I have always had a love hate relationship with Greece.

On one hand, Greece’s got all the good stuff – stunning scenery, the nicest locals, delicious food, and a vibrant culture that loves to sing and dance. But then, summer hits, and suddenly it’s like the entire world decided to spend their vacation in the same place and everything skyrockets in price.

Which isn’t Greece’s fault for being so freaking gorgeous!

But everything I once thought about Greece vanished when I discovered the Peloponnese region. It’s one of the most visited countries in the world, but yet this corner of the country is not widely known.

Now, as lovely as the Peloponnese region is, we are here to talk about the gorgeous city of Kalamata, a city that might ring a bell, especially if you’ve ever ventured to the olive aisle of your local store

Kalamata is surrounded by olive groves, sun-kissed beaches, majestic mountains, and those quaint Greek villages that Netflix should be making rom-coms about. It’s not just the home of the world-famous olives, but a vibrant destination where you can dive headfirst into the Greek culture.

That being said, if you are visiting this fantastic coastal city, this extensive guide has you covered on the best things to do in Kalamata.

Things to do in Kalamata

Tour an Olive Grove

Website  | Address: Οιχαλία, Parapougki 240 08, Greece

65% of Greece’s olive oil comes from the Peloponnese region, so if there is one thing you should do on your trip to Kalamata, it’s visit an Olive Grove.

The best one in the region is Ben’s Olive Mill which is run by Pavlos and his family who are the absolute sweetest.

They are located about a 30-45 minute drive from Kalamata in the small town of Parapougki. To arrange a tour, you can send a message through their website.

During the tour, you’ll get the lowdown on how olives go from tree to table as you stroll through the groves, learn about the methods used to whip up their olive oil, and, of course, you’ll partake in a tasting session.

You’ll discover pretty quickly that tasting olive oil can be just as complex as tasting coffee and wine.

If you’re keen on bringing unique souvenirs back with you, they sell not only infused olive oils but an array of items, from soaps to handmade olive oil plates and fresh spices. I had to stop myself from clearing out their entire stock.

Wander Around a Ruined Castle

Address: Spartis 28, Kalamata 241 00, Greece | Opening Hours: 08:00 to 20:00 in summer and 08:30 to 15:30 in winter

Kalamata castle is one of the most important landmarks in the city, with an incredibly rich history. It was built on a hilltop (much like the acropolis in Athens) in the 13th century as a fortress to defend the region against invaders and has had many rulers over the years including the Byzantines, Franks, and Ottomans.

While many of its structures have crumbled over the centuries, you can explore its ruins and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area.

Try Delicious Greek Food on a Food Tour

Food tours are an integral part of travel for me, So naturally, I had to take one during my trip to Kalamata. We not only tasted traditional regional dishes but also learned about Greek cuisine and culture.

In spite of its size, Kalamata offered a variety of food tours, and I opted for Food Philosophy, a company run by a food loving couple. We stopped at nine places including a market where we sampled olives, honey, cheese, and wine, a local bakery for some traditional sweets, and we delved into the art of olive oil tasting. My favorite stop was a charming taverna, where we tried in a variety of Greek dishes, including a gyro that was out of this world.

Explore Kalamata from Above While Paragliding

Website

Paragliding easily tops my list as one of the most nerve-wracking yet utterly thrilling experiences I have ever done. For those not familiar with this sport, it involves soaring with these lightweight, free-flying gliders that the pilot dangles from.

Oh, and if dangling hundreds of feet off the ground wasn’t enough, it’s launched by running down a slope or off a cliff. So if heights aren’t your thing, you may want to skip this one.

Anyway, Petros, my instructor, was fantastic! He picked me up from a hotel in the city and then drove me 45 minutes to the take-off point.

He walked me through every step to ensure a seamless and enjoyable ride. This was my first time paragliding so naturally I had a lot of anxiety, but he was very patient, and waited until I felt calm enough to fly.

He arranged for a driver to accompany us to the take-off point, who would drive my bag down, as we couldn’t bring anything along for the ride, understandably.

The flight lasted around 15 minutes, which was long enough to fully enjoy the ride, and after we landed softly on the beach below we met up with the driver who gave me my things.

If you are worried about getting footage of your flight, Petros attaches a go pro to one of the gliders, which he’ll transfer to you after you land.

