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Picture of Kalamata, Greece

Travel Guide for
Kalamata

Greece

Mediterranean, mild winters, hot dry summers

Introduction

Kalamata, nestled in southern Greece’s Messinia region, is famed for its lively waterfront, rich history, and gourmet olive oil. In early October, the weather is pleasantly warm, perfect for exploring the city’s Byzantine castles, open-air markets, and chic seaside restaurants with friends.

The city pulses with vibrant culture, from traditional dance performances to stylish rooftop bars overlooking the Gulf of Messinia. Indulge in luxury at high-end resorts, sail along the coast, or take a private wine tour—Kalamata’s blend of heritage and modern comfort makes it an excellent getaway for a group seeking a sophisticated and memorable escape.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleTravelling with friends

Dates08-12 October 2025

BudgetHigh budget

AccommodationHotel, apartment or house, villa

Interests and Activities:

gastronomyfestivals and eventssightseeing and toursarts and culture

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Picture of Kalamata, Greece

Key Facts

Location

Peloponnese

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Religion

Greek Orthodox Christianity

Population

69,919

Language

Greek, English spoken

Electricity

230V, 50Hz, Type C/F

Time zone

UTCEET (UTC+2)

Country code

+30

Internet access

Widespread 4G/5G, fast broadband, moderate cost

Climate

Mediterranean, mild winters, hot dry summers

See More Greece Facts

Language:

Greek

  • hello

    Γεια σου (yah soo)
  • goodbye

    Αντίο (an-DEE-oh)
  • yes

    Ναι (neh)
  • no

    Όχι (OH-hee)
  • how much

    Πόσο κοστίζει αυτό; (PO-so ko-STEE-zee af-TO)
  • please

    Παρακαλώ (pa-ra-ka-LO)
  • thank you

    Ευχαριστώ (eff-ha-ree-STO)
  • excuse me

    Συγγνώμη (see-GHNO-mee)

Map

Logistics

To reach Kalamata, the quickest way is by flying directly into Kalamata International Airport, which receives seasonal flights from many European cities, especially during warmer months. For a high-budget trip with friends, consider chartering a private jet or booking business-class tickets for extra comfort.

Alternatively, you can fly into Athens and take a luxury private transfer or hire a car for a scenic 2.5-3 hour drive to Kalamata. While trains are limited, intercity buses offer service from Athens, but a private transfer is more flexible for groups. October can bring occasional rain, but travel is rarely disrupted—just pack a light rain jacket.

Weather

Kalamata enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Sunshine is plentiful from May through October, making it popular for outdoor sightseeing and beach visits. Gastronomy thrives year-round, with local olive oil and fresh seafood always in season.

From October 8 to 12, you can expect pleasant fall weather—daytime highs near 24°C (75°F) and cooler evenings. Occasional rain showers become more likely, but extreme weather is rare. Festivals and cultural events often celebrate the olive harvest, so it’s a great time to experience local arts, culture, and tours.

Food & Drink

Kalamata is famous for its olives, high-quality olive oil, fresh seafood, and local specialties like kalamari gemisto (stuffed squid), lahanodolmades (cabbage rolls), and the sweet diples. Must-try drinks include local wines and ouzo. For high-end dining, visit Kastraki Meteoro, Oinopantopoleion 29, or Mia Zoi restaurant; for elegant coffee or cocktails, try Luna Lounge or Luna Lounge Bar.

Luxury seekers will love fish and seafood at DIONYSOS, or contemporary Greek tasting menus at Kardamo. Tipping in Greece is customary but not obligatory—rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is appreciated. Many restaurants cater to vegetarians and offer seasonal, fresh ingredients; always reserve ahead in summer due to high demand.

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Moussaka

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Souvlaki

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Spanakopita

Spanakopita is a savory Greek pastry made with crispy phyllo dough and filled with a flavorful mixture of...

A picture of Dolmades

Dolmades

Dolmades are grape leaves stuffed with a seasoned mixture of rice, pine nuts, and herbs. They are often...

A picture of Baklava

Baklava

Baklava is a sweet and indulgent pastry made with layers of finely shredded phyllo dough, honey, and chopped...

Accommodation

For a luxurious stay with friends, focus on high-end hotels along Navarinou Street near the beach, such as the Pharae Palace or Horizon Blu, both offering sea views and excellent amenities. Boutique hotels in the historic center, like Rex Hotel, offer charm and easy access to Kalamata’s nightlife and restaurants.

Splendid villas and upscale apartments are plentiful through Airbnb, Booking.com, and local agencies—ideal for groups seeking privacy and comfort. Look for villas with private pools or sea views in the Verga or Mikri Mantinia neighborhoods, just a short drive from the city center.

In October, accommodation prices are lower than summer, but book early to secure the best homes or suites for your group, especially during the Kalamata International Dance Festival or other local events.

Itinerary

Begin your journey by settling into Kalamata and experiencing its vibrant energy with a deep dive into local culinary delights and welcoming cultural experiences.

