Situated on the sun-soaked Peloponnese, the bustling seaside city of Kalamata are a land of castles, ancient ruins, and beautiful sunsets. And olives the locals will tell you are the best in the world...

Located in the northern part of the city, just below the castle, Kalamata Old Town is a chaotic jumble of churches and artisanal shops, all hidden in a maze of cobbled streets. Set out in any direction and you’re sure to stumble upon a scene of authentic Peloponnese life.

It is home to some of the most important churches in the region. The church of Agioi Apostoloi has had a long and complex history. It was where the revolt against the Turks began in 1821 and its walls are lined with paintings and icons, many of them hundreds of years old.

Ypapantis cathedral dominates the old town and is a favourite with locals for christenings and weddings. Make sure you pop into the Nunnery next door. 17 nuns live and work there, producing silk headscarves using traditional looms.

Kalamata itself is surrounded by close to four kilometers of golden sand, all within easy reach of the center and lined with bustling beach bars, lively restaurants, and all the accruements of a popular seaside town. Water sports are available, too, including guided snorkeling tours and PADI-approved scuba-diving courses.

The city’s position in the heart of the spectacular Messinia coastline means that the region's other famous beaches are within easy reach. Some are set in secluded coves, like Foneas Beach in Western Mani. Others, like Velika, are much longer.

One beach well worth a visit is Voidokilia Bay, close to Pylos. It forms the perfect omega sign, a white-sand crescent bookended by rocky hills. It was also featured in Homer’s famous epic poem, The Odyssey.