The Peloponnese is a peninsula separated from the Greek mainland by the Corinth Canal. In contrast to many Greek islands it has not generally been exploited for tourism. With its fantastic mountainous terrain, traditional unspoilt villages with stone houses, mountain water springs, stunning green and fertile landscape, unique archaeological sites, and yes, on top of all this, some of the best beaches in Greece.
Travel by car, coach or air to the south of the peninsula and visit the city of Kalamata for a real Greek experience. Kalamata is in the municipality of Messinia and is set on a fabulous 5 km stretch of beach, complete with a cycling lane. The city offers a good selection of accommodation, making it an excellent holiday destination for people of all ages and interests. With its buzzing promenade, castle, museums, historic buildings, an open air rail museum, marina, water sports, seafood and international restaurants, taverna’s, ouzeris, bars, cafes, markets, designer shops and a summer International Dance festival, where better in Greece to be! Kalamata is also famous for the best olives and the best olive oil, but you already knew that.
Archaeological Sites
Ancient Messini – Ithomi, approximately 30 km from Kalamata is located on a mountain side and is a must see. Many of the old buildings are clearly identified: theatre, stadium, public buildings, temples, a safe. You can walk around the site freely, imagining what life must have been like, while enjoying the serene atmosphere. There is also a museum close to the site. It’s well worth your while to take some time out and sit at the local taverna in the village, located just above the site. Enjoy a cold beer and a Greek salad made from the best local produce, relax and reflect on the spectacular view below.
Explore
Buy a local map, jump in a car and drive away. There will be more exploring than you unfortunately have days for. You will always find a great beach, with fantastic blue sea to jump into.
From Kalamata drive to Kitries (20 min. costal drive), it is literally at the end of the road. At Kitries you will find two of the most picturesque small bays you have ever seen. Sit at one of the tavernas, and enjoy on the waterfront, one of your most memorable meals ever, with views of the opposite peninsula.
On the way back stop at Hobbo beach bar and enjoy the music. Or take the top road up through the mountains, through the hidden hamlets and visit the coastal villages of Stoupa and Kardamyli.
In the opposite direction, visit the coastal towns and villages of Petalidi, Peroulia and Koroni, built on the hillside with its castle, Finikounda, which has developed into one of the most beautiful summer resorts of the southern Peloponnese. An ideal place to spend a lot of your time, is the wonderful Thines Camping (+30273071200) located on the sandy beach Makrynammos, which is only 700m away from Finikounda. Finikounda belongs to the municipality of Methoni where you can sit at a taverna beside its castle on the beach, and enjoy fresh fish and salad. On the Western side of Peloponnese follow the road to Patra, the biggest city of the Peloponnese. Make a stop at Palouki, about 74km southwest of Patras and only 7 km southwest of Amaliada, combine the mountain and the sea, a unique place for your vacations and really close from all the archaeological sites, with its small port and the long sandy beach. Stay at the famous Palouki Camping, located next to the long sandy beach. Enjoy the paradise experience.
