Making the most of Kalamata
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Kalamata’s port is a small coastal harbour close to town. Cafes line the pleasant promenade beside the cruise dock, while a narrow, pebbly beach lies 200 meters farther on.
Bus 1 stops directly outside the cruise dock and reaches the historic centre, around 1,5 km away. Its circular route runs via the beach and historic centre in either direction, creating a small sightseeing trip. The fare is 1.30 euro each way, paid in cash to the driver. Services run every 15 minutes weekdays, about every 20 minutes Saturday and every 30 minutes Sundays.
Bring a printable map.
View Kalamata’s cruise schedule.
The prefecture’s capital and leading port is the much-sung Kalamata, associated with the Kalamatianos dance, silk kerchiefs, rich black olives, honeyed figs and sesame-coated pastelli. Geoffrey de Villehardouin built the dominating 13th century castle. On the citadel’s north side, a small Byzantine church is dedicated to the Virgin of Kalomata, or “good eye”, from which the town may take its name.
Kalamáta’s modern name is a corruption of the older name?a??µa?, meaning “kalá mátia”, or “good eyes”.
Getting around
Begin Kalamata sightseeing in the historical quarter, where visitors can wander among buildings from the 13th century, including Kalamata Castle and the Women’s monastery of Saints Constantine and Helen.
The city centre lies immediately below the historical area. Aristomenous, Kalamata’s main street, has a broad square, many shops and cafes, and a Bus 1 stop. Below this, the coastal zone is busy with bathers by day and with young people in bars and clubs at night. East of the port, Navarinou street is the local “coast”, where groups stroll beside the sea at all hours.
Taxis offer tours directly by the dock.
Several car-rental agencies are close to the dock.
A small tourist office operates at the dock.
Nearby places
Visit Ancient Messene. Its scale, layout and preservation make it one of antiquity’s most important cities, still rich in religious and public buildings, imposing fortifications, houses and funerary monuments for visitors to explore.
Between 1 April and 31 October, opening hours are Monday - Sunday 8:00 - 20:00. During the rest of the year, sites close at dusk. Hiring a car is best for reaching them.
Known as the “wonder of the Morea”, Mystras was arranged like an amphitheatre around the fortress Prince William of Villehardouin, of Achaia, built in 1249. The Byzantines reconquered it, then Turks and Venetians occupied it. Abandoned in 1832, it left striking medieval ruins in a beautiful landscape.
There are plenty of pleasant beaches nearby.
Food and shopping
The old city spreads below the castle, with the Byzantine Church of the Virgin Ypapanti and Kalograies convent, where nuns weave famous Kalamata silk.
Try at least some local honey varieties and the Kalamata Olives for which the town is world famous.
Spacious central Vassileos Georgiou, or King George, square has many coffee shops, meeting places and places to stroll. Aristomenous Street’s pedestrian walkway begins here, lined with stores and coffee shops.
Money
The local currency is the Euro.
Staying connected
Language spoken: Greek.
Contact the Fire Brigade by calling 199.
For the Police, call 100.
For an Ambulance, call 166.
Contact the Coast Guard on 108.
Opening Hours and
For stores and museums, opening hours vary. Tourist shops and convenience stores usually have no official hours and, in summer, often stay open from dawn until well after midnight.