Few cities in Greece manage to have identity, historical depth, youthful vitality and islands of urban beauty. Kalamata belongs to them and has succeeded in being among the fastest growing cities in our country. Every time I visit this city, I feel the same familiarity. The aimless wanderings on the main arteries and the waterfront of the city always give me a wonderful feeling of freedom.

Built at the foot of Mount Kalathi, Kalamata is a city that captivates you from the first minutes you wander its streets. Mount Taygetus rises imposingly behind her, while in front of her stretches the deep blue Messinian Gulf.

The capital of the prefecture of Messinia is a city with a sea breeze, glamor and culture. At the same time, it harmoniously combines the mountain-sea dichotomy, sustainable mobility and tourism development, the trendy and the original. One of its many advantages is its accessibility, since it is only 2.5 hours from Athens.

The modern highway and the international airport of Kalamata have catalyzed its rapid growth. It is characteristic that in recent years it has entered strongly on all lists of top continental destinations and is an exciting attraction for thousands of travelers.

Kalamata is not the city that follows the well-known clichés. Through a multitude of activities, the coastal city of Messinia stands out for its quality of life.

The old city was built on the ruins of the ancient city of Farai. The name "Kalamata" appears for the first time in 1142 in the third part of the Life of Saint Niconos of "Repent". Its name probably came from a monastery dedicated to Panagia Kalomata or from the reeds of Nedon and specifically from the popular form "kalamata". The history of Kalamata is lost in the depths of the centuries, since it starts from the Proto-Hellenic era (2600-2300 BC) with traces of human life being found in Akovitika, 2-3 km southwest of Kalamata. The city was ruled by the Spartans (8th BC – 4th century BC), the Franks (1205 AD), the Venetians (1685-1715 AD) and then the Turks.

Returning to today, we would say that Kalamata is not the city that follows the well-known clichés. Through a multitude of activities, the coastal city of Messinia stands out for its quality of life. Winter-summer, with countless options, it compensates even the most demanding visitor. It belongs to the greenest cities in Greece, with a strong ecological element, giving the highest priority to the protection of the environment and the sustainable development of tourism. An illustrative example are the wells in the city streets, which function as underground waste bins.

At the same time, the cobbled streets, the spacious squares, the bike paths, the walking routes, the picturesque alleys, the historical sights, the cultural sites, the numerous houses with the red tiled roofs and the incomparably beautiful coastal area make up the puzzle of everything that is worth seeing. see in the second largest city of the Peloponnese.

Rightfully so, in recent years Kalamata has managed to gain its own place on the world tourist map, highlighting its rich history and culture, intense nightlife and rich recreational activities.

What to see – Where to go?
The first walks are recommended to start from the legendary Navarinou Avenue, since the proximity to the liquid element acts as an important advantage for authentic experiences. The coastal zone of Kalamata stretches for a distance of up to 3 kilometers and is ideal for summer swimming since the beach has been awarded a blue flag and the waters are warm and very clean.

Walking from the city center, in just a few minutes you can discover the best parts of the beach as well as suggestions for all tastes. Hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants flood the busiest part of the Messinian capital 24 hours a day.

Another special point of reference of Kalamata is the thirteenth century castle, a very atmospheric place to walk with a unique view of the city. The castle is located in the northwestern part of the city, on a low rocky hill above the river Nedontas. Its construction dates back to the Byzantine period, while its current form is due to its reconstruction by the Frankish prince and founder of the principality of Achaia, Godefroid I Villeardouino, at the beginning of the 13th century.

The monument has the typical form of a Byzantine castle, while at its steepest point, at the top of the hill, rises a tower-shelter with a vaulted water tank, where the ruins of a temple have also been identified. An inner fortified enclosure surrounds the top of the hill, while a second, wider enclosure protects a larger area on the more accessible and vulnerable eastern side. Finally, above the entrance door there is a built-in relief of the Lion of Saint Mark, testimony to the Venetian interventions.

Let's remember that the historical novel by Angelos Terzakis Prigipessa Izabo takes place in this historical location, while its setting in a thicket is associated with the prose writer Zacharias Papantoniou, who was prefect of Messinia at the beginning of the 20th century.

At the foot of the castle extends the old town of Kalamata, which stands out for its winding alleys, stone-built churches, shops with local products and old mansions. Nearby, the visitor has the opportunity to find himself in the small church of the Holy Apostles in the 23rd of March square.

