Quiet, clean studio apartments located on the Mediterranean Seacoast of Kalamata with
lovely terraces for all your meals and entertaining needs overlooks a cascading mountain range. The Space
The studios are Ideal for two occupants but may also comfortably accommodate one adult or two children on a sofa bed . It is fully furnished with a kitchen set, bedroom set, refrigerator, freezer, stovetop,
washing machine, TV, and small appliances. The cabinets are stocked with fresh dry ingredients, cookware, plates, glasses, utensils and more. Guest Amenities
The refrigerator will contain bottled spring water. You will also have the opportunity to try our own extra virgin olive oil, figs, cactus pears, melons, and grapes. Other seasonal fruits and vegetables will also be waiting for you when you arrive. A bottle of our wine from our grape vineyard will await you, along with our home grown chamomile and local fresh honey. If we are cooking something special at our home, you can rest asure we will put some aside for you. If you are out and about, it will be waiting by your door for you to enjoy later in the day. All food and beverage products are from my village, Arfara, which is 20 kilometers from Kalamata. You may want to visit this scenic area as well. The Neighborhood
Located a short walk away from the studio is a supermarket. Also in the neighborhood within a few minutes of a walk is a bakery with breads, pasteries, sandwiches, coffee and snacks. Additionally an ice cream pastry shop you will fall in love with on this trip is just a short jaunt away. A one minute drive to the gas station and car wash. A few minute drive will take you to other supermarkets, catering services, pharmacies, bakeries, cafés, clubs, taverns, restaurants and fast food establishments. Shopping, banks, automated machines, and other amenities in the heart of the city are less than a ten minute car ride. City of Kalamata
Kalamata is one of the most "fortunate" cities in Greece, mostly due to its geographical position. Situated at the apex of the crystal blue Messinian Bay and at the foot of the imposing Mount Taygetos, it is idyllic for its inhabitants. Also, Kalamata is the ideal base for those who want to discover the secrets of Messinia, since it is centrally situated and many of the tourist and cultural destinations are easily reached by car, taxi or bus. Historical Centre
The best starting point for sightseeing around Kalamata is the city's historical centre. Wandering the alleys of the historical centre will revive images from the past and reveal buildings that have resisted time. Holy Apostles is a little historic church which was built in 1317 by Emperor Andronicus. Its presence magically affects those who are familiar with its history. Benakei Archeological Museum (Papazoglou 6) is a beautiful Venetian type building built in 1742. Many interesting archeological findings are exhibited, including a mosaic from Koroni that represents scenes from the worship of Dionysios, the Greek god of wine. The Municipal Library (Papazoglou 5) houses works of art that were donated after the destructive earthquake of Kalamata in 1986. These pieces manifest the sensibility of people who can see rebirth from disaster. The Historical and Folkloric Museum of Kalamata (Kyriakou and Ag. Ioannou 20) is housed in a small restored building. Visitors can see objects that date back to the Revolution of 1821, as well as read detailed information about the agricultural and productive life of Messinian inhabitants during the last century. The Temple of the Visitation of the Saviour, built in the 19th century in a Byzantine style, is a grandiose temple dedicated to the city's protector. The Municipal Conservatoire located on the steps above the temple and venue for music events organized almost every weekend. The Castle of Kalamata is at a higher altitude, on a pine-covered hill overlooking the sea. Built in 1208 by Gulielme Villearduin, it has inspired Angelos Terzakis's novel about Princess Izampo who had lived in the area. At the foot of the castle, there is the semi-cavernous temple of Saint John that has probably existed since the post-Byzantine years. It is said that the citadel of ancient Pharai was situated below the castle. In the nunnery of Saints Constantine and Helen built beside the castle in the 18th century, you will learn about the ongoing Byzantine tradition of weaving pure silk on lakkoi (looms). The Centre
Just below the historical centre is the commercial centre. Aristomenous is the city's main street with a large community square (Vasilios Georgiou). Home to numerous shops and cafés, it's worth a stroll to enjoy this ambiance. Pantazopouleio Cultural Centre in the middle of Aristomenous Street always has exhibitions, speeches or shows. The railway park at the end of Aristomenous street is a pleasant surprise. It is the only open museum of this kind, where train engines and train cars of different time periods are placed in harmony upon a green landscape. This place is a recreation ground for both children and adults. Iatropoulou Street was converted into a pedestrian only street. Since the conversion, many cafés have opened. A gathering of the locals may be found there every day. Taxiarches is the area around the Church of Taxiarches (archangels Gabriel and Michael). There are many shops and cafés offering their products at low prices here too. The Megaro Chorou, which is currently under construction, is the town's Music Hall. It is a beautiful and modern building. A building which will also host Kalamata's international dance festival. The Coastline
