.

Platea

If you are looking for a classy restaurant with a great bar, Platea will not disappoint. The restaurant is a neoclassical mansion and the bar is theatrically designed. Try the smoky rum or take a pick from the tantalizing array of cocktails.

Kalamata Travel: FAQs

Why go to Kalamata Greece?

Kalamata offers a unique mix of culture, history, and natural beauty that you can’t miss. Relax on a sandy beach, visit historical sites, or enjoy the delicious local cuisine.

When to visit Kalamata?

Because of the Mediterranean climate, the winters in Kalamata are mild and it often rains in winter. July and August are the hottest months and best for soaking the maximum sun. The average maximum temperature in summer is 33 Degrees C. Spring and Autumn are pleasant and the crowds are thinner.

How many days do you need in Kalamata?

Exploring the city will take two to three days. To explore the other attractions in the surrounding region, you will need to add more days. A 7-day trip will be good enough to cover the main attractions.

How to get around in Kalamata?

The most common mode of transportation in the city of Kalamata is bus, which is also an economical option. The other option is to take a taxi or hire a car. 

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By: Suvajit Banerjee

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