These are the best places to travel this summer

Kalamata

Greece Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Olive trees in Calamata after rein

Getty Images/iStockphoto

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Kalamata

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

Kalamata, famous worldwide for its olives, is Messinia’s capital and the second-largest city in the Peloponnese. Most travellers blitz through. Give it a chance and you'll discover a long beach, decent restaurants, good shopping, lively nightlife and some excellent museums.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Kastro

    Kastro

    Kalamata

    Looming over the town is the 13th-century kastro (fort). Remarkably, it survived the powerful 1986 earthquake that levelled the city. The entry gate is…

  • Archaeological Museum of Messenia

    Archaeological Museum of Messenia

    Kalamata

    This partially interactive, child-friendly museum focuses on treasures found in four regions – Kalamata, Pylia, Messini and Trifylia. Exhibits include…

  • Church of Ypapantis

    Church of Ypapantis

    Kalamata

    Kalamata's massive 19th-century cathedral is home to the icon after which the town takes its modern name. Pilgrims visit for its miracle-working icon of…

  • Military Museum

    Military Museum

    Kalamata

    One for war buffs, this museum's displays depict Greek military history from the Turkish occupation to the Greek Resistance to Nazi occupation and 21st…

  • Museum of Traditional Greek Costumes

    Museum of Traditional Greek Costumes

    Kalamata

    Opened in 2017, this stunning museum features a remarkable collection of Greek costumes that was donated by Victoria Karelia. Far from moth-eaten old hand…

  • History & Folklore Museum of Kalamata

    History & Folklore Museum of Kalamata

    Kalamata

    This quaint eggshell-blue building holds an exquisite collection of donated local artefacts – from tools and looms to household items and clothes – that…

Plan with a local

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Kalamata