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Located in the south-west corner of mainland Greece, Kalamata is the capital and main port of the Messinia region of the Peloponnese. It has the best road, air and sea connections for holidays on the Mani Peninsula and the Messinian Bay. The Kalamata region is popular with those looking for relaxing beach holidays, visitors looking to explore the area and train enthusiasts wishing to explore the areas amazing narrow-gauge railways. Kalamata is the gateway to Olympia (the site of the original Olympic Games) and the site of ancient Messini, making it very popular with ancient history enthusiasts. Other historic sites to visit include the Caves of Diros, the Byzantine capital Mystras and the castle of Methoni.
The Kalamata area offers a vast diversity of landscapes including mountains, green valleys, rivers and ravines. There are fishing villages, mountain villages, cliff top coastal walks, secluded coves and ancient sites waiting to be explored. There are some lovely village resorts full of Greek character in the area surrounding Kalamata. These include the quaint fishing village of Finikounda which has three great beaches, the small harbour village of Pylos with its well-preserved fortress and Methoni fishing village with its cliff top castle. Other places to stay in the area include the town of Koroni on the tip of the Messinia Peninsula, the small resort of Yialova which has a wonderful large sandy beach surrounded by hills, olive groves and vineyards, and Stoupa on the Mani Peninsula which is an ideal location for lazing on the beach and exploring the surrounding area. Spring enjoys temperatures ranging from 16-20C and is a great time to explore the surrounding countryside and coastal trails, either on foot, by bicycle or on horse-back. Wander along the ancient mule tracks from village to village taking in the beautiful scenery, wild flowers and wildlife.
The Blue Flag beaches in the Kalamata region are regarded as some of the best in Greece, with golden stretches of sandy beaches in attractive bays which gently slope to the tranquil warm blue sea. During the summer months the crystal-clear waters remain at a constant 25C, making them perfect for swimming, scuba-diving and snorkelling.
Kalamata itself is well known for its 13th century castle, museums and world-famous black olives, not to be missed on your last minute holiday deals to Greece. The old town has a lively main square and cosmopolitan town centre with plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops and not forgetting its busy harbour. The marina offers various boat trips and other activities including windsurfing, sailing and fishing. The gentle breezes coming down from the Taygetos Mountains make sailing conditions in the Aegean and Ionian Sea ideal. During the summer months the castle plays host to many cultural events including a traditional folk festival, dance festival and film festival along with concerts and theatrical plays.
A great day out for the family on their holiday deals to Kalamata is a ferry trip from the port to Crete.
Kalamata enjoys long hot summers and mild winters. The summer season enjoys June temperatures of around 24C, rising to 26-27C during July and August.
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Source by Emma Healey
