The city is spread out under a castle where the Byzantine church of the Virgin Ypapanti built in 18th century.
Description
Kalamata is near the ancient city of Farai mentioned by Homer. The city is spread out under a castle where the Byzantine church of the Virgin Ypapanti built in 18th century. There are many churches in Kalamata, the oldest one is the famous Agii Apostoli (built in 13th century) where the Greek War of Independence against the Turkish was officially declared on March 23, 1821.
Who goes to Kalamata?
Ideal for those seeking a lively resort or relax on the beach.
Destination Profile
Kalamata has an archaeological museum at the Benaki Mansion, and a folklore museum noteworthy for its numerous relics of the War of Independence of 1821, a fine arts museum with works by Greek artists and a library containing 60.000 volumes.
There are many cultural events like concerts and plays in Kalamata theatres in summer times. In the evening, the town comes alive, in particular alongside the water front which is lined with taverns, sea food restaurants and rotisseries serving local dishes and drinks, fresh fish, roast suckling pig and chicken, sausages, cheese, olives, retsina and raki etc.
Things To Do
The area of Finikounda is renowned for watersports including snorkeling and windsurfing.
Kalamata Holidays - Excursions
Athens and Corinth Canal: A super value for money, overnight stay in Athens combined with a cruise on the breathtaking Corinth Canal. Sample the highlights of the city - the world famous Parthenon and the changing of the guard at Syntagma.
Olympia: No visit to the Peloponnese is complete without a visit to the home of the Olympic Games, Ancient Olympia. Run the original Olympic track and see the recovered artifacts in the modern site museum.
Diros Caves: Visit these stunning caves, the 3rd largest of their kind in the world, either by boat or by coach.
Mystras: Travel through the valleys and breathtaking scenery of the Langada to magical Mystras, the Byzantine capital of Greece. Walk at leisure through the captivating ruins of a once awesome town crowned by an imposing fortress.
Monemvasia: A fortified town built on two levels set impregnably on a great island-like eruption, rearing some 350 metres above sea level. Monemvasia is Greece's answer to the rock of Gibraltar
Lazy Day Cruise: Enjoy a cooling cruise up and down the beautiful Mani coastline where you will have the chance to enjoy a swim from the boat and enjoy a lunch included in the price.
Tastes of the Mani: A perfect opportunity to travel through some of the hidden villages of the Taygetos mountains. See the traditional process of honey making and visit an olive oil press with a chance to sample 'Mani Gold', the local olive oil.
For further information and to secure your place on all the above exciting days and nights out, see your Olympic representative in the resort. The best time to book would be at the Welcome Get Together on the day after arrival.
Things To See
13th Century Fortress: In the town of Methoni, this particular fortress is surrounded on three sides by the sea and the fourth by a moat. Inside the fortress is an entire medieval town and you can literally spend hours wandering around. The name Methoni comes from the stones that the small castle named the Bourtzi. At the end of the peninsula, the harbour is situated, and you can continue underwater to the uninhabited island of Sapientza.
Pylos Town: One of the most attractive coastal villages in Greece. The town itself has a central square down by the waterfront and most life revolves around it. There are two castles; one on each side of the bay and nearby is the Mycenaean Palace of Nestor, one of the best preserved of all Mycenaean palaces.
Mountain Villages: There are an abundance of tranquil traditional little villages with locals going about their daily business without a care in the world.