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January 10, 2026

Top 8 Things To See In Kalamata

Kalamata is a Greek city that comes across as both welcoming and full of life. When I was there for the first time, I made so many memories, from just exploring to getting to know what Kalamata is all about. You’ll find seaside palm trees and old stone churches all close together, and you’ll enjoy fresh seafood, olive oil, and so much local charm that you might want to stay longer. In this guide, I’ll show you the top 8 best things to see in Kalamata (not in order). Whether you’re interested in history or food, Kalamata has something for every traveller. This post will help you find the places locals love. I couldn’t visit all the sights listed in this guide, so some are based on research, but I’ll definitely see them on my next trip to Greece and will update this post when I do.

Table of Contents

Top 8 Things To See In Kalamata

The Municipal Railway Park

Along Aristomenous Street, you see the Kalamata Municipal Railway Park, which is a favourite hangout spot for families and, for sure, one of my favourite things to see in Kalamata. This train isn’t just an ordinary one; it actually has a history. In the late 1890s, the station called Kalamata-Port opened, part of the Piraeus, Athens, and Peloponnese railways that connected Kalamata via trainline to other areas of the Peloponnese and Athens, until operations closed in 2010.

In 1986, the project to turn the trainline into a 54-acre open-air train museum and park began with donations from the Hellenic Railway Organisation and the Municipality of Kalamata. The museum was meant to be completed before 1990, but an earthquake in 1986 delayed it. It was opened to the public in 1990, with the old station buildings and tracks.

You can explore steam locomotives, carriages, and freight wagons from the 19th and 20th centuries. The old red-brick station building is now a cafe, where you can enjoy a frappe or an ice cream on the platform. Aside from trains, the park is very scenic. It has benches, shady lawns, basketball and volleyball courts and a playground. For a place dedicated to trains, it’s very green! When you’re in Kalamata, plan time for yourself, whether it’s to read a book on the station’s terrace or to take in the atmosphere. When I go back to Greece, I will definitely walk through Municipal Railway Park again because I miss it so much and it is one of the best things to see in Kalamata.

The Beach

No visit to Kalamata is complete without going to its beautiful pebble beach. Kalamata beach is located next to the city centre. The waters at the beach are so clean that they have earned a Blue Flag. The palm trees and the big boardwalk make it a favourite spot for walkers and bike riders, especially at sunset when the seaside cafes and gelato shops start to become busy. Along the shore, you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds, and there are plenty of beach bars and tavernas serving seafood and cocktails.

There is also a hidden beach along Posidonos Street, which is quite secluded from the busy area of Kalamata. The beach is usually quiet around 2pm, making it more relaxing. The location is usually my go-to spot when I go to the beach in Kalamata, since there aren’t many people around and it is one of the best things to see in Kalamata. The sea is generally calm, which makes it fine for children and casual swimmers; however, be careful not to get bitten by small fish in the sea, as they are present. They aren’t dangerous, so it’s still ok to get in the water.

Old Town of Kalamata

G Da – Panoramio, CC By-SA 3.0, Image might be subject to copyright, Find Out on Commons Wikimedia

Kalamata’s Old Town is a beautiful town filled with narrow streets, lively squares, and old tavernas. At its centre is 23rd March Square, where the small Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles stands. This church, dating to the 11th or 12th century, is known as the site where the Greek War of Independence was declared on March 23, 1821. Stop by to see the stone walls and old icons. You can even find the bell rope, which has worn a groove into the stone over the years.

Close by Ypapanti Square, you’ll find the impressive Cathedral of the Presentation (Ypapanti), with its twin bell towers and large dome. Built in the late 1800s on the site of older churches, it hosts the city’s most prominent religious festivals every February. As you walk between these squares, you’ll come across plenty of cafés and gelato stands, great places to take a break and enjoy the local atmosphere. I will for sure go to one of the cafés there next time on my trip.

As you explore the Old Town, you’ll find small museums and galleries along the way. The Archaeological Museum of Messenia is in the restored old municipal market on 23rd March Square. Inside, you’ll see artifacts from the Mycenaean, Classical, and Byzantine periods, organised by era to show the region’s history from ancient times onward. Nearby, the Historical and Folklore Museum (Kyriakou Mansion) is set in a neoclassical villa and features displays of traditional Messinian rural life, including weaving looms, pottery, local costumes, and an exhibit on Kalamata’s old printing presses.

As you walk through the Old Town, take time to look for street art. Kalamata has many striking murals on its walls. The largest one, on March 23rd Square, celebrates the 1821 uprising, but if you explore the side streets, you’ll find modern art by local painters like Kostas “Skitsofrenis” Louzis. As you move between the old churches, you’ll come across hidden cafés, or even a view of the castle above. Many of Kalamata’s smaller attractions are also in this area.

Just close by is the Military Museum at Mitropoliti Meletiou 10, which covers Greek battles from 1821 to modern peacekeeping missions. Admission is only a few euros, and the displays of old rifles, medals, and uniforms help bring local history to life. Visiting the Old Town is one of the best things to see in Kalamata.

Kalamata Castle

Drakopoulosdim – Own Work, CC By-SA 4.0, Image might be subject to copyright, Find Out on Commons Wikimedia

Just above the Old Town, Kalamata Castle sits on a hilltop. This Ottoman and Frankish fortress dates back to the 13th century and once protected the city. Today, it’s open to visitors during the day and offers wide views over Kalamata and the Messinian Gulf. If you climb the path through the old ramparts, you’ll get a 360-degree view of the sea, olive trees, and red-tiled roofs below. You might also find sheep or cats wandering among the ruins. It’s a peaceful place for photos and to relax, as it’s one of the best things to see in Kalamata.

