Port of call
Kalamata - a city in Greece in the south-west of the Peloponnese, the capital of the Messenia regional unit and a port in the south of mainland Greece. Population 57 620 inhabitants according to the 2001 census. Located 255 km from Athens, 215 km from Patras and 715 km from Thessaloniki.
The history of Kalamata goes back into the depths of centuries. Even in Homer’s time, there was a city of Fares in this place-roughly where the castle stands today, built by the Franks. The city was named after an ancient Byzantine monastery. Kalamata was not an important city in Ancient Greece, as it was under the rule of Sparta from the 8th century BC until the mid-4th century BC. It became famous after the Fourth Crusade (1204 AD), when it passed to the Franks. And when construction of the castle began here, the city’s economic prosperity also began. In the late 19th century, the construction of the port of Kalamata was carried out-an essential factor for the city’s economic prosperity. However, in 1920 a period of decline in the city’s development began, continuing to this day.
Nevertheless, today Kalamata is the second-largest city in the Peloponnese after Patras. It is an important administrative, economic and commercial center of the region and the capital of the Messenia regional unit.
Kalamata is the birthplace of the Kalamata dance, widely known throughout Greece and beyond, as well as famous silk handkerchiefs that have been produced in this city since ancient times. Also in the Kalamata area, wonderful black olives are produced, and honey that local residents call “pastielli”.
ClimateThe climate here is Mediterranean, with a mild winter and hot summer, which is quite comfortable thanks to the refreshing sea breeze. Winter weather is rather rainy; air temperatures during this period range from +5 to +12C. In summer, meanwhile, it is warm and dry at the resort; rainfall is extremely rare, and air temperatures reach +30, and sometimes even +35C, but the heat is not felt thanks to the fresh sea breezes. The sea water temperature during the swimming season, which lasts here from June to October, reaches +25C. Especially seasoned swimmers even open the season in May, as soon as the sea warms up to +18-20C.
On a height stands a fortress from the time of the Crusaders, built by Baron Villehardouin, and on the slopes of the hill you can find the remains of an old town. The fortress is open all day, and entry is free. Unfortunately, there are not many structures left in the fortress, but it offers a wonderful view of the city. On its grounds there is a small modern summer theater, where various concerts and performances are held.
For tourists, Kalamata is primarily interesting for its long beach, located within the city limits. The beach is sandy-pebble. You’ll have to enter the water through a rocky bottom, but not for long-after about a meter, the bottom becomes sandy. By buying any drink at the beach café, you’ll get the opportunity to stay all day on loungers under a beach umbrella. The sea in Kalamata is magnificent: clear, turquoise-blue, and even with a slight greenish tint. The seabed is visible from about five meters. The water is moderately salty and warm. Along the picturesque five-kilometer promenade, there’s a chain of cafés and restaurants. You can have lunch either in a restaurant, in a family tavern, or in a small souvlaki place (fast-food takeaway). The only difference is the price.
Those who want to touch history can set off for ancient Olympia - the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Here you can see the site where the very first Olympic Games were held, the largest temple in the Peloponnese - the Temple of Zeus, the ancient Temple of Aphrodite, and other, no less interesting sights.
Despite the fact that modern Sparta can’t boast a large number of attractions, there’s plenty to see here-just consider the rock from which weak children were thrown, helping nature with natural selection. Five kilometers from Sparta lies Mystras-a ghost town where the austerity of a medieval fortress and the elegance of temples combine in a surprising way.
For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can view it after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.
