Kalamata Holidays

The olive capital of Greece and the Peloponnese's second-biggest city, Kalamata is where history runs deep and the umami olive flavours run even deeper. This is where the Greek War of Independence kicked off in 1821, and today it's a brilliant mix of palm-fringed beaches, Crusader castles, and some of the best food you'll find on the Greek mainland.

☀️ Good to Know

• 🌡️ Summer temps hit 28-31°C with virtually no rain from June to September – proper scorching beach weather with around 300 days of sunshine a year

• 💶 A pint costs around €3.50-€4.50 (£3-£3.80) and a taverna meal about €12-15 – significantly cheaper than the islands

• 🌿 Those famous Kalamata olives? They're a protected designation of origin – meaning the real deal only comes from here, and you can taste the difference

✨ Kalamata Highlights

• 🏰 The 13th-century Villehardouin Castle perched above the city with panoramic views across the Messinian Gulf

• 💃 Greece's premier dance destination – the International Dance Festival in July draws world-class choreographers and thousands of fans

• ⛪ Church of the Holy Apostles – the exact spot where Greek independence was declared on 23rd March 1821

• 🏖️ Blue Flag Kalamata Beach with its palm-lined promenade, beach bars and crystal-clear Messinian Gulf waters

• 🏛️ Benakeion Archaeological Museum housing treasures from the Bronze Age to Roman times in a gorgeous Venetian mansion

🏨 Kalamata Hotels

See all Kalamata hotels. Kalamata's hotel scene ranges from beachfront city stays to ultra-luxury resorts at nearby Costa Navarino, with everything from family-friendly pools to adults-only sophistication.

For Couples

• Horizon Blu Five-star beachfront luxury with an infinity pool, marble bathrooms and a proper spa. Some rooms come with private pools, and you're right on the waterfront promenade for sunset strolls.

• Pharae Palace Stylish four-star just 100 metres from the beach with recently renovated rooms and the Loft Lounge Restaurant on the 5th floor serving up views of the Messinian Gulf alongside Mediterranean dishes.

• The Romanos, A Luxury Collection Resort Pure indulgence at Costa Navarino (45 minutes from Kalamata). Four championship golf courses, an aquapark, Anazoe Spa, and facilities shared with sister resort The Westin.

For Families

• Grecotel Filoxenia Completely renovated four-star seafront estate with 162 rooms, infinity pools that flow towards the sea, and Grecoland Kids' Club to keep the little ones entertained. Tennis courts, spa, and no road between you and the beach.

• The Westin Resort Costa Navarino Spectacular family resort at Costa Navarino with over 20 dining venues, kids' clubs, aquapark with slides, and the Mouratoglou Tennis Centre featuring Greece's only grass court. About 45 minutes from Kalamata.

• Elite City Resort Right on the beach with outdoor pool, sun terrace, pool bar and restaurant. The Elite Aqua Club serves food all day, and you're just 2.5km from the town centre.

Great Value

• Messinian Bay Hotel Just 50 metres from the beach with outdoor pool, terrace, pool bar and buffet breakfast. Simple, well-located, and only 8km from Kalamata Airport.

🎯 What to Do in Kalamata

For Families

• 🏖️ Kalamata Beach – Blue Flag sands with sunbeds, beach bars and shallow waters that are brilliant for paddling

• 🏊 Day trip to Diros Caves – underground lakes and stalactites explored by boat, proper adventure-movie stuff

• 🌊 Voidokilia Beach (40 mins drive) – that famous horseshoe bay with golden sand and turquoise waters

• 🏛️ Ancient Olympia (1.5 hours) – let the kids race on the original Olympic track from 776 BC

For Couples

• 🍷 Wine tasting in Messinia's vineyards – sample indigenous Agiorgitiko and Mavrodaphne varieties

• 🌅 Sunset at the Castle – climb to Villehardouin Castle for panoramic views as the sun drops over the gulf

• 🍽️ Waterfront dining at the marina – fresh catch of the day with views and proper Greek atmosphere

