We accept
We accept
Top Kalamata Holiday Deals
Top Kalamata Holiday Deals
Top Kalamata Holiday Deals
Pick Your Kalamata Package at the Best Price Now
Popular Kalamata Hotel Deals
Popular Kalamata Hotel Deals
Popular Kalamata Hotel Deals
From the cheapest to luxury, find your preferred Kalamata Hotel Package
TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
Why travel to Kalamata: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit
Click to navigate through sections.
01
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A Sneak Peek into Kalamata
- Kalamata, the second-largest city after Patras, is located between the sea and the mountains, at the foot of the majestic and impressive Taygetos mountain range, and is the ideal destination for people who want to explore the Messenia region of the Peloponnese.
- Of course, you're probably aware of Kalamata olives, which are native to this region, but the city is much more than that.
- Kalamata Old Town is a wild mix of churches and craft stores concealed in a maze of cobblestone streets in the city's northern section, directly below the castle.
- In the Peloponnese, you'll encounter an actual Peloponnese life scene.
- It is home to several of the region's most notable churches. The history of the church of Agioi Apostoloi is long and complicated.
- In 1821, the revolution against the Turks began, and its walls are covered in paintings and icons, many of which are hundreds of years old.
- Capital: Kalamata
- International Airport: Kalamata Airport (KLX)
- Population: 54,100
- Currency: Euro
- Time: UTC/GMT +2 hours
- Driving side: Right
- Main Electricity: 230 V
- Official Language: Greek
- Religion: catholic
02
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Top Tourist Attractions in Kalamata
- The Ypapantis Cathedral, completed in 1839, is a beautiful Byzantine-style church that houses a holy image of the Virgin Mary of the same name from 672 AD.
- The Archaeological Museum of Messenia is located in the historical core of Kalamata, where the old market formerly stood, and has an extensive collection of archaeological findings dating from prehistoric periods to the Byzantine era.
- The Old Town of Kalamata is an assortment of churches and craft stores tucked away in a maze of cobblestone lanes.
- The Archaeological Museum provides a thorough picture of the region's history by presenting artefacts from significant sites such as Messini's old city.
- Kalamata is encircled by nearly four kilometres of golden sand, all within easy walking distance of the city centre and dotted with bustling beach bars, lively restaurants, and all the trappings of a popular seaside resort.
03
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
Best Months to Visit Kalamata
- The climate in Kalamata is the Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and pleasant winters.
- The best time to visit Kalamata if you want to catch some rays is between June and August.
- August is the hottest month of the year, with average daily highs of 33°C and lows of 19°C.
- January is the coldest month of the year, with an average daily maximum of 15 degrees Celsius and a low of 5 degrees Celsius.
04
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
The Best Places to Visit in Kalamata
Church of Ypapantis
- The Ypapantis Cathedral, completed in 1839, is a beautiful Byzantine-style church that houses a holy image of the Virgin Mary of the same name from 672 AD.
- It was discovered in the stables of the Ottoman governor after he had a dream in which a woman told him to dig in a specific location.
- Due to the multiple miracles that it was said to have done, he even converted to Christianity after its discovery.
- The church, located on the same-named plaza, was severely damaged by earthquakes in 1886 and 1986 but was reconstructed.
Archaeological Museum of Messenia
- The Archaeological Museum of Messenia is located in the historical core of Kalamata.
- Where the old market formerly stood and has an extensive collection of archaeological findings dating from prehistoric periods to the Byzantine era.
- It is separated into four geographical sections corresponding to Messenia's four provinces: Kalamata, Messene, Pylia, and Trifylia.
- The magnificent mosaic from Koroni, which shows diverse episodes of the god Bacchus' devotion, is on display.
Kastro
- The Castle of Kalamata (or Kastro) rests on a verdant pine-covered hill, dominating the city.
- The structure was built in 1208 by Geoffroi de Villehardouin, a Frank knight who invaded Achaea.
- It has an outstanding gate that, while dating from the 13th century, remarkably survived the 1986 earthquake that destroyed a large portion of the city.
- The Kastro is the most excellent site to watch the sunset from a lovely vantage point since it is a tiny refuge of quiet and serenity.
