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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.

A picture of Moussaka

Moussaka

Moussaka is a hearty baked casserole dish made with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and tomato sauce, topped...

A picture of Souvlaki

Souvlaki

Souvlaki is a popular Greek street food consisting of small pieces of grilled meat (often pork or chicken)...

A picture of Spanakopita

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 (546 reviews)

From $106 USD

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Attractions

4.9 (304 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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4.1 (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 (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 $178 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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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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4.6 (21 reviews)
Ancient Olympia Shore Excursion with traditional lunch

Ancient Olympia Shore Excursion with traditional lunch

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Once you are in the port of Katakolon , visiting Olympia is a must. This tour is ideal for travellers who have limited time. You will be picked up on the scheduled time and you will be taken to your destination in a luxurious, air-conditioned vehicle with safety. On the way, there will be live commentary explaining everything about the area and the sites you will visit. In Olympia you will see the Site where the first Olympic Games started and the Museum which houses rare artifacts such as Hermes of Praxitelis. Another highlight is the local traditional lunch. A place worth visiting as you will feel the warmth of the Greek hospitality, buffet lunch and you will experience things as a local.

From $535 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 $94 USD

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5.0 (617 reviews)
Athens Full Day Private Tour

Athens Full Day Private Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Explore Athens in a private, full-day experience that brings together heritage, comfort, and local knowledge. Visit the Acropolis, Panathenaic Stadium, and other significant landmarks — guided by a professional driver who offers thoughtful insights. Enjoy a relaxed pace, a personalized route, and the freedom to discover the city without the limits of fixed itineraries or group constraints. This tour is designed for travelers who value authenticity, seamless organization, and unforgettable moments. Full-day private Athens tour with knowledgeable local driver Custom itinerary with flexible timing Private air-conditioned vehicle with pickup and drop-off Authentic experience suited to all group types

From $202 USD

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5.0 (52 reviews)
Footsteps of Apostle Paul from Athens to Corinth, Private Day Tour

Footsteps of Apostle Paul from Athens to Corinth, Private Day Tour

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

This tour gives us the opportunity to visit and explore the places where St. Paul preached to the ancient Greeks in Athens and Corinth, in a day. The tour starts by visiting the “Areos Pagos” (literally, Mars Hill) at the foot of the Acropolis. Continuing our tour to our next stop, the “Agora”, we’ll have the opportunity of a sightseeing in the centre of Athens. (Temple of Zeus-1896 Olympic stadium-Presidential Palace-Greek Parliament-Changing of the Guards). With our visit to the “Agora” we conclude the Athens part of our tour and we continue to visit Corinth and the Corinth Canal. The Canal (approx. 6 km long connecting the Aegean with the Ionian Sea)where we have a brief stop for photos. Then we visit Ancient Corinth where we visit the museum and the archaeological site where the “Bema” is. We conclude our tour in Corinth with lunch in a traditional Greek taverna and we start our return trip to Athens via Kechries, the port of Corinth from where St. Paul sailed to Ephessus.

From $282 USD

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4.6 (16 reviews)
Ancient Olympia/ Ancient Corinth private tour from Athens/ Nafplio (up 12 hours)

Ancient Olympia/ Ancient Corinth private tour from Athens/ Nafplio (up 12 hours)

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

We visit Ancient Olympia & Corinth, as travelers, not as tourists. We get as excited as you, we love traveling, history & photography. We love what we do:) 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 and avoiding tourist traps. The day starts with convenient pickup from your location and then takes you via Corinth Canal to Peloponnese. Take the high way Corinth - Kalamata via Tripolis through the Majestic Arcadian Mountains to Olympia. Visit Olympic Zeus sanctuary & famous ancient Stadion. Visit one of the best Museums in Greece. Return to Athens via Ancient Corinth (Visit site & Museum).

From $333 USD

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5.0 (13 reviews)
Private Day Trip To Delphi

Private Day Trip To Delphi

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Our 25 years experience and the combination of stunning natural scenery and the legacy of a fascinating and diverse cultural heritage of Delphi makes this day trip from Athens an irresistible option. You will discover the fascinating historical, cultural and geographic landscape of the regions

From $301 USD

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5.0 (21 reviews)
An exciting exploration of Peloponnese at ancient Corinth, Mycenae and Nafplio

An exciting exploration of Peloponnese at ancient Corinth, Mycenae and Nafplio

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Highlights of this tour to Corinth, Mycenae, Nafplion • The impressive Corinth Canal • The archaeological site of Ancient Corinth with its agora and museum • The Arched Tombs of the Kings and the Lion’s Gate in the archaeological site of Mycenae • The picturesque town of Nafplio • The inviting landscape of the Peloponnese Peninsula • Travelers can customize the tour within the itinerary!

