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Kalamata Holidays

An ancient city full of vitality

There’s a lot more to Kalamata than its olives. The second-most populous city of the Peloponnese peninsula, it’s located in Messinia and is an area of unparalleled natural beauty and a hotbed of ancient treasures. With authentic restaurants, a picturesque Old Town, lively nightlife, castles, a cathedral and a pristine beach, Kalamata holidays are diverse and interesting. Nestled in the shadow of the Taygetos Mountains, the resort has striking views across the verdant valleys of the Peloponnese and the Messinian Gulf.

Venture into the surrounding countryside and you’ll notice that every road is lined with neat olive groves, the trees’ branches drooping under the weight of their purple fruit. In summer, the city truly comes alive, buzzing with Athenians on their holidays. It’s also home to the annual Kalamata Dance Festival, which attracts tourists from far and wide. Holidays to Kalamata will inspire you to explore, relax and have fun.

Explore our map of Kalamata

Your Kalamata questions, answered

There’s plenty for families to do, from clambering over ruins to trying out water sports. You’ll also find beautiful parks, olive-picking tours and restaurants serving child-friendly dishes.
Kalamata is known for its nightlife, with many bars and restaurants found around the former train station and Plateia Kentriki (Central Square). There are also live music pubs in the Old Town.
Summers in Kalamata are wonderful – hot and dry, with clear skies and pleasantly warm seas. The historic town is worth seeing at any time of year but, if you're after a sea-and-sun holiday, you should ideally visit between the end of May and the end of September. In August, the temperature rises to over 30°C with an average water temperature of 26°C. If you prefer cooler weather, or you want to make your budget go even further, June and September are the best months for your Kalamata holiday.
Just a short walk from the town centre, Kalamata’s Blue Flag beach boasts a stretch of glorious white sand, crystal-clear water and plenty of sunloungers.
Kalamata has two major exports: its distinctive purple olives and the famous Kalamatianos folk dance, which you’ll see performed all over the world. But this wonderful city in the Peloponnese has much more to offer. Kalamata’s roots go back to the glory days of Ancient Greece. The area around the town is rich in well-preserved ruins and historic castles. With almost four kilometres of spectacular beaches, Kalamata is also a prime destination for sun-seekers. It’s famous for its food, too – and not just the olives. You also have fresh fish and roast meat, local cheeses, salads, sweets and coffee.
Kalamata is just under three hours from Athens by car. If you’re arriving at Athens Airport for your Greek holiday, you can connect at the city’s bus terminal to reach Kalamata with a total journey time of around four hours. However, Kalamata also has its own airport. In the summer months, you can fly there direct from the UK in less than four hours. It’s a convenient way to start your holiday with less fuss and stress.
Absolutely! Whether you’re planning a lively city break, a historical experience or a relaxed beach holiday, Kalamata has much to offer. You have churches and museums, vibrant social life and world-class restaurants with something for every taste. The famous central market is a must for foodies, drawing visitors from all over the world. There’s plenty to explore in the area around Kalamata, too. The ancient walled city of Messini will appeal to history buffs, while nature-lovers will be bowled over by the Taygetos mountain range and the wild beauty of the Mani peninsula.
Nightlife is vibrant in the cosmopolitan city of Kalamata. You’ll find clubs and bars, whether sophisticated and upmarket, cheap and cheerful or anything in between. Live music is a strength too, from traditional Greek folk music to international rock and pop. If you prefer a quieter evening out, there’s a range of bars, pubs and coffee shops. The relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle with its long, warm evenings and equally warm hospitality will make your Kalamata holiday a truly special experience.
With amazing food, immaculate beaches and spectacular scenery, Kalamata is an excellent choice for a romantic getaway. No wonder it’s so popular with couples! But there are lots of ways to experience Kalamata, whether you’re travelling alone, with friends, or with family. This diverse and lively port city has a good range of food, drink and accommodation for every budget. Whether you’re planning a city break or using it as a base to explore the natural beauty of the Peloponnese, a Kalamata holiday combines outstanding value with plenty to see and do.

Hotels in Kalamata

Grecotel Filoxenia Hotel
646 reviews

Certified sustainable

Horizon Blu
545 reviews