05
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
Kalamata Off the Beaten Track
Folklore and History Museum
- The Folklore and History Museum, built in the 19th-century Kiriakou palace in Kalamata, will relieve history buffs enthralled by Greece's rich history.
- It houses a one-of-a-kind collection of documents, everyday artefacts, and objects from Greece's War of Independence in 1821.
- The second level is exciting because it contains a portion dedicated to printing and bookbinding, a monument to Kalamata's long-standing printing heritage as Greece's first city to have a printing company.
Messenia
- As the capital of Messenia, Kalamata is an ideal starting place for exploring the region.
- Messenia is well worth a visit, with stunning beaches, four- and five-star resorts, historic riches such as mediaeval castles and historical cities (the ancient city of Messene lies close), and archaeological sites.
- Whether you visit for three days, a week, or even ten days, you quickly realise that Kalamata is much more than a small provincial town.
Old Town
- Like many other Greek cities, Kalamata has a beautiful old neighbourhood where you can spend hours walking down small alleys, past neoclassical mansions, and charming abandoned corners.
- Kalamata Old Town is located right below the castle in the city's northern section.
- Home to numerous must-see churches, including the Byzantine church of the Holy Apostles and the cathedral of Ypapantis, a few museums and a slew of small shops selling local goods and unique gifts.
06
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
Kalamata Culture and Traditions
- In the heart of the Messenian Bay, modern Kalamata is a gem. It is the capital, the commercial centre, and the main port of Messenia.
- A city with a rich history, delectable cuisine, a thriving nightlife, and plenty of cultural activities. It's known for its scarves, olive oil, figs, and famed sesame bars, among other things.
- A community with two modern universities that focus on culture and, most importantly, citizens that are engaged and creatively restless.
- A wealthy metropolis with a superb spatial layout played a significant role in all of Greece's historical events.
- It was known as "Kalamai" or Fares in Homer's day, and it was located in the lower Taygetus. In his book on Messenia, Pausanias, a traveller and geographer, refers to the city as "Fares" and describes it as being located adjacent to a salty water fountain.
07
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
Kalamata: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide
Moussaka
#food
- Moussaka is a typical Greek casserole cooked with sautéed aubergine or potato and mincemeat.
- Moussaka differs by area, but Kalamata is the place to go for a genuinely delicious version.
- The family-run Ta Rolla, ranked number one on Tripadvisor for restaurants in Kalamata, is known for its moussaka.
- The menu is all cooked from scratch with fresh ingredients, and the dishes start at just £3, making it well worth the money.
Al Pastor
#food
- Al Pastor is salty, smoked pork cut in thin slices and placed on pita bread with veggies, generally with a hot chilli sauce, similar to a doner kebab.
- The Luna Lounge in Kalamata is a wine bar initially featuring a large selection of international and local wines and the city's reputedly best coffee.
- The meal is more suited to lunches, yet it never fails to impress, particularly the Al Pastor pork.
Diples
#food
- Diples (also known as Triples) are a popular snack in Kalamata, notably at weddings and New Year's Eve celebrations.
- These decadent sweets are made from thin sheets of dough rolled and deep-fried with honey and chopped nuts.
- Diples are frequently fashioned into decorative designs such as bows and spirals.
- There are many bakeries in Kalamata; however, Bread Bakery & Deli in the town centre is the most popular.
- You can try a Diple or some Lalagia in genuine local style, which serves breakfast, coffee, and many baked goods.
Aristomenous Street
#Fashion
- In Kalamata, Aristomenous Street passes through the city's centre.
- It begins with the March 23rd Square and terminates at the port's Customs Office. Highway Beach - Kalamata was the name when it was built in 1871.
- Some of the best neoclassical structures in Kalamata, occupied by governmental authorities and institutions, such as the hotel building REX and the City Hall of Kalamata, can be found walking from the beginning of Aristomenous street, which has been paved.
- In Kalamata, Aristomenous Street passes through the centre of the city.
- It begins in March 23rd Square and ends at the port's Customs Office.
- Highway Beach - Kalamata was the beach's name when it was built in 1871.
- Some of Kalamata's best neoclassical structures, occupied by governmental authorities and organisations, such as the hotel building REX and the City Hall of Kalamata, can be found walking from the beginning of Aristomenous street which has been paved.
