Kalamata travel guide

Kalamata is the economic and transportation hub of the Southwest Peloponnese, you’re certain to pass through or close to it when visiting this area. It’s a modern city with a port area several kilometers south of the city centre, and the closest city to where we live.

A big earthquake devastated the town in 1986 and much rebuilding work was done. Many buildings collapsed because of poor building standards, but don’t worry, the standards and control now are very good. The Castro, a small remnant of the old town has some interesting small shops selling local produce, a small byzantine church and a popular Souvlaki stall. There is also a castle to the north but there isn’t much to see there. The city centre has plenty of shopping, cafes, bars and restaurants.

In July the Kalamata International Dance Festival has performances by modern dance companies from all over the world, and some of the performances are in the amphitheater of the castle. Tickets sell out quickly so you’ll need to book well in advance

Most tourists go there because they want to buy something or end up there on a bus or train, but in Kalamata you can see a modern wealthier Greece developing without the  distorting influence of tourism. You can see the old Greece of small laberynthine  shops and cafes with only Greek and instant coffee next to modern neon fashion stores and cafe bars with comfortable sofas and cappuccinos that cost €4.

For transport links look at Lonely Planet