• 🧖 Spa day at one of the luxury resorts – the Anazoe Spa at Costa Navarino is world-class

For Groups

• ⛱️ Beach-hop along the Messinian coast – Stoupa, Kardamyli and Koroni are all within easy reach

• 🚗 Road trip the Mani Peninsula – dramatic coastline, stone tower villages and the Gates of Hades at Cape Tainaron

• 🍻 Night out on the waterfront – bars and restaurants along the promenade with a buzzing summer atmosphere

• 🏌️ Championship golf at Costa Navarino – four courses designed by Bernhard Langer and Robert Trent Jones Jr

For Culture Vultures

• 🏛️ Benakeion Archaeological Museum – Bronze Age to Roman treasures in a beautiful Venetian mansion

• ⛪ Church of the Holy Apostles – Greece's oldest church in town (13th century) where independence was declared

• 🏰 13th-century Castle with its open-air amphitheatre hosting summer concerts and performances

• 📍 Day trip to Ancient Messene (30 mins) – one of Greece's best-preserved ancient cities with stadium, theatre and temples

📅 When to Visit Kalamata

☀️ Summer (June - August)

Highs of 28-31°C

Peak season with scorching temperatures, virtually no rain, and the Messinian Gulf at its warmest for swimming. This is festival season – the International Dance Festival takes over in July (18-27 July), and local villages host food festivals celebrating artichokes, potatoes, olive oil and wine throughout summer.

What's On:

• 💃 Kalamata International Dance Festival (18-27 July) – world-class contemporary dance with performances, workshops and events across the city

• 🎪 White Night/Lefki Nyhta (last Saturday of August) – shops stay open late with cultural activities and special offers

• 🥔 Local Food Festivals (summer) – Artichoke Fest in Mikromani, Potato Fest in Alagonia, Olive Oil Fest in Mikri Mantineia

🌸 Spring (March - May)

Highs of 18-24°C

Gorgeous weather for exploring without the summer crowds. Wildflowers blanket the hillsides and it's perfect for hiking and sightseeing. March 23rd is a particularly special date – the anniversary of Greek independence.

What's On:

• 🇬🇷 Greek Independence Day (23 March) – celebrations at the Church of Holy Apostles where independence was declared in 1821, with parades and reenactments

• 🐐 Clean Monday (variable) – traditional Goat Festival where locals dress as goats with pastoral bells, visiting houses and performing the cycle of life

• 🎭 Carnival (February/March) – traditional gaitanaki (maypole) folkdance, fires, music and local treats

🍂 Autumn (September - November)

Highs of 22-28°C

Lovely warm weather with fewer crowds and the olive harvest in full swing. Sea is still warm enough for swimming in September, and it's brilliant for wine tasting and exploring ancient sites.

What's On:

• 🎬 Peloponnese International Documentary Festival (late November) – screenings, masterclasses and exhibitions across Kalamata

• 🎤 Kalamata International Choir Competition (October 2026) – international choirs compete in the 6th edition of this growing festival

• 🌿 Olive harvest season – watch the famous Kalamata olives being picked and pressed

❄️ Winter (December - February)

Highs of 12-17°C

Mild by UK standards with some rain but still plenty of sunny days. Perfect for history buffs wanting to explore without the heat, and the mountains behind Kalamata sometimes get snow.

What's On:

• 🎄 Christmas in Kalamata (late Nov - early Jan) – festive markets, decorations and events across the city

• 🎭 Theatre and cultural performances at the Municipal Theatre and cultural venues

🏖️ Nearby Resorts

The Peloponnese is best explored with a hire car, opening up dramatic coastlines, ancient ruins and charming villages within easy reach of Kalamata.

• Costa Navarino – luxury resort destination 45 minutes west with world-class hotels, golf courses and stunning Navarino Bay

• Peloponnese – explore the wider region including Nafplio's romantic old town, Ancient Olympia, and the fortress of Monemvasia