Check Out Some Historic Trains

If your idea of a good time involves browsing historic locomotives in a beautiful park, The Kalamata Municipal Railway Park is worth a visit. This is the only open air train museum in Greece. You’ll find trains dating back 100-150 years. Unfortunately, you can’t go into any of the trains and this place needs some serious renovations, but it’s still a great place to wander around.

Eat Amazing Greek Food at a Local Tavern

In Greece, the only thing more legendary than the mythology is the food! I had some of the BEST food during my trip to Kalamata and I may have stuffed my face with more Gyros than I would like to admit.

The Pelopponnese region is not only known for their endless olive groves, but they also have a large farming and agriculture population, so the food you get will be incredibly fresh.

Kamares | Address: Mpoutsi 2, Kalamata 241 00, Greece

Kamares is a classic Greek taverna that will make you feel as if you’ve stumbled into a Netflix Rom Com. It’s absolutely gorgeous, with trees and plants surrounding the place, and some nights they have live music. In terms of food, you really can’t go wrong. They have a massive menu with traditional and regional dishes, but I recommend the cheese balls, and a plate of beef smothered in tomato sauce. The salads are also very good.

Souvlakia Panagiotis | Address: Epitou 12, Kalamata 241 00, Greece

Souvlakia Panagiotis is known for one thing, and unsurprisingly it’s souvlaki filled to the brim with juicy meat and slathered with a creamy sauce and spices. This place is small and best if you want something quick.

Jajiki Funky Greek Food | Address: Amfias 11, Kalamata 241 00, Greece

If the name doesn’t lure you in, surly the bright yellow interior will, or the mouthwatering smell of gyros and souvlakis being served. Their menu has a lot of Greek dishes to choose from, even unexpected things like Greek style bao buns.

Σπιτικό φαγητό «Ο Πολυχρόνης» | Address: Tsamadou 7, Kalamata 241 00, Greece

Kalamata has a lot of restaurants that aren’t translated on maps, and this is one of them, but it makes sense once you eat here. I arrived, and the cutest Greek grandma came out and greeted me. She showed me to my seat and gave me a menu that only showed their daily specials, so I chose the fried pork chop.  She was the only one cooking and serving the food, but everything came out pretty quickly and the pork was juicy and perfectly cooked and seasoned.

If you want to find this place, just copy and paste it into maps.

Thiasos | Address: Ipapantis 7, Kalamata 241 00, Greece

If you are looking for a massive plate of traditional Peloponnese juicy roast pork, this is one of the best places to come!  They get very busy and do sell out, although I ate here in the late afternoon and it was fine. The pork was tender and had a generous amount of crispy crackling. I still drool when I think about this meal.

Ta Rolla | Address: Spartis 53, Kalamata 241 33, Greece

Ta Rolla has been in business since 1924 and operated by the same family. They are all about serving up home-cooked Greek food. There is a menu, but they had everything laid out behind some glass, so I ended up choosing a pasta dish with braised lamb and fried cheese. By far, one of the best meals I had in Kalamata.

Eat Your Way Through the Central Food Market

The market in Kalamata is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Every day the market is bustling, selling everything from your typical fruits and veggies to wine, olives, nuts, bread, meat, fish, and cheese. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the big farmers market happens. Farmers from all over the area come and sell their crops.

If you are staying in an apartment with a kitchen, this is a great opportunity to come and pick up fresh veggies to cook with or just look around and admire the fresh produce. If you are hungry, the restaurant at the front of the market has excellent and super cheap gyros and salad.

You can also sample various products at each stall. You could make a full afternoon of it.

Try a Peloponnese Specialty

Gournopoula, or roast suckling pig, is a delicacy in the Peloponnese region.  It’s a combination of crackling skin, and juicy meat, slow-roasted to perfection. Many restaurants save this long process for the weekend, but there are plenty of places that offer it every day, like, Traditional Pork, but they tend to run out before 14:00, so go early if you want to try it.

Thiasos is another popular spot to get Gournopoula. They will serve you a massive plate piled high with pork, crackling, and potatoes.

Have a Sun Soaked Day at the Beach

Kalamata Beach might not be the crown jewel of Greek beaches, but it’s not the worst. It’s definitely worth spending some time there, especially with the gorgeous view of Taygetos mountain range in the distance.

It’s worth noting that this is a pebble beach, so if you planned on taking a towel and sunbathing, you may want to reconsider, but the good news is that there are sun beds you can rent. I recommend having a sip-and-sun session. There are plenty of beach bars that have their own sun beds as long as you order something, they are yours to use – not a bad deal, right?

