The Port of Kalamata is a small coastal harbor, located a short distance from the city centre.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise Schedule for Kalamata.

Watch a destination video.

Capital and chief port of the prefecture is the much sung Kalamata, the land of the Kalamatianos dance and the silk kerchief. Of succulent black olives, honeyed figs and the sesame-covered sweet called pastelli. The town is dominated by the 13th century castle above it built by Geoffrey de Villehardouin. On the north side of the citadel there is a small Byzantine church, dedicated to the Virgin of Kalomata (of the good eye), from which the town may have acquired its name.

The best starting point for sight-seeing around Kalamata is the city's historical area where visitors can wander amongst the historic buildings dating back to the 13th century. These include the Castle of Kalamata and the Women's monastery of Saints Constantine and Helen.

Just below the historical area is the city centre. Aristomenous is the city's main street with a large square and many shops and cafes. Below the city centre is the coast area which bustles with bathers during the day and young people fill the bars and clubs at night. Navarinou street, to the east of the port, is the "coast" for the locals and the citizens' resort; any time of the day and night you will see groups of people strolling by the sea.

The old city is spread out underneath the castle. This is where the Byzantine church of the Virgin Ypapanti and the convent of the Kalograies, where the nuns weave the famous Kalamata silk, are situated.

Don't forget to taste at least some of the varieties of honey, and of course the Kalamata Olives for which this town is world famous.

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Language: Greek

FIRE BRIGADE 199

POLICE 100

AMBULANCE 166

COAST GUARD 108

Shopping hours are a somewhat complicated matter in Greece as they vary according to the type of business. The list below covers the main areas but bear in mind that this is subject to sudden arbitrary and often incomprehensible changes in the law.

Generally the hours between 2.00pm and 5.30pm are dedicated to lunch and the sacred afternoon siesta, especially in the hot summer.

Tourist shops may stay open, so do many kiosks, all the supermarkets, main post-offices and telephone offices.

Apart from kiosks, sweet shops, florists and many tourist shops everything is closed on Sundays. Supermarkets Open at 8.00 am and close at 8.00 pm in winter and 9.00 pm from April to end of October. Saturday they close at 6.00 pm and are closed on Sundays and holidays.

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