Guided Tasting and Market Tour at Kalamata Central Market

Kick off your trip with a premium guided tasting tour inside Kalamata’s bustling Central Market. Sample local olives, cheeses, honey, and artisanal sweets while learning about the region’s rich food traditions and meeting local producers.

Exploration of the Benakeion Archaeological Museum

Dive into Kalamata’s history at the Benakeion Archaeological Museum, home to fascinating artifacts from ancient Messenia. Enjoy a private guided tour to gain insightful context about the city’s past and its cultural evolution.

Dinner at a Gourmet Seafront Taverna

Savor Kalamata’s culinary excellence with a high-end dining experience at one of the city’s best seafront tavernas. Indulge in creative takes on traditional dishes, fresh local seafood, and regional wines with views of the Messinian Gulf.

Best Seller: Semi-Private Athens Morning Food Tour (15+ tastings)

Best Seller: Semi-Private Athens Morning Food Tour (15+ tastings)

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover the Greek culinary culture on a 4-hour walking tour around Athens' food scene. Let your local guide lead you through the best food spots the historical city has to offer and indulge in 15 different tastings of local flavors. Browse through the vibrant Athens Central Market, visit local shops, bakeries, traditional taverns, and restaurants and taste your way through Athens like a local!

5.0 (548 reviews)

From $105 USD

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Attractions

5.0 (61 reviews)
Organic Olive Grove tour & Olive oil tasting & lunch in Kalamata!

Organic Olive Grove tour & Olive oil tasting & lunch in Kalamata!

INSTANT

An experience designed for olive oil and nature lovers who have a passion for olive oil, nature, tradition and traditional Greek gastronomy! Along with our professional and certified expert, you’ll discover the key aromas, flavours & tastes and will learn which olive-oil variety to pair with your favourite food. Everything that you need to know about this gift from the nature, you will learn it along with people who have a great passion and love about olive trees and olive oil! Light or Full lunch (optional, upon request and at an extra charge) If you wish to conclude your olive oil experience with a delicious light or full lunch, full of Messinian flavours, in one of the most welcoming family restaurants in the heart of Kalamata’s historic centre, just let us know and we can arrange it for you! A memorable, private and personalized experience exclusively for you and your beloved ones, because, once booked for the day no other guests are added in the experience!

From $142 USD

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5.0 (76 reviews)
Olive oil Mill Visit-Kalamata Olives and Olive oil Tasting

Olive oil Mill Visit-Kalamata Olives and Olive oil Tasting

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Enjoy an authentic experience, in a small greek village and discover the olive culture of Greece!Visit a modern Olive Mill and an olive oil Press-Museum and be amazed by the story and the taste of the famous kalamata olives and the extra virgin olive oil! Local goods are "paired" with olive oil so as to experience the full taste of the region.Open up to the olive world, taste the extra virgin olive oil of Kalamata and explore the culture, the tradition, and the gastronomy of Messinia.

From $53 USD

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5.0 (25 reviews)
Private Athens Morning Food Tour (15+ tastings) - Best Seller

Private Athens Morning Food Tour (15+ tastings) - Best Seller

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Our amazing private and personalized walking food tour promises to cast light on the city’s tastes and culinary customs. Watch locals shop at the Central Market, chat to vendors, and visit traditional food spots for 15 tastings of treats such as pies, loukoumades, home-cooked main dishes and desserts, all accompanied by food stories and tips you’d otherwise miss. Entirely customizable and definitely fun, this food tour will leave you full of food and fond memories!

From $166 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Greece cultural tour 12 days from Athens; Greece mainland UNESCO places.

Greece cultural tour 12 days from Athens; Greece mainland UNESCO places.

MANUAL

This off-season balanced tour is aimed for people who interesting in the history of Greece, to walk that ancient historical places where are roots of culture of our civilization. During this tour we will visit 6 places that are on the list of UNESCO. Many other we going to visit places now expecting to be on UNESCO list; such places are prepared, available for public for fraction of cost, and are on so called UNESCO tentative list.

From $4207 USD

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5.0 (6 reviews)
4 Days Classical Private Tour/ Corinth,Mycenae,Nafplio,Sparta,Olympia,Delphi

4 Days Classical Private Tour/ Corinth,Mycenae,Nafplio,Sparta,Olympia,Delphi

INSTANT

We visit Greece, Corinth, Sparta, Ancient Olympia, Nafplio, Mycenae, Delphi, Thebes... as travelers, not as tourists. Schedule is flexible, but most importantly our drivers are seasoned travelers and are dedicated to helping you live the tour of your life, that is suited to your needs and lifestyle, allowing all passengers to enjoy the scenic drive, stopping wherever you desire, take photos, have a break, swim. Like all vacations in Greece local food is high in our list of things to do, we will taste local gastronomy and wines We can arrange accommodation for you in selected Boutique Hotels A'class or 3/4* Hotels with breakfast at an additional cost from 140€ per double room / weekend-holidays 160€ per double room - if more than 2 rooms 10% less. (Driver's room complimentary).

