Jossy, The vibrant seaside city of Kalamata, which is located on the sun-drenched Peloponnese, is a place of castles, historic ruins, and breathtaking sunsets. The best olives in the world, according to the locals, are also olives.
The jumbled mix of churches and craft stores that make up Kalamata Old Town are all tucked away in a maze of cobbled alleyways in the northern section of the city, close below the castle. You can set out in any direction and are certain to run into a scene of real-life Peloponnese life.
Several of the most significant churches in the area are found there. The history of the Agioi Apostoloi church is extensive and nuanced. Its walls are covered in paintings and icons, many of which are hundreds of years old, and it was here that the uprising against the Ottomans started in 1821.
The Ypapantis Church, which dominates the old town, is a favourite venue for baptisms and marriages among the residents. Don\'t forget to see the nunnery right next door. There, 17 nuns live and labour, weaving silk scarves on antique looms.
About four kilometres of golden sand encircle Kalamata, all easily accessible from the city centre and dotted with hopping beach bars, lively restaurants, and all the conveniences of a well-liked coastal resort. Also, there are accessible water sports, such as PADI-approved scuba diving lessons and narrated snorkelling tours.
The other renowned beaches in the area are close by due to the city\'s location in the centre of the breathtaking Messinia coastline. Some, like Foneas Beach in Western Mani, are located in isolated coves. Some are considerably longer, such as Velika.
One beach well worth a visit is Voidokilia Bay, close to Pylos. It forms the perfect omega sign, a white sand crescent bookended by rocky hills. It was also featured in Homer’s famous epic poem, The Odyssey.