Sailing
#Fun
- The city of Kalamata is encircled on all sides by beautiful expanses of water.
- There are many sailing hotspots along the coast, and the area is teeming with sailing specialists who are more than willing to take beginners and advanced sailors out on the water.
- The southernmost point of the Mani peninsula, Navarino Bay, and Pilos are within convenient distance to Kalamata (the Greek island).
- A large number of secure marinas may be found in the region between here and the coast of Kalamata.
Dancing
#Fun
- The Kalamata Dance Festival takes place in July in Kalamata.
- This is a significant element of the culture here, and the festival features a dramatic mix of productions from Greece and other countries worldwide.
- Dancers from all over the world come to perform, and what's even better, when the central performances are complete, the audience members and visitors are actively urged to get up and dance themselves!
- While the sun is setting, live music will play, and people will dance in the charming streets.
Yachting
#Fun
- You can rent a yacht at one of Kalamata's marinas if you go down there.
- There are many locations where you may rent equipment, and before you head out, you will be provided with comprehensive "hands-on" education.
- You can also go out onto the sea with the help of guides, which those of you with less self-assurance will find enjoyable because you will still have the opportunity to steer the ship, albeit while being supervised by an experienced individual.
- The marinas provide an excellent elevated position from which one can take breathtaking views of the Messinian Gulf.
08
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
Kalamata: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures
- The Kalamata Equestrian Club is the perfect spot for everyone who likes nature, horses, and adventure!
- Someone can take horseback riding lessons from our qualified instructors (for beginners and seniors), go for a walk in the woods or by the sea with our horses, or relax in our clubhouse while watching our athletes train!
- Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
- Olive Park is a unique option for visitors seeking a peaceful holiday in Kalamata.
- This sizeable 4-bedroom property is conveniently positioned near the town's entrance and only a few minutes' drive from the central plaza and the beach.
- You'll be in the centre of the city's busiest street in minutes, ready to shop and enjoy coffee or food at one of the many restaurants and all-day cafés / bars nearby.
- The house is fully equipped and features a vast garden with a barbeque and private parking.
- It is 2.5 kilometres from the city centre and 10 kilometres from the beach by automobile, while the nearest airport is Kalamata's Captain Vassilis Konstantakopoulos Airport, which is 9 kilometres away.
09
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
Kalamata Must-Attend Festivals and Events
- The Kalamata Dance Festival has become a symbol of Greece's contemporary dance boom.
- It has been presenting works dedicated to the poetics of the human body to the public since 1995, and it has hosted artists who are authoring the history of contemporary dance.
- Dance is a must-do activity for them.
- They want to share works by brave, honest, restless, and enduring creators from all backgrounds and areas with a wide range of people. The works we provide are intended to inspire and motivate the public to live a communal life that is rich in values and significance.
- The human body expresses mystery, possibilities, conscience, feelings, genius, senses, anxieties, trials and failures, hopes, and dreams.
- The KALAMATA DANCE CHALLENGE'S AERIAL ARTS EDITION is here to meet solely this sort of dancer and his needs from all over the world in the lovely seaside city of Kalamata.
- All those who fall into the aerial acrobatics or pole dancing categories listed in the competition's "category table" are eligible to compete in the Pole & Aerial Dance Competition.
- The competition will be judged by well-known adjudicators from Greece and abroad.
- With your participation, you will be eligible for a free spot in our Fitness Weekend, which includes a three-hour Zumba Marathon on Saturday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the exact location.
- They also get free admission to the fantastic all-day Pool & Beach Party Event on Sunday, including nonstop dancing and food.
- Our guests' health and safety are our top priorities, and we don't want to jeopardise their well-being.
- In 2022, we'll reunite, dance, and have a fantastic time at the 6th (rewind) edition of the South Salsa Festival, stronger and more optimistic than ever.
- We hope to see you all at Kalamata next summer!! Keep an eye out for new dates!!! Let's all be safe to continue to dance for many years to come!
- If you have already purchased a complete pass, you can utilise it the following year or request a refund.
FAQs to Plan Your Best Kalamata Holiday
Places similar to Kalamata to visit
Places similar to Kalamata to visit
Places similar to Kalamata to visit