From $1366 USD

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5.0 (6 reviews)
8 Days Peloponnese: Sightseeing, Historical & Tasting Private Tour from Athens

8 Days Peloponnese: Sightseeing, Historical & Tasting Private Tour from Athens

INSTANT

Take a unique sightseeing & photography small group size tour, which will guide you not only in Greek History (Bronze Age to modern times), but guide you also into landscape and scenery photography. We visit majestic Peloponnese and photograph the most interesting ancient & medieval sites, castles, monasteries, villages, landscapes. Tour is also about sunset and sunrise photography so be prepared to venture into the most beautiful sceneries for our photography historical trip. Like all vacations in Greece local food is high in our list of things to do, we will taste local gastronomy and wines Nikolaos your driver is a professional artist and worked as photographer & portrait painter for websites & newspapers. His passion not only for History, but for architectural, landscape and people photography led him to pursue photography tours. Kalavryta, Olympia, Pylos, Methoni, Mani/ Cape Tenaron, Monemvasia, Sparta, Nafplion... are his best choices in Peloponnese. See his photos & portraits

From $2720 USD

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5.0 (10 reviews)
Greek traditional tastes The Kalamata Gastronomic Food Tour

Greek traditional tastes The Kalamata Gastronomic Food Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Dive into a gastronomic local experience where traditional Greek local food is in focus. Accompanied by a local guide, you will visit selected food shops, meet and speak with local shop owners. You will have the chance to taste Kalamata olives and olive oil, cheese, traditional succulent pork and vegetables, fruits, pastry products and pies, while learning about the Greek food culture, myths and stories and deepening your knowledge about Greece. You will find out about culinary and cultural traditions from the Ancient Greek times till today. Enjoy a personalised experience on this small group food tour and take home with you, memories that will last forever! The tour is provided in French as well, upon request.

From $105 USD

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4.8 (180 reviews)
Cooking Classes in Mykonos Greece

Cooking Classes in Mykonos Greece

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Let your taste buds do the traveling during this 6-hour cooking class in Mykonos. Make an authentic Greek meal and then savor it with your fellow cooks, all under the friendly and helpful eye of a professional. Learn how to make classics such as stuffed peppers and spinach pie, and wash it all down with wine and drinks. There is also the option to add a farm or island tour or a walking tour of Mykonos Town. Don’t miss this chance to learn about an important part of Greek culture and become a member of a true Mykonian family.

From $177 USD

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4.9 (308 reviews)
Athens Street Art Walk

Athens Street Art Walk

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Explore Athens in an unconventional way on this fascinating street art walking tour, led by a local artist. In recent years, Athens has become the site of some of Europe’s best street art, with more than 2,000 viewable works around the city. You’ll see a variety of neighborhoods and learn about each of them through the artwork, with your artist guide as your docent. This is a small-group tour limited to 12 people, so you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions as you go.

From $63 USD

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4.6 (28 reviews)
Get Lost in Athens with an Insider

Get Lost in Athens with an Insider

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover an offbeat side of Athens on this 3-hour walking tour with an Athens insider. Led by a local guide, get lost in the most alternative neighborhoods of Athens and learn their history, visit secret corners, and sip rich coffee at traditional coffee shops. Wander through Athenian street art and enjoy the most local and authentic places in Athens, including Psiri, Kerameikos, Public Market, and the hidden island of Athens.

From $89 USD

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4.1 (47 reviews)
Traditional Lunch or Dinner with Drinks in Mykonos

Traditional Lunch or Dinner with Drinks in Mykonos

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy a traditional home made lunch or dinner at the Mykonian Spiti, cooked by your host Teta and experience the traditional Greek way of life, the culture, the Greek art of cooking.

From $77 USD

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4.8 (30 reviews)
Private City Kickstart Tour: Hidden Districts

Private City Kickstart Tour: Hidden Districts

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Welcome to Athens at one of its top areas, Hidden Districts, on a private tour that will kick off your time in the city in the best way! In only 90 minutes, a local guide will get you acquainted with Athens and Hidden Districts to help you enjoy the rest of your stay to the fullest. Discover where to find Psirri and Kerameikos, and how to explore them away from the crowds. And what about that unique family owned restaurant or local hotspot? We got you; the local guides are experts in the subject! Forget about touristy traps; on this city kickstart tour, your guide will point you in the right direction. Private City Kickstart Tour: Hidden Districts is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

From $69 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Explore Athens' Art and Culture with a Local

Explore Athens' Art and Culture with a Local

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This Experience is provided by a private local. Each LocalBini Experience is conducted in a small group of up to 6 people. Find out the different cultural and artistic characteristics that makes this city unique, and enjoy the buzzing community and city ambience! Whether you are visiting Athens as a returning tourist who wants to get to know the city a bit better, or if this is your first time, this Experience is for you! While walking the streets of Athens and looking at the amazing, unique street art, or getting to know more about the city’s galleries and museums, you will hear about street-art artists as well as contemporary artists and their close connection to Athens. I will share with you the art and cultural world of my city, where you will see, hear, and experience how colorful and multifaceted Athens is!

From $93 USD

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