If lounging on the beach isn’t quite your cup of tea, no worries. There’s a ton of restaurants where you can kick back and still soak in the stunning views. There is also a paved promenade that runs along the entire stretch of the beach,

Look at Stunning Historical Greek Outfits

The Victoria Karelias Collection | Address: Stadiou 64, Kalamata 241 00, Greece

This was my favorite museum in Kalamata! While fashion isn’t usually my thing, I find myself fascinated by traditional clothing from around the world.

This museum was created by Victoria Karelias, who for the past 50 years has amassed an incredible collection of traditional Greek clothing and jewelry from various parts of the country. This is one of Greece’s most extensive traditional clothing collections and a must-visit when in Kalamata.

Eat Some Deliciously Outrageous Pancakes

Luna Lounge | Address:  Aristomenous 23, Kalamata 241 00, Greece

Luna Lounge is a charming little bistro with a delicious secret: they whip up the most INCREDIBLE pancakes in all of Kalamata. They serve these irresistible Banoffee pancakes, consisting of a stack of soft, fluffy pancakes, layered with slices of sweet banana, generously drizzled with toffee sauce, and crowned with adorable mini mounds of whipped cream.

Have a Drink at a Cool Bar

ΚΥΤΤΑΡΟ Rock Bar | Address: Amfias 12, Kalamata 241 00, Greece

ΚΎΤΤΑΡΟ ROCK BAR is a rock ‘n’ roll themed bar and one of the best places to grab a drink in Kalamata. The bar boasts an impressive drink selection, and for whiskey enthusiasts, they have over 450 different types of whiskey as well a huge craft beer selection. I had several great nights here during my time in Kalamata.

Mon Cherie Cocktail Bar | Address: Πλατεία 23ης Μαρτίου 7, Kalamata 241 00, Greece

I’m not sure about you, but there are times when I’m craving a chilled, boozy drink at an hour when most bars are closed. Mon Cherie Cocktail Bar is a rare gem that opens its doors at the reasonable hour of 10 AM.

They served some incredible and unique cocktails. Two that caught my eye were Iceland – a dreamy blend of vodka, elder flower liquor, creme de violet, and blue curacao and Greenland – a refreshing mix of Gin, apple sourz, mastiha liquor, and apple purée. I ended up ordering them both! If you like sweet drinks, these are worth trying!

Bad Habits | Address: Navarinou 59, Kalamata 241 00, Greece

Bad Habits kind of reminds of those cheap bars I used to frequent in college, except with much better drinks. They offer an extensive selection of over 30 drinks, including some tasty signature cocktails like the “Bad Habit” pictured below with rum, lime juice, strawberry, and coconut topped with a fluffy marshmallow.

Learn About Kalamata’s History at a Museum

History and Folklore Museum | Address: Agiou Ioannou 12, Kalamata 241 00, Greece | Cost: Free

For those interested in learning more about Kalamata’s history and Greek culture in general should come to the history and folklore museum. This museum is housed in a gorgeous 19th century mansion.

Because history feels more accurate when it’s in an old, fancy house.

Inside you will find artifacts from the Greek Independence war of 1821 as well as many agricultural tools, pottery, weaving, and traditional clothing. There is also an entire section dedicated to bookbinding, since Kalamata was home to the first printing house in Greece!

Military Museum | Address: Μητροπολιτου Μελετίου 10, Kalamata 241 00, Greece | Cost: Free

I have never been a fan of military museums, but I decided to visit the Kalamata military museum, and I am so glad I did!

The Greek military operates this museum, which means if you go there, you might just get a tour from someone actively serving in the army. There is also no English text in the museum, so having a guide show you around is a must.

This museum holds artifacts from various wars including the Greek War of Independence, the Balkan Wars, and World War II.

Archeological Museum | Address: Agiou Ioannou 3, Kalamata 241 00, Greece | Cost: €2

The Archaeological Museum in Kalamata is well-organized and features a range of artifacts that span from the Copper Age all the way to Roman times. You’ll find a variety of items on display, including statues, objects unearthed from graves, ceramic, and copper tools as well jewelry and seals.

Tour the Oldest Family Run Distillery in Greece

Callicounis Distillery | Address: 7o χλμ, ΕΟ Καλαμάτας Σπάρτης, Messini 241 00, Greece

The Callicounis Distillery was founded back in 1850 by Nikolaos Callicounis, it’s not just old; it’s THE OLDEST family-run distillery in Greece. Today, it’s still in the hands of the Callicounis clan!

