Kalamata is a city in southern Greece, located on the Peloponnese peninsula, at the head of the Messenian Gulf. It is the second most populous city of the Peloponnese, after Patras, and the capital of the Messenia regional unit. Kalamata has a rich history, culture, and natural beauty that make it a popular destination for visitors from all over the world.

What is Kalamata Known For?

Kalamata is famous for many things, but perhaps the most well-known are its olives and olive oil. Kalamata olives are a type of black olives that have a distinctive almond shape, purple color, and fruity flavor. They are grown in the surrounding area and are protected by a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label, meaning that only olives from this region can be called Kalamata olives. Kalamata olive oil is also highly prized for its quality and taste, and is used in many Greek dishes and salads.

Another thing that Kalamata is famous for is its dance festival. Every summer, since 1995, Kalamata hosts the International Dance Festival, which attracts dancers and choreographers from all over the world. The festival takes place at the castle of Isabeau, a 13th-century fortress that overlooks the city and offers a stunning view of the sea. The festival showcases various styles and genres of dance, from contemporary to classical, and features performances, workshops, lectures, and exhibitions.

Kalamata is also famous for its cultural heritage and monuments. The city has many churches, museums, and archaeological sites that reflect its long and diverse history. Some of the most notable ones are:

  • The Metropolitan Church of Panagia Ipapanti, which is the patron saint of Kalamata and is celebrated on February 2nd. The church was built in 1873 and has a beautiful neoclassical architecture and a rich iconography.
  • The Kalograion Monastery, which was founded in the 12th century and is famous for its silk weaving workshop. The monastery produces exquisite silk fabrics and garments that are sold in its shop and exported abroad.
  • The Archaeological Museum of Messenia, which displays artifacts from the prehistoric to the Roman period, covering the history of Messenia and its ancient civilizations.
  • The Folklore and History Museum, which is housed in a 19th-century mansion and exhibits traditional objects and relics from the 1821 Greek War of Independence.

Kalamata is also famous for its natural beauty and attractions. The city is surrounded by mountains, forests, rivers, and beaches that offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation. Some of the most popular ones are:

  • The Taygetos Mountain Range, which is the highest mountain range in the Peloponnese and has many hiking trails, scenic views, and villages to explore.
  • The Nedon River, which flows through the city and forms a delta at its mouth. The delta is a wetland of ecological importance that hosts many species of birds, fish, and plants.
  • The Messenian Gulf, which is a bay of the Ionian Sea that has many sandy beaches, coves, and islands to enjoy. Some of the most famous beaches are Verga, Almyros, Santova, Kitries, and Akrogiali.

As you can see, Kalamata is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for history, culture, nature, or gastronomy, you will find it in Kalamata. That’s why Kalamata is famous for being one of the most charming and attractive cities in Greece.

Famous Drinks in Kalamata

Kalamata is not only famous for its food but also for its drinks. The city has a variety of local drinks that reflect its culture and tradition. Here are some of the most famous drinks in Kalamata that you should try when you visit:

  • Ouzo: Ouzo is a distilled alcoholic drink that is made from grapes and flavored with anise. It is the national drink of Greece and is usually served with ice or water and accompanied by meze (small dishes). Ouzo has a strong licorice taste and a high alcohol content (around 40%). It is considered a social drink that brings people together.
  • Tsipouro: Tsipouro is another distilled alcoholic drink that is similar to ouzo but without anise flavor. It is made from the pomace (the residue) of grapes after they have been pressed for wine making. Tsipouro has a clear color and a fruity aroma. It can be drunk plain or with ice or water. It can also be flavored with herbs or fruits such as honey, cinnamon, lemon, or cherry.
  • Wine: Wine is one of the oldest and most popular drinks in Kalamata and Greece in general. The city and the region have a long tradition of wine making and have many vineyards and wineries that produce high-quality wines. Some of the most famous wine varieties in Kalamata are Agiorgitiko, Moschofilero, Roditis, and Fileri. Wine is usually served with meals or cheese and can be red, white, or rosé.
  • Coffee: Coffee is a staple drink in Kalamata and Greece that is consumed throughout the day. The most common type of coffee in Kalamata is Greek coffee, which is a strong and aromatic coffee that is boiled in a small pot called a briki. Greek coffee is served in a small cup and can be ordered according to the amount of sugar: sketo (no sugar), metrio (medium sugar), or glyko (sweet). Another popular type of coffee in Kalamata is frappé, which is a cold and frothy coffee that is made with instant coffee, water, sugar, and milk. Frappé is served in a tall glass with a straw and is ideal for hot summer days.
  • Juice: Juice is a refreshing and healthy drink that is widely available in Kalamata. The city has many juice bars and cafés that offer fresh and natural juices made from fruits and vegetables. Some of the most common fruits used for juice are orange, lemon, apple, peach, watermelon, and pineapple. Some of the most common vegetables used for juice are carrot, celery, cucumber, and beetroot. Juice can be mixed with water, ice, yogurt, or honey to create different combinations and flavors.

These are some of the most famous drinks in Kalamata that you can enjoy during your stay. They will quench your thirst, boost your energy, and delight your taste buds.

Famous Sports in Kalamata

Kalamata is a city that loves sports and has many options for sports enthusiasts. The city has many facilities and venues for various sports activities, as well as clubs and teams that compete at local and national levels. Here are some of the most famous sports in Kalamata that you can watch or participate in:

  • Football: Football is the most popular sport in Kalamata and Greece. The city has two major football clubs: Kalamata F.C. and Messiniakos F.C. Both clubs play in the third division of the Greek football league system and have loyal fans that support them. The main stadium of the city is the Municipal Stadium of Kalamata, which has a capacity of 5,400 spectators and hosts football matches as well as other events.
  • Basketball: Basketball is another popular sport in Kalamata and Greece. The city has one major basketball club: KAOD (Kalamata Athletic Organization of Drama). The club plays in the second division of the Greek basketball league system and has a strong presence in the city. The main arena of the city is the Indoor Hall of Kalamata, which has a capacity of 2,500 spectators and hosts basketball games as well as other events.
  • Volleyball: Volleyball is a sport that has a growing popularity in Kalamata and Greece. The city has one major volleyball club: A.O.K (Athletic Organization of Kalamata). The club plays in the second division of the Greek volleyball league system and has a competitive team that attracts many fans. The main venue of the city for volleyball is the Indoor Hall of Verga, which has a capacity of 1,000 spectators and hosts volleyball matches as well as other events.
  • Water Sports: Water sports are a sport category that has many fans and practitioners in Kalamata. The city has a long coastline that offers many opportunities for water sports such as swimming, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, diving, fishing, and more. The city also has several marinas and ports that provide facilities and services for water sports enthusiasts. Some of the most popular beaches for water sports are Verga, Almyros, Santova, Kitries, and Akrogiali.
  • Mountain Sports: Mountain sports are a sport category that has many admirers and participants in Kalamata. The city is surrounded by mountains that offer many possibilities for mountain sports such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, skiing, snowboarding, and more. The city also has several trails and routes that lead to scenic spots and villages on the mountains. Some of the most popular mountains for mountain sports are Taygetos, Lykodimo, Pentadaktylos, Ithomi, and Profitis Ilias.

These are some of the most famous sports in Kalamata that you can enjoy during your visit. They will keep you fit, active, and entertained.

 

 

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