From $499 USD

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5.0 (8 reviews)
All day tour: Famous Sites of Athens and Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion

All day tour: Famous Sites of Athens and Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

In this one day tour in Athens, you will have the opportunity to see the Athens landmarks to visit the Famous Acropolis of Athens with the Parthenon and enjoy the afternoon tour to Cape Sounion - with the breathtaking view. So you will discover Athens's Greatest Treasures such as the Parthenon. Explore the most important sites like the Greek Parliament, the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro), the National Library, and the ancient Temple of Olympian Zeus. Continue on with the visit Cape Sounion overlooking the Sea. You will possibly view the most beautiful sunset. During our way to Sounion, we will stop at the Lake of Vouliagmeni. Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion was built in 44 B.C., and many of its original Doric columns are still standing. This tour allows you to skip the hassle of finding your own way to Sounion so you can relax and enjoy a pre-planned activity or a delicious meal in a traditional restaurant with splendid sea views. - We will have free time for photos.

From $339 USD

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4.9 (7 reviews)
Athens Sightseeing Private Tour

Athens Sightseeing Private Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Athens, the oldest city in Europe. This 4 hours tour gives you the opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Ancient Athens is one of Europe's oldest cities, one with a continuous history whose beginnings can be traced some 5.000 years ago. The Greek capital is known as the cradle of democracy and western civilization, a vibrant cosmopolitan hub with a rich culture, a long history and a mild climate. Where Socrates, Plato and Aristotle once became active, today are housed breathtaking archaeological sites and Museums such as the Acropolis including Parthenon and picturesque alleys in Plaka.

From $184 USD

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4.8 (6 reviews)
Accessible Tour In Athens, 3 Hours Athens Panorama Shore Excursion

Accessible Tour In Athens, 3 Hours Athens Panorama Shore Excursion

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This Accessible tour in Athens is designed for people with limited mobility or in a wheelchair. The Athens Panorama private tour - shore excursion lasts approximately 3 hours, it is a relaxed tour, that allows you to make the most out of your visit to the city. It combines the modern and ancient parts of the city and is truly worth taking. Highlights Of The 3 Hours Athens Panorama Accessible Tour In Athens - It is a harmonious mixture of ancient and modern Athens - It includes all the major sites of Athens, such as Plaka, Syntagma Square, Panathenaic Stadium, Kolonaki-the high end neighbourhood of Athens, Lycabettus – the highest hill of Athens - Admire the Acropolis and the Parthenon without the strenuous climb to the top of the hill - Pickup and drop off at your cruise terminal or your hotel in Athens by an English-speaking tour driver - Travelers can customize the tour within the itinerary!

From $285 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
5-Day Peloponnese Greece Adventure

5-Day Peloponnese Greece Adventure

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This is a 5-day tour like no other in the Peloponnese because it combines all the must-see archaeological and historical sites with the most beautiful, off the usual touristic track, scenery of the region. From Ancient Corinth, Olympia, Messini, Mycenae and Epidaurus to medieval towns of Nafplion, Monemvasia, Methoni, Pylos and Mystras, to spectacular caves of Diros and the Natural habitats of famous Voidokilia and Peroulia beaches, this is one of its kind experience. Marvel at the local traditional cuisine on seafront fish selected restaurants with spectacular view and rest in 4 star exceptional hotels. Travel with our new private luxury MERCEDES BENZ limos - minivans - minibuses in safety,comfort and style and let your local professional English speaking tour driver to make you feel like a local.

From $2192 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
The battle of the 300 in Thermopylae 8h tour

The battle of the 300 in Thermopylae 8h tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The battle that has changed the world! Highlights of Thermopylae tour • Thermopylae’s Battlefield • The monument of king Leonidas and the 300 Spartans • The monument of the 700 Thespians • The Kolonos hill - Travelers can customize the tour within the itinerary!

From $593 USD

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