Nikolaos Callicounis was a botanical wizard who combined his knowledge of chemistry with his knowledge of local plants and fruits to make an alcohol brand that has won countless awards (46 to be exact!).

They create a decent range of alcohols featuring vodka, sambuca, gin, and traditional Greek spirits like ouzo, raki, and masticha. If you visit, you’ll have the chance to try some of them (or all of them) after you tour the facilities.

During our tour, we were treated to an in-depth look at the entire alcohol making process, from ideation to bottling the product. There was even a room that looked like my high school chem lab. By the end, I had so much appreciation for the companies who create the alcohol I drink.

To visit Callicounis, you can book a tour for 8 euros.

Eat the Famous Food Kalamata is Known For

I hope I am not alone when I say this, but I had no clue Kalamata olives came from a city by the same name. These olives have been a staple in Greek diets since ancient times, dating back to the early Minoan era.

The olive tree itself has been a symbol of honor and culture in Greece, even used as a prize for champions in the Olympic Games.

But be wary of what Kalamata olives you consume outside of Greece. True Kalamata olives, have a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, which means that true Kalamata olives must be grown, produced, and processed in the Messinia region.

Go Horse Back Riding on the Beach

Man, it has been a hot minute since I have last ridden a horse (about 20 years!). So you can imagine my excitement and nervousness when I decided to ride one, let alone go swimming with one!

Kalamata Horse Riding School is located about a 15-20 minute drive from Kalamata City center in the outskirts. When I arrived, I was met by the owner who paired me up with Mojito – not the drink, but an equally refreshing white horse.

He was a cutie and a beauty!

Once Mojito was saddled up, it was showtime! In my head, I had this picture-perfect scene where I’d elegantly mount Mojito, and everyone would be in awe of my graceful move. Instead, I was pushed up by the butt because I didn’t have the upper strength to get myself on.

I know, I was off to a great start!  

When I was finally on, we moseyed down a 15-minute trail to the beach, where I was going to get to swim with him for a few minutes.

But that meant I had to get off of him while they took his saddle off and then get back on. Getting on without a saddle is a lot more difficult.

So yes, I did indeed look like a sack of potatoes as I was being hoisted back on top of him.

After eventually making our way into the water, I found myself constantly feeling like I was on the brink of tumbling off of Mojito. In fact, the effort to maintain my balance was so intense that my legs ached for days afterward (I guess I haven’t used those muscles in a while).

Our swim only lasted for a few minutes, and then we walked up and down the beach for a bit before heading back to the stables.

Keep in mind, this was purely my experience, and you do not have to swim with the horses if you don’t want to. To be honest, I probably wouldn’t swim with them again, but I did have fun and would definitely ride a horse on the beach in Kalamata again or anywhere really.

To book a tour, I suggest calling them at +30 697 282 7347. This is how I contacted them and they were very responsive. 

Try Ouzo at a Small Family Run Distillery

Kosteas | Address: Αναγνωσταρά 35 &, Nikitara 6, Kalamata 241 00, Greece

I think Kosteas Distillery creates the BEST Ouzo in Greece and quite possibly the best alcohol in general! They make a range of traditional Greek spirits as well as many flavored liquors such as limoncello, banana, strawberry, watermelon, hazelnut, triple sec, and the list goes on and on.

I found Kosteas by chance as I was researching somewhere to buy Ouzo. I emailed them and the owner set a time for me to come taste their alcohol. Pretty sure I sipped my way through their entire stock.

I bought a bottle of ouzo, watermelon, and hazelnut liquor. Watermelon for the summer, hazelnut for the winter and ouzo for every day. At least this was my thinking when I was purchasing these bottles that I definitely did not have room in my suitcase for.

Anyway, the tasting was fabulous, and the distillery is currently run by the sons of the original owner, so it was nice chatting with them and learning more about their company which was started by their father in 1962.

They hope to one day open a bigger factory and provide tours, but for now, they allow visitors to come in a taste their alcohol. Oh, and if you don’t know which spirits to taste first, you can do what I did and just go by which bottle has the prettiest artwork.

To make a tasting appointment, you can contact them here. Make sure to contact them at least a week before so they have time to arrange something.

