Vacation Packages to Kalamata

General Information of Kalamata

Kalamata is a city located in the southern part of Greece, in the Peloponnese region. It is the capital of the regional unit of Messenia. The city has a population of around 70,000 people.

In turn, Kalamata is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and rich history. The city has a beautiful old town, with narrow streets, traditional houses and a lively market. The main square, Platia Trion Navarhon, is a great place to start exploring the center. There you will find many cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Among its most important attractions, we can mention the Byzantine church of Agios Andreas, which stands on a hill above the city and offers panoramic views of the surroundings.

Kalamata is also a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine. The city is famous for its olives and olive oil, so be sure to try some of the local dishes made with these ingredients. Some traditional dishes include dolmades and moussaka, which we'll talk about later.

Geography of Kalamata

Kalamata is located about 245 kilometers southwest of Athens and about 12 kilometers east of the Taygetos peninsula.

The climate in Kalamata is Mediterranean, with warm summers and mild winters. The city receives a large amount of precipitation during the winter but is relatively dry during the summer.

As for its history, Kalamata has been an important commercial and cultural center since ancient times and has been occupied by various civilizations over the centuries, such as the Byzantines, the Venetians, the Franks, and the Turks. The city is famous for its Venetian fortress and its ancient walled city.

How to Travel to Kalamata

There are several options for traveling to Kalamata. Next, we tell you a little about them. In any case, it is advisable to plan the trip, both to book flights, trains, or rent a car, as well as to look for accommodation in Kalamata.

Getting to Kalamata by Plane

The Kalamata International Airport is located about 12 km from the city center and offers regular flights from Athens as well as seasonal flights from other European cities. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a bus or a taxi to get to the city center.

Getting to Kalamata by Train

You can take a train from Athens to Kalamata. The train journey takes around 5 hours and offers a scenic route through the countryside. The train station in Kalamata is located in the center of the city, making it easy to reach your final destination.

Getting to Kalamata by Car

If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car and make the journey from Athens to Kalamata. The trip takes around 3 hours and the route is well-signposted. Keep in mind that parking in the city center can be limited, so it is advisable to plan ahead and reserve a parking space.

Main Attractions of Kalamata

Kalamata is a city steeped in history and natural beauty. With a wide variety of tourist attractions, this city is a perfect place to visit. Some of the main tourist attractions in Kalamata are described below.

Get to Know the Venetian Fortress of Kalamata

The Venetian Fortress is one of the main tourist spots in Kalamata. It is located on top of a hill and offers an impressive panoramic view of the city. The fortress was built in the 13th century by the Venetians and is an excellent example of medieval architecture.

Visit the Olive Museum in Kalamata

The Olive Museum is a must-see for those interested in the history and production of olives and olive oil in Greece. The museum has a wide variety of exhibits on the history and production of olives, as well as a large number of ancient objects related to olive cultivation.

Relax on Kalamaki Beach

Kalamaki beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kalamata. It is located just a few minutes' walk from the city center and offers a wide variety of services, such as umbrellas, sun loungers, restaurants, and bars. Kalamaki beach is ideal for families and offers a relaxed and calm atmosphere.

Walk the Kalamata Promenade

The Kalamata promenade is an ideal place to take a walk and enjoy the views of the sea. The promenade is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, and is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

Step Inside the Cathedral of San Andreas

The Cathedral of Saint Andreas is a historical building in the center of Kalamata. It was built in the 13th century and is an example of Byzantine architecture. The cathedral is famous for its frescoes and its impressive dome.

Festivals of Kalamata

Kalamata is known for its cultural and artistic festivals. Here are some of the main festivals that take place in the city:

1. Kalamata International Dance Festival: This festival is held every year in March and is considered one of the most important dance festivals in Greece. The festival has a wide variety of dance and ballet shows, both national and international.
2. Kalamata Olive Festival: This festival is held every year in October and is an opportunity to sample the delicious olives and olive oil from the region. The festival features a wide variety of local products, such as wines, cheeses and sausages.
3. Kalamata Music Festival: This festival is held every year in July and features a wide variety of classical, jazz, and popular music concerts. The festival features national and international artists.
4. Kalamata Theater Festival: This festival is held every year in June and features a wide variety of theater performances, both national and international. The festival features classical and contemporary plays.

