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The Castle: A typical example of a Frankish 13th century fortress, now interwoven into the urban fabric of the modern city and offering a unique view of the Gulf of Messenia. A small theatre has been built at the south end of the castle and hosts performances and concerts every summer.
 
Kalogreon (Nuns) Monastery: South-east of the castle is the historic 18th century women's monastery, famous for the silk fabrics made by the nuns who raise silkworms. Their activity has received multiple awards both in Greece and abroad, and you can still find the Kalamata head scarves there which are often mentioned in popular songs.
 
The Municipal Railway Park: An outdoor theme park that is one of a kind in Greece. The Kalamata Harbour station and the coal stores of the Hellenic Railways Organisation (OSE) gave way to the exhibition of railway items in a verdant oasis with lakes and shady pathways. The entire history of Greek railways is presented in this lovely park that also serves as a gathering place for local residents.
 
Church of Agioi Apostoloi: The charming Byzantine church built in 1317 in the historic centre is of special significance for Kalamata, as it is said to have been the place where the Greek War for Independence started on 23 March 1821.
 
Benakeio Archaeological Museum: A gift from Antonios Benakis, founder of the Athens museum of the same name, housing interesting findings from the area dating from prehistory to the present day.
Address: Benaki & Papazoglou, Tel.: +30 27210 63100
 
Historical and Folk Art Museum: You will get an idea about the way of life of the local residents through various periods in history if you visit this museum. You can view exhibits from the Revolution of 1821 and the rich local folk history, as well as a model of a traditional house and a traditional coffee shop.
Address: 12 Agiou Ioannou and Kyriakou, Tel.: +30 27210 28449

Excursion to Mani: Setting off from Kalamata to the east, you will come into one of the most beautiful regions in Greece. The subtle charm of Messenian Mani will reveal itself bit by bit as you pass by the wild olive groves, fertile gardens and green ravines. Along the way, you will see picturesque settlements and popular tourist resorts such as stone-built Kardamyli, Stoupa, Agios Nikolaos and Trachila.

Ancient Messene: About 30 km north-west of Kalamata is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Greece. The city that was the centre of Messenia for about 700 years was built in 369 BC by Theban General Epaminondas, and its layout was based on the Hippodamian grid system which provided all citizens equal plots of land with direct access to common areas. The capital of what was then autonomous Messenia took its name from the mythical Messeni, daughter of Triopas, king of Argos. The first organised excavations took place in 1895 and continue to this day. As the ancient city was not covered up by newer settlements, the important public and religious buildings, fortifications, houses and burial monuments have been preserved in very good conditions.
Information: www.ancientmessene.gr

Historic towns: Three historic Messenian towns should not be overlooked while touring the area. You should definitely visit Methoni and tour the magnificent Venetian castle, one of the largest in the Mediterranean. In picturesque Koroni, watched over by another well-preserved Venetian fortress, you can enjoy strolling around the narrow lanes with the two-storey manor homes and decorated façades, while in Pylos, you will feel as if you are on an island. From there, you can hire a boat and explore the long, narrow island of Sfaktiria which closes off Navarino Bay off Pylos.
 
Beaches: Stretching over 2.5 km and a Blue Flag recipient, Kalamata's beach is perfect for swimming or strolling along the promenade. Several sections of it are organised, with beach loungers and umbrellas, and there are restaurants, cafés and beach bars along its entire length. East of Kalamata and out to Kardamyli, you will find many beaches, most of which are organised. Some of the better ones are at Almyros, offering water sports, at Mikri Mantineia, Santova, with excellent beach bars, and Foneas. The beaches at Kalogria and Stoupa are particularly cosmopolitan and popular. You will find quieter beaches to the west: you can choose from among Petalidi, Bouka, Velika, Kalamaki and Chranous. You will also find golden sandy beaches in Foinikounta, while it is worth going as far as Gialova, past Pylos, to enjoy the exotic beach of Voidokilia.
 
Polylimnio: On the road from Messeni to Pylos, near the village of Charavgi, 32 km from Kalamata, is the verdant gorge of Polylimnio, a hidden paradise of small lakes and waterfalls surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Follow the charted trails that lead to the lakes and don't hesitate to dive into their welcoming emerald waters.

Shopping opportunities in Kalamata are equal to those in major urban centres, but what sets the marketplace apart are the myriad excellent local products. Kalamata olives are considered among the best in the world, while the locally produced olive oil is a leading choice for consumers, both within and outside Greece. The dried figs (melata) are also excellent, along with raisins and the honey that gives the Kalamata pasteli sesame bars their unique flavour. Kalamata is also known for its herbs, which grow plentiful on Mount Taygetus. Oregano, tea, sage and mint are just a few to look out for. It is also worth visiting the Inomessiniaki Winery for a taste of its choice wines. At the bakeries in town, ask for lalangia pastries, and the syrupy filo sweets and tsoureki bread are also excellent.

With the wealth of products from the fertile Messenian soil close at hand, the local cuisine is a treasure trove of flavours. At the restaurants in Kalamata and surrounding areas, you will have the opportunity to try some of the local vegetable-based dishes, home-made charcuterie and noodles. If you chance upon a local feast day, try the roast pig. Meals pair well with the fine wines of the region or the Messenian ouzo with anise and fennel. Don't forget to try the traditional liqueurs made from roses, lemon tree flowers and cinnamon. Navarinou Avenue, the waterfront road in Kalamata, is the main thoroughfare for nightlife in the city, as it is lined with restaurants and bars. In the mornings, most people sit at the cafés and ouzeries on Aristomenous Street, while at night the action moves to the bars located around Paplomatadikon Square. During the summer, the bars along the waterfront and at Santova and Kitries are quite busy.

• Kalamata enjoys a rich cultural life throughout the year, with a variety of musical and theatre events. The city's most important cultural event with international exposure is undoubtedly the Dance Festival that takes place every summer, attracting major names from the global dance scene and featuring outstanding performances. Information: www.kalamatadancefestival.gr
• Particularly spectacular is Easter in Kalamata, with the custom of the "saitopolemos" that refers back to the time of the Greek Revolution that impresses visitors as participants launch a variety of home-made explosive devices.

Getting to the Airport

Aegean Airlines lands at Vasilis Konstantakopoulos National Airport in Kalamata, 9 km west of the city. The airport has duty-free shops, a café, information desks and car rental agencies. To get to town from the airport, you can use the KTEL regional buses that take you to the centre of Kalamata, or take a taxi.