Eat the Best Truffles of your Life at a Chocolate Shop

Many places I found in Kalamata aren’t translated in Google Maps, which makes telling people about them very difficult. Ζαχαροπλαστειο Cioccolatto pastry & decor is one of these places, but to find it, you can copy and paste it into Google Maps. 

Anyway, these guys know how to make amazing truffles. You know how I know that? Because many of the coffee shops and bakeries in the city sell them.  I had to ask a coffee shop who their truffle dealer was to find this place.

They have strawberry, chocolate, vanilla and if I remember correctly they had a yummy caramel flavor. I came back to this chocolate shop multiple times with the intention of bringing a box home, but the box never made it home with me. Whoops!

The truffles have creamy fillings that will melt in your mouth and to be honest, describing the taste won’t do these truffle’s justice. You need to just experience it for yourself!

Attend a Cultural Festival

Kalamata,is not just a city famed for its succulent olives; it’s also a vibrant hub of cultural festivities. Throughout the year, this city buzzes with a variety of festivals and below I have listed the most popular festivals worth checking out!

1. Kalamata International Dance Festival: A prominent event dedicated to dance, involving various activities like performances, workshops, and outdoor events. It supports new Greek choreographers and dance companies. It’s held in July.
2. Kalamata Street Festival: An annual rock music festival featuring a mix of local and international musicians. It includes food and drink stands, art displays, and workshops, catering to rock fans of all ages. This happens at the end of July.
3. Peloponnese Beer Festival: This festival celebrates the Greek craft beer industry, featuring small microbreweries, street food, and live music. It’s held on the first weekend of August and is a great opportunity to sample a variety of craft beers.
4. Kalamata Music Days: A festival that includes a range of musical performances, from classical to contemporary genres. This happens every July and August.

Eat a Massive Meat 

I still dream about the meat plates in Kalamata. To put this in perspective, I was traveling solo in Kalamata and the majority of meat plates served at least 2-3 people, but you could order various sizes if you were more.

Pictured below was the smallest meat plate, and it had sausages, chicken, pork, beef, french fries, pita bread, and some dipping sauces. Needless to say, I had a few days worth of meals.

You can find meat plates at various restaurants all over the city. I got this one at Elia Restaurant close to the beach, and it was very good! Another place that has it is Da Luz, but I haven’t tried it there.

Eat Traditional Pastries at a Bakery

Mammas Sweethouse | Address: Amfias 20, Kalamata 241 00, Greece

I have a HUGE sweet tooth, so when I found Mammas Sweethouse I was very excited! They have one of my favorite Greek desserts: Loukomades. Loukamades are fried doughnut balls, often smothered in chocolate sauce or honey.

Here they make them with a twist. You can choose from several variations. I went with Bannoffee which had banana, caramel, cookie pieces, and vanilla ice cream and of course a chocolate shake to wash it down with.

While I’m a big fan of the Loukoumades and would definitely recommend them, Mammas Sweethouse also offers a variety of other desserts. They have various waffle and pancake options as well as ice cream, pies, cakes, and so much more!

APOLAUSI SWEET LAB | Address: ΚΡΗΤΗΣ 22 ΚΑΙ ΜΑΙΖΩΝΟΣ 103, Μουλαβασίλη 60, Kalamata 241 00, Greece

I found this gorgeous place as I was walking back home from the beach. The interior looked fancier than the other bakeries I have been in, so I wandered inside. Immediately, my eyes were drawn to the colorful table of beautifully wrapped chocolates in various colors of foil in the middle of the bakery.

I ended up buying one of each, planning to make them last for a week. I ate them in two days. They also had lots of beautifully crafted cakes, cookies and various other desserts in display cases that looked very good.

This bakery is certainly worth checking out, even if you don’t plan on buying anything. But, be warned: once you’re inside, it will be tough to walk out empty-handed.

Athanasiou Bakery | Address: Various Locations

One time I got a bag of various types of cookies and another time I got these ice cream (picture one) & pudding (picture two) cups you see below. Since it’s a chain, I always seemed to walk by one and my nose and stomach dragged me in.

Delight | Address: Faron 83, Kalamata 241 00, Greece

This is another delightful bakery I found. No pun intended! It’s a simple family run place, but they make some incredible Greek pastries.

Walk Along Aristomenous Street

Aristomenous Street was constructed in 1871, and was originally named Highway Beach. It.stands as a vibrant symbol of Kalamata’s heart and soul. This central throughfare begins at the historic March 23 Square, distinguished by a monument that honors the heroes of the Greek Revolution.