Below the city centre is the coastal area. In the summer, the coast of Kalamata bustles with life. During the day, the long coastline fills with bathers and in the night, people fill the clubs. The Port of Kalamata was once the centre of of the town's commercial and industrial development. It used to connect all the Mediterranean centres. The marina to the west of the port has numerous sailing ships anchored. Navarinou Street to the east of the port, is the "coast" for the locals and the citizens' resort. During any time of the day you will see groups of people strolling and talking by the sea. Visit the castle of Kalamata by paying a two Euro entrance fee. You will have a gorgeous view of the town and the sunset from the top of the castle. Visit the Ano V***a area at an altitude of 800 meters. There is traditional architecture and a breathtaking view of the Messinian Gulf in the village of Ano V***a. Start from the town's port on Navarinou Street and reach Filoxenia beach by driving, walking or riding your bike. You will be amazed by the beautiful landscape. Along the way do not forget to visit the Molos Pier to take a look at Mount Taygetos and the town's coastal frontline. Buy Locally
Learn more about the local products of Messinia while wandering through the historical centre, visiting the small shops. Merchants buy their merchandise exclusively from local producers. In the city centre, Aristomenous (the main street with the large square) and the streets crossing it are home to many boutiques and shops for all your shopping needs. Eating
The cafeterias and cafes along Aristomenous and Navarinou are countless and full of life, with many people enjoying their warm ambiance yearly. Sitting on the chairs at the square during the sunny summer days is a favorite pastime for many. Apostles Church Square, in my opinion, has the best souvlakia and gyros in Kalamata. The Marina area is home to many traditional (and not so traditional) restaurants and taverns. Limeni, Mangiona, Pyrofani, Argo are just a few of the names you will encounter while strolling along Salaminos (the main marina road). Get Out
You will find attractive surroundings all directions from Kalamata. To the southeast is Mani (second leg of the Peloponnese), where the woody coastal places of Messinian Mani pass the baton to the steep, rocky and fascinating coastal landscape of Lakonian Mani. To the southwest (first leg of the Peloponnese), you'll reach Koroni, Methoni and Pylos with their famous attractions and archaeological ruins. Crossing Kalamata towards the North and heading to Sparti, you will enter the magnificent world of Taygetos, the roof of Kalamata. Taygetos is the biggest challenge for lovers of mountain, trekking and climbing. Imposing and full of contradictions, with slopes, canyons, caves, sources, rivers and rich vegetation alternating with steep rocks, it draws on the intrepid who dare to explore it. Ancient Messini is a few kilometres outside Kalamata, in the Municipality of Ithomi. It's a recently discovered archeological site that astonishes visitors with its size and good condition; in fact, it is considered the best preserved archeological site. Getting around
On foot:
Kalamata is very pedestrian friendly. Since 2006, many pedestrian-only streets have been constructed around "Vasileos Georgiou" square (mainly known as "Aristomenous" square). Moreover, the vast majority of the historical centre's streets are pedestrian only. It takes approximately 20 minutes to reach Navarinou street (Kalamata's coastal street) on foot, starting from the historical centre. By Bus:
Kalamata provides a cheap bus network. Line 1 starts from Kalamata's bus terminal, passes through most of Kalamata's main streets, such as Aristomenous, Faron and Navarinou, and reaches the Filoxenia Hotel. By Bicycle:
Kalamata has recently constructed a bicycle path starting from the town's market and passing through the historical centre, Nedontos street (outside the town hall), "Vasileos Georgiou" square, the Train Park, Limeniko Port, Park of Limeniko and Navarinou street. The bicycle path ends at Anastasi (email hidden) extension is planned to connect the existing bicycle path with the town's marina and the Kordias Sports Complex. Furthermore, an automated rent-a-bike system is going to be installed, with a 1 Euro per hour rental fee. Getting to Kalamata
By car:
From Athens the trip takes a little less than 2 hours using the Moreas Highway. From Patras it takes about 3 hours to reach Kalamata. By bus:
From Athens, use Kifissou terminal. See KTEL Messinias for bus timetables and online ticketing. It costs about 22 Euros one way. Since the completion of the Athens-Kalamata highway in December 2012, the trip takes about 2.5 hours using the express bus (no stops) and 3.5 hours using the non-express bus, which makes stops at Isthmos terminal and the city of Tripoli. By plane:
From Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos with Aegean Airlines and from Thessaloniki with Astra Airlines . There are also seasonal flights from Irakleio, Crete (Sky Express), London-Gatwick [Easyjet], Nuremberg (Air Berlin), Oslo (Scandinavian Airlines , LON-Gatwick and Manchester (Fly Hellas, Thomas Cook), Amsterdam (Transavia), Prague (SmartWings), Moscow-Domodedovo (Aegean) Airlines). By ship:
From May to September, you can visit Kalamata by ship from the Cretan city of Chania.The ship "Vincenzos Kornaros" leaves from the port of Kissamos for Kalamata once a week, making a stop in the island of Kithyra. Other Things to Note
If you are thinking of spending your holidays in this beautiful place, please contact me and I can provide more information about food - drinking - swimming - activities & also excursions to nearby uninhabited and isolated beautiful beaches or day trips to other nearby places * * *
Also below is a list of services I can help you arrange. If your wish is not on the list, do not be afraid to ask! I can pick you up/drop off from Kalamata Airport or bus station. Free of charge! If there is a long flight delay on your arrival, there will be a fee for waiting time. Airport transfers from Athens by me, or from any other destination in Greece. Hourly fee plus expenses applies for this service. I also offer Personal Driving and a Tour Guide Service to show you around different sites and places, if you like. Vehicle Rentals, Bicycle Rentals, Moto Bike Rentals, Water Sport Rentals, Hair Salon Service, Nail Salon Service, Dry Cleaning/Tailoring Services, Restaurant Reservations, all made for you upon request without charge.
