If you’ve never heard of Kalamata (except for the olives) then you might not be aware of the many great reasons to fly to this under-the-radar area in the south of Greece.
Here are 10 beautiful places to visit that are a short journey away from Kalamata International Airport.
Kalamata
Of course, the shortest journey of all is to the city of Kalamata – it’s a mere 15-minute drive from the airport into the centre of town.
Surrounded by olive groves and the Taygetus mountain range, Kalamata is a small and laid-back coastal city with a population of around 60, 000 residents.
It’s not much visited by international tourists so you get a strong sense of local life. Most of the city is modern but it has a small historic quarter with a Byzantine castle.
One of the best things about Kalamata is its 2km promenade–lined pebble beach which is easy to access from the centre, making it easy to combine a dip in the sea with more urban delights. Continue down the coast to find an endless road of beach bars and tavernas amongst quaint fishing villages such as Kitries.
Read more: A Quick Guide to Kalamata
Voidokilia
If you’re a beach lover you should head straight for the mesmerising Voidokilia Beach.
Located west of Kalamata in the quiet and gentle Messinia region, it’s one of the better-known attractions of the area thanks to its perfect omega shape, fine golden sand, and clear shallow waters. It’s frequently named one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.
Still, if you visit outside the peak summer months of July and August you might be surprised by how quiet it is.
Ancient Messene
The extensive archaeological site at Ancient Messene is well worth the 30-minute drive north from Kalatamata.
Long overshadowed by the more famous sites in the Peloponnese such as Olympia, Epidaurus, and Mycenae, Messene finally is receiving more recognition.
Excavations have revealed a city that was abandoned in the 4th century AD, covering an area of 40 hectares. It sports a particularly impressive stadium and theatre that are used today for events.
Costa Navarino
Costa Navaroni is a stretch of coastline in Messinia home to several big-name luxury resorts. It also has miles of golden beach and world-class golf courses.
It’s a quiet part of Greece, perfect if you’re looking to escape the crowds (but with a touch of luxury and some good beaches). Voidokilia, along with the small coastal village of Gialova, sits in the middle of the Navarino coast, with Pylos punctuating its far end.
Pylos is a simple and charming harbour town with excellent tavernas, a castle, and a lovely town square shaded by plane trees. Well worth a visit.
Read more: A Quick Guide to the Costa Navarino
Methoni
The impressive Methoni Castle is one of Messinia’s main historic sites. A Venetian castle dating back to the 1200s, it occupies a large fortified cape right by the sea (one of the largest such sites in the Mediterranean).
The most impressive bit is the Bourtzi, a small fortified islet with an octagonal tower reachable by a bridge. It would be right at home in Game of Thrones, especially as it was once used by the Turks for executions. The boathouse and the arched bridge are also highlights.
In the springtime, the grassy site is carpeted in wildflowers.
Methoni itself is a small and pleasant seaside village with a dark sand beach.
Koroni
Picturesque Koroni is near the southern tip of Messinia. It’s another harbour town with an impressive castle, this time in the Gulf of Messinia rather than the Ionian Sea. Along with Methoni, the two were known as the ‘Eyes of Venice‘ due to their strategic importance.
The castle at Koroni is small and incorporates three churches. There are still a few families (and nuns) living inside. The grounds make for a pleasant evening stroll.
Koroni town has a big sand/gravel beach called Zaga which is popular with nesting turtles and also with windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Kardamyli
Kardamyli is a beautiful coastal town 1-hour southeast of Kalamata.
Of all the destinations in this area, it’s probably the most well-known amongst international visitors, largely thanks to its association with the writer Patrick Leigh Fermour who had a home here (which you can arrange to see with the Benaki Museum) and the jazz festival it hosts every May.
Kardamyli is a pretty town with traditional stone buildings and a small harbour. It’s somewhat lacking in decent non-gravel beach, the landscape here is particularly green and lovely with tall cypress trees and olive groves surrounding the town and Mount Taygetus in the background.
The kayaking and snorkelling here are fantastic thanks to the clarity of the water.
Stoupa
Stoupa is the most popular beach resort in the area, being one of the few with a proper sandy beach.
It’s more touristy than many of the other towns on this list but in a low-key kind of way.
Whilst it gets very busy in July and August thanks to its family-friendly shallow waters and sands, outside these months it has a gentle and amiable atmosphere and plenty of great tavernas.
Don’t miss the walk/cycle route from Stoupa to the neighbouring fishing village Agios Nikolaos for a seafood lunch.
The Deep Mani
Stoupa and Kardamyli are in a region known as the Outer Mani. Keep going south down the peninsula and you’ll reach the Deep Mani, an area which enchants all who visit.
The landscape here is increasingly harsh and barren, and the villages would once have been very remote. The further south you go the quieter it gets.
The easiest place to reach is the charming inland town of Areopoli, not far from the photogenic Limeni village. But don’t there – other must-sees include the village of Gerolimenas, the Caves of Diros, and the haunting abandoned village at Vathia.
Mystras
Talking of abandoned places, another unique destination in this part of Greece is Mystras which has been in ruins since 1832.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Mystras was once called the ‘Wonder of Morea’ (an old name for the Peloponnese).
Situated quite spectacularly at the top of a hill overlooking Sparta, Mystras was occupied by the Franks, the Byzantines, the Venetians, and then the Turks. The modern town of Sparta eventually drew the residents away. It’s an atmospheric site to visit and just over 1 hour’s drive from Kalamata.
Image credits:
Koroni: © Nataliya / Adobe Stock
Stoupa: © Aurel Bajrami / Shutterstock
Gerolimenas: © Desislava Lyungova / Shutterstock
Mystras: © Nikolai Sorokin / Adobe Stock
All other photos © The Mediterranean Traveller