Stretching through the heart of Kalamata, it concludes its path at the port’s Customs Office. This street showcases some incredible neoclassical buildings, many of which are now occupied by coffee houses and shops. As you walk along the street, you’ll also encounter King George Square, a focal point of the city.

You’ll also pass by Railway Park, a unique open-air museum that I talk about at the beginning of this post.

I recommend a stroll down Aristomenous Street even if you don’t want to walk the entire thing, it’s a great way to explore Kalamata.

Sip Coffee at Cute Coffee Shop

I was amazed at the sheer number of coffee shops in Kalamata. Despite its relatively small size, there seemed to be a coffee shop on every block. Needless to say, I drank way more coffee than I normally drink on a daily basis, and I am not upset about it.

What you Should Know About Greek Coffee

Preparation and Brewing Style: Greek coffee is prepared in a unique way. It’s brewed using finely ground coffee beans in a special small pot called a ‘briki‘. The coffee is mixed with water and sugar (if desired) and then heated over a low flame. Unlike most Western coffee-making methods, the coffee grounds are not filtered out, resulting in a strong, rich flavor.

Serving and Consumption: It’s traditionally served in a small cup, similar to an espresso cup, and is meant to be enjoyed slowly. Due to the presence of grounds settled at the bottom of the cup, it’s not usual to drink the entire contents.

Types of Greek Coffee: The sweetness level of Greek coffee varies and is usually specified when ordering:

• ‘Sketos‘ (σκέτος): No sugar, quite strong.
• ‘Metrios‘ (μέτριος): Medium sweetness, usually with one teaspoon of sugar.
• ‘Glykos‘ (γλυκός): Sweet, containing two or more teaspoons of sugar.

Flavor: Greek coffee has a strong, concentrated flavor, with a slight bitterness and a creamy foam on top, known as ‘kaimaki‘. The quality of the kaimaki is often considered a sign of well-prepared Greek coffee.

Social Aspect: In Greece, coffee is much more than just a beverage; it’s an important social activity. Greek coffee is typically consumed in social settings, often in a ‘kafeneio’ (traditional coffee shop), and it’s an opportunity for relaxation and conversation.

Greek Iced Coffee Variations: Besides the traditional hot version, iced coffee variations are popular in Greece, especially in warmer months. The most famous is the Greek frappé, made with instant coffee, water, sugar, and often milk, shaken to create a frothy, refreshing drink.

Cultural Significance: Greek coffee plays a vital role in daily life and special occasions. It’s common for Greeks to start their day with a cup of coffee and to continue consuming it leisurely throughout the day.

Coffee Shops you Need to Visit

Καφεκοπτεία Σπίνος (Spinos Coffee) | Address: Aristomenous 15, Kalamata 241 00, Greece

This was my favorite coffee shop in Kalamata. A lovely couple runs it together, and they sell some of the best coffee I have ever had. I even ended up buying a couple bags to take home with me.

They had a great variety of flavored coffees such as pancake, caramel, and hazelnut, among others, which remarkably didn’t have that artificial, chemical taste you typically find in flavored coffees in the US.

When I tried the pancake flavored coffee, it was like eating real pancakes, and the caramel flavor genuinely resembled the taste of actual caramel. They also sell lots of healthy and some not so healthy snacks, which of course I stocked up on as well.

This is another place that doesn’t have a translation in maps, so to find it, just copy and paste it into Google or Maps.

Blossom Owl | Address: Valaoritou 7, Kalamata 241 00, Greece

To be honest, I wasn’t a huge fan of the food at Blossom Owl. I gave it a second try, hoping another dish might be better, but unfortunately I still wasn’t a fan. However, what kept me returning was the exceptional coffee they served.

Blossom Owl boasts one of the most extensive coffee menus I’ve seen in Kalamata. Their menu includes various brewing methods like dripper, aeropress, and syphon. They also have some unique coffee blends, such as the tahini chocolate latte and Tsagogalo latte, a flavorful mix of cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and clove.

You can basically find any kind of coffee your heart desires.

Kalimera Artisan Coffee Roasters | Address: Faron 150, Kalamata 241 00, Greece

This was the most modern looking coffee shop I visited and the most convenient because it was a 3-minute walk from my AirBnB. I really liked this place because it was one of the few coffee shops in the city that was laptop friendly.

