Just two and a half hours from Athens and fifty minutes from the iconic Costa Navarino, Kalamata, the capital of ‘olive country’ Messinia, is an ideal destination for an invigorating weekend. A traditional yet modern coastal city in the Greek hinterland, the capital of the Peloponnese has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, offering everything from sun-drenched dips in the sea and leisurely late-night lounging at seaside cafes or in the picturesque old town to enriching cultural and natural adventures, weather permitting.
Today, Kalamata boasts a vibrant cultural scene with events that attract international visitors, all within easy reach of the picturesque seaside. There are many wonderful sites, landmarks and monuments within the historic city, as well as a wonderful food and drink scene to enjoy before, during and after the sightseeing. The city also serves as an ideal base for excursions to nearby beautiful places such as the (magnificent and medieval) Mani. It has all the essential ingredients for a memorable weekend before autumn seriously knocks on our doors and nudges us towards more wintry destinations.
01
Visit the Old Town
Kalamata Old Town, situated below the castle in the city’s northern area, offers a journey through history as you wander its narrow alleys, admiring neoclassical mansions and discovering hidden corners. Must-see sites include the Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostoles, the imposing Cathedral of Ypapantis, and several museums showcasing the region’s rich past.
As you explore its streets, you’ll encounter old buildings, stone churches, and charming shops selling local products and unique souvenirs. The Old Town has become a popular meeting spot, particularly in the winter months. The best views of the old town with its red ochre tiled roof tops and the coastline beyond can be had from the castle.
02
Go Museum-Hopping
Kalamata the cultural hub of Messinia has as you may well have imagined much more to offer other than stunning vistas and delectable olives. The city is steeped in culture and history, providing a variety of museums and galleries for visitors to discover.
Delve into the region’s heritage at the Historical and Folklore Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Messinia. Art aficionados will appreciate a perusal at the Gallery of Contemporary Greek Art and the Municipal Gallery “A. Tassos,” which display works from both distinguished and up-and-coming artists, embodying Kalamata’s dynamic art community. Read more about Kalamata’s Museums here.
03
Tour Greece’s Oldest Distillery
The Callicounis Distillery in Messinia stands as a monument to Greece’s rich distilling heritage, having been established in 1850 by the visionary Nikolaos Callicounis. This historic distillery not only prides itself on being the oldest family-operated liquor producer in Greece but also on its continuous ownership by the Callicounis descendants, preserving a legacy of spirit craftsmanship through the ages.
Nikolaos, a pioneer with a profound understanding of botany and chemistry, adeptly married his knowledge of local flora with scientific precision, crafting a distinguished alcohol brand that has clinched 46 prestigious awards. The distillery’s portfolio boasts an impressive array of spirits, from the internationally recognized vodka, sambuca, and gin to beloved Greek classics such as ouzo, raki, and masticha, offering a taste of Greece’s diverse alcoholic tradition. Visitors to the distillery are invited on a journey through the meticulous process of spirit production, from the initial spark of inspiration to the careful bottling of each unique blend. The tour includes a peek into a laboratory setting that evokes the nostalgia of a high school chemistry class, underscoring the scientific artistry behind each bottle.
04
Hike Up to the Kastro
Standing strong atop a verdant, pine-clad hill in Kalamata, the Castle (Kastro) of Kalamata beckons visitors seeking to explore its vast grounds and take in remarkable views. The castle, built in 1208 by the Frankish knight Geoffroi de Villehardouin, has a storied past that intertwines with the mythological hero Faris and the ancient city of Farai.
Remarkably, the castle’s grand gate and robust fortifications have withstood the ravages of time, including the devastating 1986 earthquake that destroyed much of the city. Throughout its colourful and intense history, the castle has been held by various powers, from Byzantines to Ottomans, Venetians, and Greeks during the 1821 revolution.
As you meander through the ancient ruins, which include remnants of a temple and a Christian church, be sure to pause and savor the captivating sunset from this extraordinary vantage point. Today, the Kastro is a vibrant cultural hub that hosts performances, events and concerts. Try and catch one during your travels.
