Kalamata & Messinia

Messinia, located at the South West corner of the Peloponnese, is one of the most imposing archaeological sites of Greece where visitors have the chance to wander among the findings and the traces of antiquity. The region has numerous small or long sandy beaches, with calm waters or huge waves that will satisfy families or aspiring surfers. At the same time the visitor can explore its vast olive groves, green valleys, mountains, gorges and mountainous cliff-hanging villages with breathtaking views.

People have lived in Messinia since the Neolithic age; however the Mycenaean age was indisputably the golden in Messenia’s history and Pylos was the second largest city after Mycenae. On 20th October 1827, the allied fleet fought at Navarino bay, against the combined Turkish and Egyptian fleet, which event essentially signaled the independence of the Peloponnese from the Turkish domination.

Kalamata is the capital and main port of the Messinia region of Peloponnese. Kalamata is one of the most gifted cities in Greece, thanks to its geographic position. Situated in the heart of the Messinian Bay and on the roots of the imposing Mountain Taygetos, it is ideal for exploring the area. The old town, which is built around a 13th century castle, is quite picturesque as is the waterfront along Navarinou Street. The city is famous as the town of olive trees and as the gateway to magnificent Mani. The airport, railway, port and bus station make it a transportation hub and gateway to the surrounding area and southern Peloponnese.

Great castles hit by ferocious waves in Methoni and Koroni. In Pylos learn about the famous naval battle and admire the Niocastro castle. Discover fairytale landscapes as you walk along the only female river in Greece, Neda. Taste the Messinia’s olive oil and its sacred olives, nectar of the gods. Voidokoilia, a fairytale beach, swim in the ideal final destination, the last letter of the Greek alphabet, an omega (Ω).

Featured Itineraries

Experience Kalamata & Messinia

Natural Landscapes of Kalamata & Messinia

Messinia offers breathtaking contrasts, from the sandy beaches of Voidokilia and Finikounda to the dramatic cliffs and caves of Mani. The Taygetos mountain range, gorges like Viros and Rintomo, and fertile valleys filled with olive groves make it a destination of both natural beauty and agricultural richness.

Vasiliki Forest of Taygetus

The Gorge of Vyros

Voidokoilia Beach

The Gorge of Rintomo

Polilimnio

The Gorge of Neda

Gialova Lagoon

Archaeological sites, Castles & Museums of Kalamata & Messinia

Messinia boasts significant ancient sites, such as Ancient Messene, one of Greece’s best-preserved classical cities with walls, theaters, and temples still standing. Pylos and its Palace of Nestor, associated with Homer’s epics, and smaller sanctuaries scattered through the countryside enrich the historical landscape.

Archaeological Museum of Pylos

Archaeological Museum of Messene

Archaeological Museum of Kalamata

The Niokastro of Pylos

The Kapetanakides Tower

The Castle of Zarnata

The Castle of Methoni

The Castle of Koroni

Palaiokastro of Navarino

The castle of Kalamata

Archaeological Site of Ancient Messini

Cities of Messinia

Kalamata, a vibrant city famous for its olives, combines modern urban life with cultural events and seaside charm. Beyond the capital, towns such as Pylos, Methoni, and Koroni enchant with Venetian architecture and harbors, while mountain villages like Kardamyli and Stoupa retain a traditional, picturesque character.

Stoupa

Pylos

Methoni

Koroni

Kalamata

Popular Monasteries & Churches of Kalamata & Messinia

Messinia is home to historic monasteries, including the Monastery of Voulkanos overlooking Ancient Messene and the Monastery of Andromonastiro near Pylos. These religious sites, many with Byzantine roots, preserve sacred art, traditions, and a peaceful spiritual atmosphere.

Voulkanou Monastery in Messini

Velanidia Monastery in Kalamata

Saint Konstantinos & Saint Eleni Monastery

Getting to Kalamata & Messinia

By car

The capital of the Prefecture of Messinia, Kalamata, is 240km from Athens following the National Highway Athens-Kalamata. As an indication, Kalamata is 215km from Patra, 120km from Pyrgos, 85km from Tripolis and 60km from Sparta. The trip by car is relatively comfortable as the road network is in a very good condition and lasts about 2,5 hours.

By bus

There are daily buses from Athens to Kalamata. The Messinia buses also connect the prefecture with other large cities of Peloponnesus. The bus trip from Athens to Kalamata is about 3 hours and buses depart from Kifissos KTEL Bus Station in Athens. From Kalamata start some routes all over Greece such as Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Larisa and Tripoli, Methoni, Pylos, Kyparissia in Peloponnese.

For more information please visit the KTEL Messinias website (http://www.ktelmessinias.gr/?module=default&pages_id=3&lang=en) and buy your tickets online.

Telephone numbers of the most famous bus stops of Messinia:

KTEL of Kalamata: 0030 27210 28581
KTEL of Athens: 0030 210 5120887

By plane

The closest airport to the Prefecture of Messinia is the Kalamata Airport which is located 5km from the city of Kalamata.

For more information please contact the Kalamata International Airport at 0030 27210 63805

By train

Unfortunately there is no railway connection with the prefecture of Messinia