They didn’t have an extensive coffee menu, but the coffee was good and quite affordable, with a Freddo Cappuccino (the best drink) being 1.80 euro and a regular cappuccino at 2 euros.

Holy Mug | Address: Tsamadou 13, Kalamata 241 00, Greece

If you are looking for good coffee AND good food, Holy Mug is where it’s at! I was greeted with lots of enthusiasm by the owner, who helped me decide what to order. She said, I absolutely have to try the Peloponnese breakfast. She told me, her grandma, used to make it all the time and it’s very good!

This consisted of eggs, cheese, tomatoes, and pork, scrambled together and placed over a piece of bread. So I ordered that and then a latte, and it was indeed very good. They also had an array of yummy looking pastries that I was too full to try, but would definitely go back for.

This place was super cute, and conveniently located near the beach, making it an ideal spot for a breakfast and coffee before spending the day by the sea.

Where to Stay in Kalamata

Kalamata FAQS

How to Get to Kalamata

To get to Kalamata, Greece, you have several options depending on your starting location and preferences:

1. By Air: The most direct way is to fly into Kalamata International Airport (KLX). This airport receives both domestic and international flights, especially during the tourist season. If you’re flying from outside Europe, you might need to connect through a larger airport like Athens or Thessaloniki.
2. From Athens by Car or Bus: If you’re in Athens, you can drive or take a bus to Kalamata. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours via the A7/E65 motorway. Buses from Athens to Kalamata are frequent, comfortable, and reasonably priced.

What is the Weather like in Kalamata

How do you Get Around Kalamata

1. By Bus: Buses are the most common mode of transportation in Kalamata. The city has four main bus lines that run frequently, especially during the summer months. These buses are used by locals and visitors alike to get around the city and to nearby beaches. You can find the bus station in Kalamata next to the food market and close to the city’s historic center. Tickets can be purchased on board the bus, and fares are very reasonable. A single ticket costs around €1.50, and a day pass costs around €5.00. I recommend downloading Moovitapp to get the bus schedule in real time.
2. By Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Kalamata, and they are a good option if you need to get somewhere quickly or if you are traveling with a group of people. You can hail a taxi on the street or find a taxi rank in the city center.
3. By Car: Renting a car is a great way to explore Kalamata and the surrounding area at your own pace. There are several car rental companies located in Kalamata, and you can also book a car online in advance.
4. By Foot: Kalamata is a walkable city, and many of the main attractions are located within walking distance of each other. Walking is a great way to see the sights and get some exercise.

Is Kalamata Accessible

Unfortunately, Kalamata is not very accessible. The sidewalks are not well maintained and many of the museums don’t have ramps or lifts.

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Travel Resources

First off, if you want to browse all my favorite travel resources, check out my Travel Resources page.

Trip Planning: I have put together the ultimate trip planning guide that will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip.

Book your Flight: Check out Skyscanner and Momondo! They can have great deals. Airfarewatchdog is also a favorite of mine. I get notified by email every time there is a good deal from my local airport.

Book your Transportation: Wanderu is usually where I check first. They check hundreds of different transportation companies all over the world and find you either the best bus or train deal. Flixbus is one of my favorite cheap options for Europe. The buses generally aren’t too bad, and they go to most countries around Europe. It’s the perfect option for short distances. Train travel is my favorite mode of transportation, and I always use Rail Europe to book my tickets. The Eurail pass makes Europe train travel super affordable.

Book your Accommodation: On a budget and looking for cheap accommodation? Hostelworld is my preferred site to book cheap and reliable hostels. Hotwire has a fun mystery to it. It’s a great site to use for last-minute bookings. They don’t actually tell you the name of the hotel when you are browsing. You will just get the area of the city it’s in, the price, and how many stars it has. I love the surprise aspect of it!

Book your Travel Insurance: Getting travel insurance is such a crucial part of preparing for a trip. You never know what could happen, and why take the risk? Before I travel anywhere, I always book my insurance through Safety Wing.

Book your Activities: Now, you have planned all the logistics, time to think about what you will do once you get to your destination!  The main site I use is Get Your Guide. I have booked cooking classes, day tours and so much more through them and absolutely love the immense selection they offer in cities all over the world!

Store Your Luggage: Do you have a long layover or a late flight and need to store your luggage? Radical Storage has got you covered. You can book luggage storage in more than 500 cities worldwide.