It is a small Byzantine temple dating from the middle of the 11th-12th century. In fact, in this historic temple the Greek Revolution was proclaimed on March 23, 1821 and the Declaration of the Messinian Senate was drawn up with the signature of Petrobeis Mavromichalis, the first diplomatic document of the revolutionary Greece, which was sent to the European courts.

In the historic center of the city is also the impressive metropolitan church of Ypapanti, founded on January 5, 1860 and inaugurated on August 19, 1873. Also worth a visit is the Kalogrea Monastery. The Catholic Church was built on the ruins of an older church from the 13th century, from which the fresco depicting the Great Humiliation is preserved in Prothesis.

In the Kalograyon Monastery there is also a second – smaller – temple dedicated to the Elevation of the Holy Cross, a sacristy where holy relics of various saints, sacred utensils, vestments, precious icons and part of an old iconostasis are kept, while there is also a rich library. This is a monastery that is famous for the weaving of silk on old looms, which is traditionally done by the nuns.

At the same time, in the heart of the historical center of Kalamata, where the Municipal Market of the city used to be, which was overwhelmed every day by the bustling crowd of merchants and customers, now houses the Archaeological Museum of Messinia. Its collection houses antiquities of Messinia from prehistoric and Mycenaean times to the Byzantine and Latin eras, while among the finds you will also see the mosaic from Koroni, which depicts various scenes of the worship of the god Bacchus.

At the same time, a trip to the city's glorious past is offered by the Historical and Folklore Museum of Kalamata, which is housed in a two-story neoclassical building, while some of its thematic sections concern rural life, handicrafts, weaving and embroidery art, pottery and soap making.

Other important cultural landmarks are the Municipal Gallery of Kalamata, the Central Public Library of Kalamata, and the Gallery of Contemporary Greek Art.

In the state-of-the-art exhibition space of the Lyceum of Hellenes, the valuable Collection of Greek Clothing "Victoria G. Karelia" is housed. It is a jewelry museum that houses over eighty complete costumes, costume pieces and jewelry from the mid-nineteenth century to the 1930s.

One of the most important advantages of the city is the endless walks you can take. For example, a popular meeting point is the spacious central square of Vasileos Georgiou and also the 23rd of March square. Also, the Varvoutsi portico, which was built in 1928. In its basement, during the interwar period, one of the first cabarets of Kalamata operated, while in World War II it was used as a bomb shelter.

At the same time, the pedestrianized part of Aristomenouis main street attracts a lot of visitors since there are many shops and cafes.

A separate chapter of the urban fabric of Kalamata is the Municipal Railway Park. Here you can easily see how you can use an area in an ideal way for the benefit of the citizens. This open-air museum has been transformed into a beautiful green park that tells the history of railways through train engines and wagons of various historical periods. In addition, in the vast area of ​​54 hectares – in the center of the city – residents and visitors have the opportunity to relax, read or cycle under the shade of trees but also among ponds, hills, playgrounds, fountains and a 28-meter metal pedestrian bridge.

The museum's exhibits include the old "Kalamata Port" station as well as the neighboring area of ​​the OSE, which in the era of steam was a coal storage area. In addition, this theme park – outdoor railway museum often hosts special events, shows, festivals, either in the outdoor amphitheater or in the various recreation areas.

As for evening entertainment, if you don't want to stay within the city, there is an alternative. To end your day in the best way, go up to the hill of Verga, also known as the balcony of Kalamata, to enjoy your coffee or drink while enjoying the sunset and the amazing night view of the illuminated city. Finally, pastel Kalamatiano, lalangia and diples, olives and the legendary Gournopoula are included in the city's must culinary options. After all, it is no coincidence that it is considered the paradise of gourmets.

Undoubtedly, Kalamata is a modern city that has it all and is an attractive tourist destination for all seasons of the year. It is worth exploring on foot and is sure to surprise you with its natural beauties, its Messinian light, its cultural heritage and its countless treasures. Cosmopolitan Kalamata never disappoints you. After the first time, you'll want to keep coming back.

Messinia is undeniably a blessed place. It can offer someone
swimming in the cleanest and purest beaches with natural orgiastic beauty.
We, as Menina Farm Kalamata Countryside recommend
some of the best and we're sharing them with you!

1. Ascent of Messina, the endless sandy beach 

that stretches as far as the eye can see.