In general, Kalamata offers a wide variety of cultural and artistic festivals throughout the year, attracting visitors from all over the world. It is important to plan ahead if you want to attend any of these festivals as they are usually very crowded and it is advisable to book in advance.

What to Eat and Drink in Kalamata

Kalamata is known for its delicious food and drink. Here are some typical foods and drinks that you should try during your visit:

On the one hand, you should not miss trying the dolmades, which are vine leaves stuffed with rice, herbs and meat. They are a typical dish in Greece and are usually served as an appetizer or as a main course.

On the other hand, we recommend giving the moussaka a try, a casserole of minced meat, aubergine, potatoes and tomato sauce. It is a typical dish in Greece and is very popular in Kalamata.

You can also try tzatziki, a sauce made with yogurt, garlic, cucumber, and herbs. It is usually served as an appetizer or as a garnish for meat and fish.

Another typical dish is souvlaki, made from grilled meat that is usually served in a pita tortilla with salad and tzatziki. It is a typical dish in Greece and is very popular in Kalamata.

As for drinks, we recommend you try ouzo, a typical Greek aniseed liqueur. It is usually served with water and ice and is used to accompany food.

Another local drink that you will love is retsina, a typical Greek wine made from grapes and resin. It is a dry wine and is usually served with food.

In addition, we recommend Metaxa, a typical Greek brandy. It is an alcoholic drink made with wine from grapes, herbs, and spices.

In general, Kalamata offers a wide variety of typical foods and drinks that are a delight for the senses. It is advisable to try a variety of dishes and drinks to experience the rich cuisine of Kalamata.

Getting around in Kalamata

There are several ways to get around Kalamata, including:

1. On foot: Kalamata is a small city and the historic center is quite compact, making it easy to get around on foot. The city center is full of narrow, picturesque streets, making it perfect for exploring on foot.
2. Bicycle: Kalamata has a bicycle rental system that allows you to explore the city ecologically and healthily. It is an ideal option for those looking for a way to get around the city without relying on public transport.
3. Taxi: Taxis are a good option to get around Kalamata if you don't want to walk or don't have your own means of transportation. The taxi drivers are friendly and the prices are reasonable. However, it is advisable to negotiate the price before getting into the taxi, since prices can vary depending on the driver.
4. Bus: Public transportation in Kalamata is quite good. Buses are a good option to get around the city since they cover most of the tourist spots and the train station.

In general, Kalamata is a small and easy-to-get-around city, with varied transportation options, such as walking, renting a bicycle, taxi, and bus. It is advisable to plan and choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences.

Shopping in Kalamata

Kalamata has a wide variety of shops and markets. Some of the shopping options that you can find in Kalamata include the following.

Shops for typical products: Kalamata is known for its production of high-quality olives and olive oil, so these products are ideal to buy as souvenirs. You can also find olive-based products like olive paste, tapenade, and marinated garlic.

Pottery Shops: Kalamata is known for its traditional ceramics such as plates, cups, and vases decorated with traditional Greek motifs. These products are ideal to take as a souvenir and to decorate your home.

Textile shops: Kalamata is known for its textile products such as linen and cotton fabrics with traditional Greek designs. These products are ideal to take as souvenirs and to use at home.

Fresh Market: The Kalamata Fresh Market is an ideal place to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. You can find a wide variety of local and seasonal products.

Clothing and Accessories Stores: Kalamata has a wide variety of clothing and accessories stores, from brand-name stores to local independent stores. You can find summer clothes and accessories like hats, bags, and jewelry.

In short, Kalamata is an ideal place for shopping due to its wide variety of shops and markets. You can find typical products such as olives and olive oil, ceramics and textiles, as well as fresh products and clothing and accessories.