From Wikitravel

Kalamata is one of the most fortunate cities in Greece, mostly thanks to its geographic position. Situated at the apex ofthe crystal-blue Messinian Bay and at the foot of the imposing Mount Taygetos, it is a heaven for its inhabitants. Also, Kalamata is the ideal base for those who want to discover the secrets of Messinia, since it is centrally situated and many of the tourist and cultural destinations are easily reached by car.

[edit] Get in

By bus from Athens (KTEL Messinias [1] for bus timetables and online ticketing). Normal trip takes about 4 hrs with a 20 min stop in Tripoli on the way to Kalamata and on the Corinth canal on the way to Athens. The express bus (nonstop service) takes a little over/under 3 hours, depending on traffic in Athens. When the new highway between Megalopoli and Kalamata is completed (sometime in early 2012), car travel shouldn't take more than 2.5 hrs.

By plane from Athens Int'l Eleftherios Venizelos with Aegean Airlines [2]. There are also seasonal flights from Irakleio, Crete (Sky Express) Nuremberg (Air Berlin [3], Oslo (Scandinavian Airlines [4], LON-Gatwick and Manchester (Fly Hellas, Thomas Cook), Amsterdam (Transavia), Prague (SmartWings), Moscow-Domodedovo (Aegean Airlines).

[edit] Get around

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Historical Centre

The best starting point for sight-seeing around Kalamata is the city’s historical centre. Wandering in the alleys of the historical centre will revive images from the past and reveal buildings that have resisted time.

• Saint Apostles is a historic little church where the Greek Revolution against the long Turkish occupation was declared on March 25th 1821. This little church was built in 1317 by Emperor Andronicus and its presence affects magically those who are familiar with its history.

• Benakei Archeological Museum (Papazoglou 6), is a beautiful building of the Venetian type built in 1742, where many interesting archeological findings are exhibited, including a mosaic from Koroni that represents scenes from the worship of Bacchus.

• The Municipal Library (Papazoglou 5) houses works of art that were donated after the destructive earthquake of Kalamata in 1986. These pieces manifest the sensibility of people who can see rebirth from disaster.

• The Historical and Folkloric Museum of Kalamata (Kyriakou and Ag.Ioannou 20) is housed in a small restored building. Visitors can see objects that date back to the Revolution of 1821, as well as read detailed information about the agricultural and productive life of Messinian inhabitants during the last century.

• The Temple of the Visitation of the Saviour, built in the 19th century in a Byzantine style, is a grandiose temple dedicated to the city’s protector.

• Municipal Conservatoire. Located on the steps above the temple and host for music events organised almost every weekend.

• Castle of Kalamata. The castle is even higher up, on a piny hill overlooking the sea. Built in 1208 by Gulielme Villearduin, it has inspired Aggelos Terzakis’s novel about Princess Izampo who had lived in the area. At the feet of the castle there is the semi-cavernous temple of Saint John that has probably existed since the post-Byzantine years. It is said that the citadel of Ancient Pharai was situated below the castle.

• In the nunnery of Saints Constantine and Helen', built beside the castle in the 18th century, you will also learn about the ongoing Byzantine tradition of weaving pure silk on “lakkoi” (looms).

[edit] The Centre

Just below the historical centre is the commercial centre.

• Aristomenous is the city’s main street with alarge square. Home to numerous shops and cafes, it's worth a stroll just to enjoy the ambiance.

• Pantazopouleio Cultural Centre, in the middle of Aristomenous, always has exhibitions, speeches or shows taking place.

• The railway park, at the end of Aristomenous street, is a pleasant surprise. It is the only open museum of this kind, where train engines and train cars of different time periods are placed in harmony in a green landscape. This place is a recreation ground for children and adults.

[edit] The Coast

Below the city centre is the coast area. In the summer, the coast of Kalamata bustles with life, both during the day when the long coastline fills with bathers and in the night, when young people fill the clubs* The port of Kalamata was once the centre of of the town's commercial and industrial development, when it used to connect to all the Mediterranean centres.

• The marina to the west of the port has numerous sailing ships anchored.
• Navarinou street, to the east of the port, is the “coast” for the locals and the citizens’ resort; at any time of the day and night you will see groups of people strolling and talking by the sea.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Sofa Sofa. Great night club open on weekends in Kastraki!  edit
• KONG Dance Gallery, Paralia. Great music at this dance club!  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Learn more about the local products of Messinia while wandering through the historical centre, visiting the small shops that buy their merchandise exclusively from local producers.

• In the city centre, Aristomenous (the main street with the large square) and the streets crossing it are home to numerous shops offering everything you might need.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• The cafeterias along Aristomenous and Navarinou are countless and full of life, with many people enjoying their warm ambiance in the winter or sitting on the chairs at the square during the sunny summer days.
• O Tzimis, At St. Apostles Church square, ☎ 2721023999. Best souvlakia and gyros in Kalamata at this stand across from the church of the revolution in the square. 2 euro.  edit
• The Marina area is home to loads of traditional (and not) restaurants and taverns. Limeni, Mangiona, Pyrofani, Argo are just a couple of the names you'll encounter while strolling along Salaminos (the main marina road).

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Rex Hotel, Aristomenous 26, 24100 Kalamata, ☎ +30 27210 22334, [5]. The Rex Hotel is located in the center of Kalamata, next to the city hall. It is one of the oldest neoclassical buildings in the city.  edit
• Hotel Elite, End of Navarinoy St., 241 00 Kalamata, ☎ +30 27210 22434, [6]. Elite Hotel is situated in the heart of Messinian Bay, at the foot of Taygetos mountain, but very close to the beautiful city of Kalamata.  edit
• Pharae Palace Hotel, Messinia Kalamata Peloponnese 24100.  edit
• akti taygetos conference resort, Mikra Mantinia, Kalamata, ☎ +302721042000, [7]. Akti Taygetos is located on a beautiful spot next to the sea overlooking the Messinian Gulf, with the Taygetos Mountain as a backdrop, 5km from Kalamata.  edit

[edit] Get out

You'll find attractive scenery no matter which way you head from Kalamata.

• To the southeast is Mani (second leg of the Peloponnese), where the woody coastal places of Messinian Mani pass the baton to the steep, rocky and fascinating coastal landscape of Lakonian Mani.
• To the southwest (first leg of the Peloponnese), you'll reach Koroni, Methoni and Pylos with their famous attractions.
• Crossing Kalamata towards the North and heading to Sparti, you will enter the magnificent world of Taygetos, the roof of Kalamata. Taygetos is the biggest challenge for lovers of mountain, trekking and climbing. Imposing and full of contradictions, with slopes, canyons, caves, sources, rivers and rich vegetation alternated with steep rocks, it magnetises the bold ones who will dare to explore it.

• The Ancient Messini is a few kilometres outside Kalamata, in the Municipality of Ithomi. It's a recently-discovered archeological site that astonishes visitors with its expanse and good condition; in fact, it is considered the best preserved archeological site.

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