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| Kalamata |
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Kalamata is situated at the apex of the crystal blue Messinian Bay, and at the foot of the imposing Mount Taygetos, between the Mani and Messini peninsulas. This makes Kalamata an ideal base from which to explore the beauty of the surrounding areas, and provides the ideal base for those who want to discover the secrets of Messinia, as many of the tourist and cultural destinations are easily reached by car. The capital and chief port of Messinia, Kalamata is renowned for the Kalamatianos dance, silk handkerchiefs, succulent black olives, honeyed figs and the sesame-covered sweet called pastelli, which can all be sampled at the bi-weekly market, where you will find numerous stalls selling meat, fish, cheese, as well as locally grown fruit and vegetables. The old town is dominated by the 13th century Frankish fortress built by Geoffrey de Villehardouin. On the north side of the citadel there is a small Byzantine church, dedicated to the Virgin of Kalomata (of the good eye), from which the town may have acquired its name. Kalamata has three districts - the seafront, the residential quarter with its strict grid plan, and the Old Town with its wandering narrow streets. The seafront has all the attributes of a resort -hotels, cafes restaurants, ice cream parlours and bars, yet it is fairly low key. The beach is clean and the water is clear and safe for swimming. Every summer cultural events like concerts featuring jazz, rock and classical Greek plays put on by the Kalamata theatre are held in the amphitheatre of the fortress. In the evening, the town comes alive, especially along the waterfront which is lined with tavernas, seafood restaurants and rotisseries serving local dishes and drinks, fresh fish, roast suckling pig and chicken, sausages, cheese, olives, retsina and ralki. |