Football Match

If you are into sports, especially football, consider watching a Kalamata FC match at the Kalamata Municipal Stadium. Kalamata’s professional team, known as the “Black Storm,” plays in Greece’s second division, called the Super League 2. Their home games draw a lively crowd. The stadium holds about 4,500 fans, and though it is not large, the stands come alive with chants and flares on match days. Getting tickets is easy and affordable: you can buy them at the gate or at the Kalamata FC Store, where I got mine to see them play live at home against Panargiakos in 2024.

Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, watching a Kalamata FC home football match with the fans cheering on their team is an authentic experience. If you want, bring some cash for beer and street food from the vendors outside the football stadium. I haven’t had their food or drinks, but I heard it’s good. I will definitely be going to another Kalamata FC home match the next time I’m in Greece, as it’s one of my favourite things to see in Kalamata.

Museums and Galleries

Drakopoulosdim – Own Work, CC By-SA 4.0, Image might be subject to copyright, Find Out on Commons Wikimedia

Kalamata has several museums and is one of the best things to see in Kalamata. I have mentioned the Archaeological and Folklore museums, but here are a few more to explore

Victoria Karelias Costume Museum

Check out the Victoria Karelias Costume Museum at Stadiou 64 for costume lovers. This private collection showcases beautiful traditional Greek costumes from across the country. Many visitors applaud its detailed dresses and interesting exhibits. It’s a small museum with a low entrance fee, but it’s often called one of Kalamata’s best-kept secrets and is one of the best things to see in Kalamata.

Municipal Gallery A. Tassos

This small gallery features modern Greek art and engravings by the well-known Messenian artist A. Tassos. It is not always open, but it is worth a visit when it is.

A49 Art Gallery

This small, welcoming gallery offers rotating exhibitions of contemporary art. It is free, and you can often see work by both local and national artists.

Street Art

Kalamata might not have a large modern art museum, but its streets are full of art. Begin at 23rd March Square and explore from there. You’ll find colourful murals, political graffiti, and playful artwork on side walls. Local artists, such as Skitsofrenis, have created pieces in the alleys behind the main streets. This unofficial art walk is a fun way to discover a different side of Kalamata’s creativity and is one of the best things to see in Kalamata.

Shops on Aristomenous Street

Aristomenous Street is the place to be for shopping. The street goes from the Old Town to the sea and is filled with boutiques, artisan shops, and cafes. It’s a great place to browse and things to see in Kalamata, with stalls offering local olive oils, soaps, embroidered linens, and handmade jewellery.

At the end of the street is the Central Square, once called King George II Square, where you’ll find a fountain, shaded benches, restaurants, and the City Hall. One side of the square has only places to eat, while the other side is lined with shops. Locals come here to meet friends at any time of day. Here’s a fun fact: the Square has had many names over the past hundred years, but many people still call it “Oplomp!” after an old phone exchange.

Start your shopping at the top of Aristomenous and walk down to enjoy coffee at a sidewalk café. Be sure to buy local foods like jars of Kalamata olives, olive oil, dried herbs, or sweet jams made from local citrus and figs. If you want a break while shopping, you’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants and wine bars along the pedestrian mall. My personal recommendation is Goodys; they make excellent club sandwiches. In the evenings, the street is lit up and full of life well past midnight, making it the social heart of Kalamata.

Public Statues and Sculptures

For those exploring Kalamata and wanting to learn more about its history, having a look at the statues and sculptures is a great way to learn the history behind them as it’s one of the best things to see in Kalamata, such as in Kalamata’s central 23rd March Square which features the impressive Agalma Eleftherias (Statue of Freedom), a tall marble monument topped with a winged Nike (Victory) holding a sword.

Sculpted figures of Papaflessas, Kolokotronis, and Mavromichalis stand at its base, representing the 1821 revolutionaries and highlighting Kalamata’s key role as the first city freed during the Greek War of Independence. The statue, donated by philhellene Iolandi Papadopoulou in memory of her husband, was unveiled in 2013. The monument gives the square a strong sense of patriotism and is a must-see for anyone interested in the city’s history and its fight for freedom.

The Unknown Sailor at the Port

Just a short walk from the city center, you’ll find Kalamata’s harbor promenade and the modern monument called “Afanis Navtis” (Unknown Sailor) by the quays. Sculpted in 2006 by Aikaterini Kosma-Tzavara, the monument resembles a wave with five bronze seagulls atop, each representing a continent. The scene is dramatic yet peaceful. With the sea and sky behind them, the birds appear to take flight from the concrete wave, serving as a moving tribute to sailors lost at sea. Both locals and visitors love this striking statue as a symbol of Kalamata’s maritime history and the brave crews whose names remain “unknown” but are always remembered. This statue is one of the best things to see in Kalamata.

Artistic Sculptures in Parks and Promenades

Besides its main landmarks, Kalamata has many smaller sculptures hidden in parks, gardens, and along promenades. For example, a sleek abstract piece by Dionysis Gerolymatos, created during a 2000 municipal sculpture symposium, stands at the city’s marina. In the shaded railway park, known as Parko ton Trainon, near the river, a modern work by well-known artist Theodoros Papagiannis brings a fresh feel. Even the sidewalks by the waterfront feature creative works.

Near the old port entrance, the “Monument to Fallen Dockworkers” by Christos Riganas stands, its base inscribed with “Eternal honour and gratitude to the comrades who fell on 9-5-1934 defending labour rights.” These local sculptures, from abstract shapes to memorial plaques, offer unexpected highlights for visitors exploring the city and showcase Kalamata’s deep history and lively community of Greek artists. Seeing sculptures and statues throughout the city is one of the best things to see in Kalamata.

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Top 8 Things To See In Kalamata