Where to Stay in Kalamata: Beachfront vs Old Town vs Countryside
Kalamata is a seaside town in the central port region of Messinia, in the Peloponnese, and is one of my favourite cities in Greece. I love being near the water to relax and to let go of every hustle and stress in life when I am ever on holiday; however, I do love nature, such as the mountains that have villages there that offer the best scenic view of the Peloponnese, Greece, such as in Iamia, which is a memory that will always sit with me, seeing the view of the beach was magnificent and eye-cacthing.
Kalamata offers travellers a surprising mix of experiences, including the beach, a charming Old Town, and the nearby countryside. Deciding on where to stay in Kalamata depends on your preferences. Do you want to wake up to salt air, wander around cobblestone streets, museums and tavernas or relax at a quiet olive grove in the countryside?
In this blog post, I will break down the options between beachfront, Old Town, and the countryside so you can pick where to stay in Kalamata for any traveller. I have stayed near the waterfront, so I will share my thoughts on staying in this area and also provide information and accommodation options based on my research across all areas. Each location has its own vibe, hotel and advantages, and I’ll give my take on who it’s best for.
Beachfront Kalamata
Those who love the beach will feel at home staying in Kalamata’s waterfront district. The city has a 4km Blue Flag beach along the Messinian Gulf, with a seaside road lined with cafés, bars and tavernas. If you’re wondering where to stay in Kalamata and want the sun, sand and swimming, a beachfront hotel is your best bet. Kalamata offers many hotels along the shore, including the five-star Horizon Blu Boutique Hotel, right on the sand. It has a modern white-and-glass look, a poolside restaurant, and a spa, making it perfect for couples or anyone who wants to relax.
Another great option is the Elysian Luxury Hotel & Spa, a modern resort steps from the water. The Elysian has several pools, a fitness centre, and upscale Mediterranean dining, so you might not even want to leave your property. The Elysian’s stylish outdoor pool area shows off the relaxed, luxurious beach vibe you can find right in the city.
Families often choose beachside hotels because the gentle sea and sandy shore are perfect for children to play. The Grecotel Filoxenia, for example, is a 4-star family-friendly resort right on the beach. It offers a children’s pool, babysitting services, and playgrounds so that parents can relax, too.
Another option is the beachfront Elite City Resort, which is eco-certified and designed for business travellers, but also has direct beach access for relaxation. No matter which beachfront hotel you choose, you’ll be just steps from the promenade or the sand. The seaside boulevard is full of cafés, bars, taverns, and watersports shops, so you can swim, try jet-skiing, or enjoy a coffee while watching surfers at sunset. These accommodations are excellent options if you’re choosing where to stay in Kalamata, right on the beachfront.
Personally, staying near the waterfront is my go-to, as I love the beach and prefer to relax and swim. Even though I haven’t stayed in any of those hotels and stayed in a unique one, which my family owns a room in, those hotels, based on research, are the suggested hotels to stay at for your holiday when figuring out where to stay in Kalamata, as they have positive reviews and will make your experience staying at a waterfront hotel worthwhile.
Hotels
Horizon Blu Boutique Hotel
⭐ 9.4 Rating: Exceptional
Amenities:
- On beach
- Self parking included
- Full-service spa
- Buffet breakfast included
- Restaurant
- Free Wi-Fi
Elysian Luxury Hotel & Spa
⭐ 9.6 Rating: Exceptional
Amenities:
- Breakfast Included
- Spa
- Bar
- Pool
- Pet-Friendly
- Gym
Grecotel Filoxenia
⭐ 9.8 Rating: Exceptional
Amenities:
- On private beach
- Pool
- Spa
- Breakfast included
- Bar
- Room service
Elite City Resort
⭐ 8.6 Rating: Excellent
Amenities:
- Breakfast Included
- Bar
- 24/7 front desk
- Pool
- Room service
- Laundry
Kalamata Old Town
If you love history and local culture and you’re thinking about where to stay in Kalamata, I recommend staying in Kalamata’s Old Town. Palia Poli, or the Old City, is in the northern part of downtown, just below Kalamata’s 13th-century hilltop castle. Here, you can walk narrow cobblestone alleys past churches and neoclassical mansions, making it feel completely different from the resort area. According to the Greek tourism site, the Old Town at the base of the castle is an “exquisite Old City” with stone streets and Byzantine heritage, and today it’s the centre of Kalamata’s nightlife and dining. In the evenings, the Old Town is full of locals enjoying tavernas, ouzeries, and wine bars.
If you want an authentic experience in Kalamata, Old Town is a great choice. You’ll be close to sights like the Folklore Museum and Benakeio Archaeological Museum, and you can easily walk to the castle or the central market. According to the Hotel Guru, they’ve stated that Kalamata’s places to stay range “from chic apartments in the old town to … resorts along the shore”.
In Old Town, you will find many small boutique hotels and guesthouses in historic buildings. For example, VASILIKON Hotel 1888 is a luxury boutique hotel in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion, offering modern amenities such as plush bedding, rainfall showers, and complimentary breakfast while preserving its old-world charm. Another option is the Kalamata Art Rooms, located on the main square, with suites that have kitchenettes and terraces, so you can feel like you’re living in a Grecian apartment. These accommodations are great options if you’re choosing where to stay in Kalamata’s Old Town.
