Against the view of Mount Taygetos enjoy the blue sea of Messinian Bay at the famous beach of Kalamata.
See the historical centre of the town (walk the streets of the old town).
Savour traditional local tastes in the traditional taverns or relish a glass of cool locally-produced aniseed-flavoured ouzo, with mouth-watering delicacies (traditional Greek appetizers cooked with fresh green olive oil from Kalamata).
Enjoy your coffee at the central square of the city.
Dine at the taverns of the beach and the marina, tasting local snacks and dishes prepared with fresh olive oil from Kalamata. Continue your night out with a drink at the bars located at the beach and at Verga, where you may enjoy the view of the city at your feet from the upper parts of the slope.
Rent a bicycle and cycle around the city on the new cycling path, starting from the historical centre all the way to the beautiful beachside.
Have fun sailing. Hire a boat from the marina or relax on a planned cruise on the Messinian Bay.
Events are held all summer long at the town castle with a panoramic view, such as performances and plays by the Municipal Regional Theatre of Kalamata, the Kalamata Lyceum Club of Greek Women, and other activities, the most important of all being the Kalamata International Dance Festival.
Visit the town museums, see the local monuments at the Archaeological Museum, get to know traditions and customs at the Folklore Museum and admire the one-of-a-kind open-air museum, the Municipal Railways Park of Kalamata, which is known to enthusiasts of railways and trains all over the world, the OSE Park with the old train stations, the train wagons and the various engines dated back to 1885 up to 1947.
Taygetos is suitable for various activities by fans – and not only – of mountain bike, climbing, trecking and speleology. The Greek Mountaineering Club has a mountaineering park at the gorge of Megali Langada, near Trypi. Once on Mount Taygetos, apart from the beautiful trecking routes, the forest and paved ascent roads, it is worth seeing the numerous caves and gorges with the crystal-clear water springs. Fir-trees and black pines make up the beautiful forests of Taygetos whereas, since they are on the spot, visitors should gather thyme, tea and origan. If this is not possible, they will certainly find a selling bench with such products in some of the villages of the mountain. In any case, lovers of rare taste should definitely try “sfela” cheese, produced from top-quality goat and sheep milk.
To the East of Kalamata, at a close distance from the town, admire the wild beauty of Messinian Mani, see the amazing beaches and taste local delicacies. To the West of the town escape to Petalidi, Koroni, Methoni and Pylos, where you can admire impressive castles and magical beaches.
A destination that is hospitable, unique and easily accessible, just a two hour drive from Athens. Messinia of the vast olive groves, the mountain and the sea, the ravines and the coves. With a huge variety of beaches, sandy beaches and small coves, waves for surfers and shallow and calm seas for families. Mountain villages, built on cliffs, with breathtaking views. Gastronomically impressive with familiar flavors, rich smells and taverns with friendly people, willing to introduce us to the secrets of the place.
Messinia has a unique character and the ability to offer everything. Messinia invites us to discover her beauties.
In the south of Messinia, it is worth a walk through ancient Messini and its ancient theater, giving an extra breath of culture to the area.
During your tour of Messinia, do not forget to visit Pylos and the Palace of Nestor. The central square of Pylos with the café tables under the plane trees that provide shade abundantly. Stone buildings, traditional architecture, elegant shops and wonderful castles to visit.
Take a carefree tour of the famous and seaside villages of Methoni, Koroni and Petalidi, ideal for unforgettable walks and excursions.
A special charm characterizes Messinian Mani, at the foot of Taygetos, on its eastern border with Laconic Mani, where the mountain falls sharply into the sea. Great nature, green olive groves, dense vegetation, landscapes ideal for nature lovers. Walk to the Byzantine, Frankish and Mani Castles, the cobbled streets and cobblestones of traditional settlements, the gorges and the ravines. The seaside villages of Stoupa and Kardamili are ideal for excursions.
Taygetos itself, a natural border between Laconia and Messinia, is ideal for unique nature tours. It is a favourite mountain of climbers and hikers with exemplary trail signage, which facilitates even novice hikers. We undoubtedly suggest you a visit to the springs of the beautiful Neda.
Neda is the only river in Greece with a female name and is located on the border between Messinia and Ilia. The landscape, uniquely impressive, will enchant you. Climb the river springs, look at the waterfalls, dive in the water and descend along, crossing ravines and passing through caves on a route that will take your breath away and raise your adrenaline to the heights!
Nearby is Polylimnio, a small green paradise, scattered with ponds and waterfalls.
The fertile land of Messinia with its rich delicacies, cooked with the purest ingredients, such as the famous Messinian olive oil and the world-famous Kalamata olives. The ‘pasto’, the ‘kayanas’ (strapatsada) but also the dried figs, the spoon sweets, the Messinian ‘lalagkia’ pretzels, the pastel and the ‘diples’, will take into a great gastronomic journey.
Do not leave Messinia without trying the famous piglet…
A look at the past: the rich history of Ancient Messini
