Kalamata is a city in the southwestern Peloponnese, the capital of the Messinia prefecture, and a port in southern mainland Greece. It is built at the foot of Mount Kalathi (on the edge of Taygetos), in the heart of the Messinian Gulf. It is 239 km from Athens and 215 km from Patras. According to the latest census (2011), it has 54,567 inhabitants. It has a temperate Mediterranean climate with warm winters and mild summers. Kalamata is the second largest city in the Peloponnese (after Patras) and its history begins with Homer, who mentions Phares, an ancient city built approximately where the city's Frankish castle stands today. It is an important urban, economic, and commercial center of the region, as well as the administrative center of the prefecture of Messinia.

Kalamata has a vibrant nightlife in both winter and summer, as it beautifully combines the mountains with the sea. In recent years, extensive renovations have changed the city's image (central square, Faros Street, Historical Center, coastal area, pedestrian walkways, etc.), while a bike path has been created, which starts at the market, at the bus station, and crosses the entire city on a magical route passing through the central square and the OSE park, ending at the beach. The city has complete and modern sports facilities where everyone can exercise. Finally, it has a new, modern hospital as well as an international airport. 

 
Every year, Kalamata hosts major, high-quality cultural events, the most notable of which is the International Dance Festival. Since 2012, the Kalamata Carnival has been held during Lent. The city celebrates on February 2 (Candlemas), while March 23 marks the liberation of Kalamata from the Turks.

 

Sights

Museums: Archaeological Museum of Messinia, War Museum of Kalamata, Historical and Folklore Museum of Kalamata, Collection of Greek Costumes "Victoria G. Karelia"

Art galleries: Municipal Art Gallery of Kalamata "A. TASSOS," Gallery of Contemporary Greek Art

Archaeological sites: Archaeological site of Akovitika, Archaeological site of Eleochori, Ancient Sanctuary of Limnatis Artemis in Volimo Artemis, Archaeological site of the ruins of the classical city of Thuria, cemetery of Mycenaean chamber tombs in Ellinika and the dominant Mycenaean vaulted tomb of Anthia at the site of Rachi and Roman baths

Libraries: Kalamata Public Central Library, Kalamata People's Library

Cultural venues: Castle Amphitheater, Municipal Dance School - International Dance Center, Municipal School of Fine Arts, Kalamata Municipal Cultural Center "Pantazopouleios Folk School," Municipal Conservatory, Central & New Theater Stage, Kalamata Dance Hall, Railway Museum

Information from the website of the Municipality of Kalamata (https://www.kalamata.gr/el/)

Useful links:    Kalamata Hospital (https://www.nosokomeiokalamatas.gr/ )

                                        Messinia Bus Station (https://www.ktelmessinias.gr/ )

Updated: March