Staying in Old Town is more about its location and charm rather than having resort amenities or pools. There aren’t any beaches at Old Town, but cafés spill out onto the cobblestone streets, and you can explore back alleys to find hidden courtyards and churches. Couples and food lovers often enjoy Old Town, where you can start your morning with coffee in a neoclassical square and finish your day at a local ouzerie. It’s also a good choice for budget travellers choosing where to stay in Kalamata, with guesthouses and B&Bs that are usually cheaper than beach resorts. You can walk everywhere, and many hotels include breakfast or have fridges and kitchen facilities.
Kalamata Old Town offers history, nightlife, and shopping. According to Visit Greece, “Palia Poli is the hotspot for the city’s youth” because of its mix of historic sites and bars. If that appeals to you, Old Town is a great choice when choosing where to stay in Kalamata. Keep in mind, though, that Old Town hotels often have narrow streets and limited parking, so they’re best for travellers who prefer walking or taking taxis.
Hotels
VASILIKON Hotel 1888
⭐ 9.2 Rating: Wonderful
Amenities:
- Breakfast included
- 24/7 front desk
- Free Wi-Fi
- Housekeeping
- Air conditioning
- Business services
Kalamata Art Rooms
⭐ 9.8 Rating: Exceptional
Amenities:
- Breakfast available
- Laundry
- Free Wi-Fi
- Pet-friendly
- Air conditioning
Countryside & Hillside Retreats
Another place to stay in Kalamata is outside the city centre, in the Messinian countryside. While Kalamata is on the coast, a short drive takes you to the olive groves, mountains and traditional villages. The area is perfect for travellers who want peace, nature, or a more independent vacation home experience, and who are looking for where to stay in Kalamata.
An example of a place to stay in the countryside is Menina Farm. It’s located at the foot of Mount Taygetos and is a traditional stone farmhouse on a 20-acre olive estate. It’s only about 5km from Kalamata and 15km from the airport, but it feels very private. The owners have carefully restored the old buildings, so guests can “feel like being in a familiar environment rather than a hotel”. One guest reviewed the place and praised the “great location – on a hill overlooking the city of Kalamata on one side and Taygetos on the other” and the welcoming family atmosphere. The farmhouse offers free Wi-Fi, a terrace, and a BBQ, making it ideal for families or groups who want space to cook and to relax.
Other countryside accommodations offer a similar experience. For example, the Verga Majestic Sunsets villa is on a hillside in the village of Verga, about 8km south of Kalamata. It has magnificent sea views and is surrounded by the slopes of Taygetos. The whole home, with several bedrooms and terraces, feels like a private retreat. Villas like this are excellent for large families or groups who want their own space, with pools or gardens instead of hotel lobbies, and who are looking for where to stay in Kalamata. Just outside Kalamata, you can also find “farmhouse” rentals. One listing describes a place 1.5km from downtown and a 5-minute walk to the beach, “surrounded by greenery” and “ideal for privacy, peace and quiet”. These accommodations are nice options if you’re choosing where to stay in Kalamata’s countryside and on the hillside.
If you stay in the hills, you’ll probably need a car, but you can explore the region at your own pace. From here, you can visit Taygetos trails, the springs of Neda, or historic sites like Ancient Messene, which is 40 km away. The countryside is perfect for travellers who want peace and nature and are looking for where to stay in Kalamata. If you’re looking for a quiet home base when deciding where to stay in Kalamata and don’t mind driving to dinner, this is a good option. You’ll enjoy rural views and might even trade hotel breakfasts for picnics among olive trees.
Hotels
Menina Farm
⭐ 9.4 Rating: Exceptional
Amenities:
- Pet-friendly
- Barbecue grill
- Parking included
- Kitchen
- Housekeeping
- Air conditioning
Verga Majestic Sunsets
⭐ 9.0 Rating: Wonderful
Amenities:
- Parking available
- Kitchen
- Outdoor space
- Washer
- Air conditioning
- Ocean view
Which Area Is Right for You?
In summary, Kalamata has different neighbourhoods to suit all kinds of travellers looking for where to stay in Kalamata:
- Beachfront: Best for sun-lovers, families with kids, and anyone who wants resort amenities. You’ll have direct beach access, pools, and seaside tavernas. (Hotels: Horizon Blu, Elysian Luxury, Grecotel Filoxenia.)
- Old Town: Ideal for culture lovers, couples, and budget travellers. You’ll stay on historic streets close to cafes, bars, and museums. (Hotels: Vasilikon 1888, Kalamata Art Rooms.)
- Countryside: Perfect for those seeking peace and for large groups. You’ll have a villa or farmhouse surrounded by nature. (Homes: Menina Farm, Verga Majestic Sunsets.)
Families often choose beachfront resorts for kid-friendly pools and easy access to the sea, or a large countryside villa when deciding where to stay in Kalamata. Couples might choose romantic boutique hotels in Old Town or luxury seaside resorts with spas when deciding where to stay in Kalamata. Budget or solo travellers usually pick Old Town or simple beachside pensions for convenience and value. Those looking for luxury when choosing where to stay in Kalamata will head to 5-star beach hotels like Horizon Blu or Elysian, or to high-end villas in the hills.
If you’re still choosing where to stay in Kalamata, consider what’s most important to you on vacation: convenience and lively places, or charm and peace. Every traveller can find something here; it all comes down to the view you want from your window. Have a great trip and enjoy Kalamata!
Discover more about Kalamata and the Peloponnese by exploring other sections of our website, where you’ll find detailed travel guides, hidden gems, and top recommendations for your trip. If you want cheap flights to Kalamata, click here.