2. Elaia, the small paradise near Kyparissia, 

an endless golden sand beach

with a pine forest at the point where the river Neda flows.

3. Foneas, the blue-green waters in which

are reflected the tufted trees

that generously offer it their shade, 

the large white pebbles

and the imposing rocks at its back, 

declare that this is a unique beach.

4. Voidokoilia, the natural monument located in Pylos, is one of 

the most photographed beaches in Greece.

The wonderful semicircle it forms, its crystal clear, 

turquoise waters 

and its white sand dunes with powder-fine

sand make up a fantastic landscape.

5. Glossa, the hidden little beach located in 

the shadow of Voidokolia. 

The rocks that surround it and go deep into the sea, 

form a small narrow mouth, 

which barely allows the water to enter. 

The waters in the small cove 

are clear and the beach is sandy. The forest that reaches 

to the edges of the beach creates a unique setting.

6. The beach of Kalamata is awarded with the

"Blue Flag", the most well-known

environmental symbol of quality in the world. 

Awarded since 1987 under 33 strict conditions. 

The main criteria are: the excellent quality of swimming waters,

the cleanliness of the coast, the protection of nature, etc.

7. The Golden Coast, one of the most beautiful beaches

of Messinia. More generally, 

the area of ​​Romanos has entered the world map of luxury tourism, 

since the dream of Captain Vassilis began to come true

and the hotels of Costa Navarino began to operate.

8. Lagouvardos is a unique beach of incomparable beauty, 

which attracts visitors for its offer of

water sports. Lagouvardos is an ideal place for

board surfing and wind surfing.

9. Kalogria in Stoupa, one of the most famous beaches, rose with 

turquoise clear waters, very popular with tourists.

10. The dreamy all-golden Peroulia beach belonging 

to the village of Vounaria, 

just a few kilometers from Koroni. One of the most

pristine and hidden beaches in Messinia,

to which one must ask the locals to access. 

It is literally hidden to those who don't know. 

You swim in its calm warm waters as if you were in a pool.

When you get tired you can look at the 

green sea lying in the shade

offered by the pine trees that rise right in front of the beach.

In order to distinguish the beauties of Messinia, we make an arbitrary name, 

paralleling them with the wonders of the world. Thus, below we present to you 

the "7 wonders" of Messinia, highlighting natural landscapes that

can only be found here, but also human constructions

with unique architecture over the years.

The 7 unique beauties of Messinia, which one must definitely visit according to 

“Menina Farm Kalamata Countryside” are the following:

---

Polylimnio: Located 32 km from the capital of Messinia, 

it is a complex of lakes and waterfalls, which create

an incredibly beautiful landscape due to the uneven relief.

Water habitat of Gialova: It is of special ecological interest,

as it is a station for many migratory birds. The unique birds enchant 

and captivate the visitor with their slow "dancing"

movements and seduce them to their rhythm.

Ridomou Gorge: It is located just outside Kalamata at the

beginning of Messinian Mani and is 19km long.

It is a set of steep rocks and tributaries with crystal waters, which, 

combined with the dense vegetation, 

create a magical landscape with incredible coolness.

The island complex of Sapienza, Agia Mariani or Agia Marina and Schiza islands: 

These are paradises on earth near the coast of Methoni.

They have clear blue waters, exotic vegetation on their hills 

and are a haven for wild birds and animals. There are still

legends that connect the area with pirates. Of course, the heart-shaped 

island that can be seen in the photo below stands out.

Kardamili: A beautiful coastal village in Messinian Mani, 

with tower houses, countless Byzantine churches and monasteries 

scattered on the verdant slopes. Definitely worth a 

visit to Old Kardamili and the archaeological museum.

Ancient Messina: It is located at the western foothills of 

Mount Ithomi, near the current village of Mavromati.

An archaeological site that takes you back in time and 

brings to life before your eyes the importance of this city in antiquity.

Castle of Methoni: The castle of Methoni, one of the most

characteristic examples of a castle state in the Greek area. 

It dominates the southwestern tip of the Peloponnese, right next

to the fortified islet of Bourtzi, with which it is joined by a small arched bridge.

Perivolakia Eleochoriou P.C. 24100
Kalamata Messinia Greece
Tel: +30 2721303983
Mob: +30 6937226768
Email: menina.farm.kalamata.countryside@gmail.com