Kalamata

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.

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.

By plane

• Kalamata International Airporthandles lot of charters flights during the summer months. All year round flights from Athens, Thessaloniki, Düsseldorf, Munich, Stockholm-Arlanda can be booked through Astra Airlines and Aegean Airlines

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

• Saint Apostlesis a historic little church that was built in 1317 by Emperor Andronicus.

• Archeological Museum of Messenia

  address: 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.

• Municipal Library

  address: Papazoglou 5
  houses works of art that were donated after the destructive earthquake of Kalamata in 1986.

• Historical and Folkloric Museum of Kalamata

  address: 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.

• Temple of the Visitation of the Saviourbuilt in the 19th century in a Byzantine-style, is a grandiose temple dedicated to the city's protector.

• Municipal ConservatoireOn the steps above the temple and host of music events organised almost every weekend.

• Castle of KalamataThe 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.

• Nunnery of Saints Constantine and Helenbuilt beside the castle in the 18th century, you will also learn about the ongoing Byzantine tradition of weaving pure silk on “lakkoi” (looms).

• Pantazopouleio Cultural Centrein the middle of Aristomenous, always has exhibitions, speeches or shows taking place.

• Railway parkThe 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.

• Military Museum

  address: 10, "Mitropolitou Meletiou" Str.
  Uniforms and war material since 1821 to present days. Some armored vehicles are located in the courtyard

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

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.

• O Tzimis

  phone: +30 27210 23999
  Souvlakia and gyros in Kalamata at this stand across from the church of the revolution in the square.

• 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 GalleryGreat music at this dance club.

• Sofa SofaGreat night club open on weekends in Kastraki.

Budget

• Alexandrion Hotel

  phone: +30 27210 26821, +30 27210 25087, +30 27210 24993
  address: 203, Navarinou Str
  1-star hotel

• Vyzantio Hotel

  phone: +30 27210 83251, +30 27210 86824
  address: 7, "Sidirodromikou Stathmou" Str
  2-star hotel

• Ostria Hotel

  phone: +30 27210 23849, +30 27210 25751
  address: 95, Navarinou Str
  2-star hotel

• Nedon Hotel

  phone: +30 27210 26811
  address: 153, Navarinou Str
  2-star hotel

• Haikos Hotel

  phone: +30 27210 82886-8, +30 27210 88902, +30 27210 88924, +30 27210 88968, +30 27210 88946
  address: 115, Navarinou Str
  2-star hotel

• Panorama Hotel

  phone: +30 27210 41070
  address: Paralia Vergas
  2-star hotel

• Nevada Hotel

  phone: +30 27210 82429, +30 27210 81811
  address: 9, Santaroza Str
  1-star hotel

• George Hotel

  phone: +30 27210 27225
  address: Amvrossiou Frantzi & Dagre
  1-star hotel

• Plaza Hotel

  phone: +30 27210 82590, +30 27210 82148
  address: 117, Navarinou Str
  1-star hotel

• Flisvos Hotel

  phone: +30 27210 82177, +30 27210 90081, +30 27210 82282
  address: 135, Navarinou Str
  2-star hotel

Mid-range

• Elektra Hotel & Spa

  phone: +30 27210 99100
  address: 152, Psaron & Bouboulinas Streets
  3-star boutique hotel

Splurge

• Horizon Blu

  phone: +30 27210 80099
  address: 217, Navarinou & 1, Karakoussi Streets
  5-star hotel

• Rex Hotel

  phone: +30 27210 22334
  address: Aristomenous 26
  It is one of the oldest neoclassical buildings in the city.

• Akti Taygetos Resort

  phone: +30 27210 42000
  Akti Taygetos is next to the sea overlooking the Messinian Gulf, with the Taygetos Mountain as a backdrop.

• Elite City Resort

  phone: +30 27210 22434
  4-star hotel

• Pharae Palace Hotel

  phone: +30 27210 94420
  address: Navarinou & 24, Riga Ferreou Streets
  4-star hotel

• Mantinia Bay Hotel

  phone: +30 27210 58446
  4-star hotel

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 a recently-discovered 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