Kalamata, Greece

Kalamata is a city in southern Greece, on the Peloponnesos, by the Mediterranean. It is located 238 km from Athens and is capital and chief port of the prefecture of Messinia. Kalmata is known for the Kalamatianos dance and the silk kerchief; of succulent dark olives, honey eyed figs and the honey covered sesame sweet called "pastelli".

The best starting point for sight-seeing around Kalamata is the city's historical area where visitors can wander amongst the historic buildings dating back to the 13th century. These include the Castle of Kalamata and the Women's monastery of Saints Constantine and Helen.

Just below the historical area is the city centre. Aristomenous is the city's main street with a large square and many shops and cafes. Below the city centre is the coast area which bustles with bathers during the day and young people fill the bars and clubs at night. Navarinou street, to the east of the port, is the "coast" for the locals and the citizens' resort; any time of the day and night you will see groups of people strolling by the sea.

Things to Se & Do

* Mpenakeio Archeological Museum
* Aristomenous is the city's main street
* Historical Area
* Navarinou street
* Railway park

General information

Cruise Season - Feb to Dec
Currency - Euro (€)
Language - Greek
Land Area - 253.2 km²
Population - 60,000
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT/UTC plus two hours
International Country Telephone Code - 0030

Port Location - The Port of Kalamata is a small coastal harbor, located a short distance from the city centre.

Transport Links - The city is located west of Sparta, and can be reached from this and other Greek cities by bus and train. Furthermore, the city has an international airport and an important harbour. Ferries are available to places such as the Greek island of Kythira. It is also has a train station and a small freight yard in the harbor which makes up the southernmost train station and the southern railway terminus in all of Greece. The train line that connects Kalamata with Athens, is currently out of order due to the restructuring programme of the train lines in Peloponesse. The use of KTEL buses is, however, is very popular. The bus line connects Kalamata - Tripoli and Korinthos and runs hourly.

There is a regular weekly cruise-boat route between Kalamata - Kythira - Chania (Crete).

In the summer months charter flights fly direct to Kalamata International Airport from many European cities.