05
Attend a Festival
Kalamata thrives as a center for cultural events, hosting several festivals that attract visitors globally. Here’s a guide to Kalamata’s most notable festivals:
Kalamata International Dance Festival: This July dance festival is a celebration of dance, offering performances, workshops, and outdoor activities. Since 1995, it has promoted dance artistry, showcasing both Greek and international talents. The festival, known for its dynamic programming, features collaborations, world premieres, and training opportunities for attendees.
Kalamata Street Festival: Taking place at July’s end, this festival delights rock music enthusiasts with performances from both local and international artists. Alongside the musical lineup, attendees can enjoy food and drink stalls, art exhibitions, and interactive workshops.
Peloponnese Beer Festival: Scheduled for the first weekend in August, this festival is a haven for craft beer lovers. It highlights the Greek craft beer scene, with an array of microbreweries participating alongside street food vendors and live music performances.
Kalamata Music Days: Spanning July and August, this festival offers a broad spectrum of musical experiences, from classical to modern genres, catering to diverse musical tastes and preferences.
06
Explore a Stunning Cave
The Diros Cave system, predominantly the Vlyhada cave, is situated at Diros bay, on Mani area’s western coastline in Lakonia. It has some spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, which began forming in the cave millions of years ago. Most parts now submerged and you’ll tour the cave in a boat. Excavations have revealed fossilized bones of lions, panthers, hyenas, and hippopotamuses from 2 million years ago.
The cave has outstanding acoustics and striking formations like the “Cloak of Poseidon” and “Chocolate Hall”. Open to visitors all year, the 1,500-meter long Vlyhada cave tour includes a 1,200-meter boat ride. The nearby Alepotrypa cave, a Neolithic human dwelling, is sometimes mistaken as part of the Diros cave system.
07
Tour an Olive Grove
In Parapougki, a village near Kalamata, renown for its olives and olive oil, the Ben Olive Mill is a family-run estate specializing in the revered Koroneiki olive trees. Their olives produce a distinctively fruity, low-acidity oil. Just a short drive from Kalamata, this estate is at the heart of Greece’s olive oil production, which is predominantly based in the Peloponnese.
The estate offers a concise yet comprehensive tour that covers olive cultivation to oil production, capped with a tasting session that showcases the oil’s application in enhancing wellness. Visitors can also find unique souvenirs, from infused oils to handcrafted goods. A tour here offers a genuine peek into the traditions of Kalamata’s olive oil.
08
Get a Taste for the Central Food Market
Kalamata Central Market is a foodies’ paradise and is a loud and colourful place for everyone to discover the region’s diverse quality produce. Open every Wednesday and Saturday, the market hosts over 450 producers and vendors offering an array of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and other local delicacies.
Among the many regional specialties, you’ll find Kalamata olives, sfela cheese, pasteli, honey, lalagia, and Poliani apples. In addition to the vibrant display of agricultural products from Southern Peloponnese, the market also features fishmongers, butchers, and stalls selling herbs and teas from the nearby mountains.
09
Explore Ancient Sites Nearby
A mere 33 km from Kalamata is the archaeological site of Ancient Messini, a significant heritage site where well-preserved ruins from the 3rd-2nd century BCE paint a vivid echo of the area’s rich history, with one of the largest amphitheatres of antiquity, capable of accommodating approximately 10,000 spectators, along with sanctuaries, the fountain of Arsinoe, a stoic colonnade, fortifications, and a funerary monument.
It’s worth extending your excursion to breathtaking Polimnio, a lush sanctuary with cascading waterfalls and serene lakes set amid verdant landscapes. Approximately an hour’s drive away, the palace of Nestor, the legendary king of Pylos, awaits exploration – an experience which can be paired with a refreshing dip at the famously beautiful Voidokilia beach.
We Know What We’re Talking About
Alexia Amvrazi knows Greece like few others. She’s the Editor-in-Chief of the International edition of Travel.gr, the co-author of the guidebook ‘111 Places in Athens You Must Not Miss’, the former presenter of a 10-year daily radio show about Greek life at AIR FM and, for the past 15 years, the mastermind behind the always up-to-date Fodor’s Athens guide. She has a knack for recognizing beauty and potential and is a true citizen of the world.
