This is part 2 of our Peloponnese road trip. This part is about exploring Kalamata and then driving to Koroni and Methoni. We reached Kalamata late in the afternoon. It was cloudy and damp from the rain, so we retreated to our hotel before venturing out for an evening stroll. In hindsight I should have added an extra day on our trip in order to explore the city more, because we liked it very much!
Day 4&5: Kalamata
Kalamata, a coastal city, is located on the Messinian gulf between the and its history is traced back to the antiquity (was called Farai back then, while Messini was the region’s prominent city). The name of the city is probably familiar to you if you like olives! Kalamata olives, which are twice as large as other varieties, are very famous indeed and have a protected designation of origin in the EU.
Three places to check out in Kalamata are:
- The long promenade with hotels, restaurants and cafes which is nice for an afternoon walk. For ice cream/crepes/waffles and the lot I suggest Athanasiou café/bakery.
- The Railway Park spanning from the port all the way up to the city’s central square. It used to be Kalamata’s terminal train station, but that line is now defunct and the area is transformed into a park, with old trains on display.
- Kalamata’s central square which is huge! We visited on Thursday night and it was full of people who either strolled (as we did) or frequented one of the square’s many cafes.
I’ve wrote about more things to do in Kalamata in the respective travel guide.
The next morning, before departing, we strolled along the promenade once more so as to take pictures of some cool old houses that I’ve spotted the day before!
If you visit Kalamata and you’re looking for a hotel, then I definitely recommend Elektra Hotel and Spa. It is located next to the city’s port (don’t worry it’s quiet) and it’s a 5’ minute walk to the promenade and 10’ walk to the city center. It’s a very neat and clean hotel and the breakfast options were endless.
Day 5: Koroni -Methoni
Leaving Kalamata we headed south and visited the coastal villages of Koroni and Methoni which both have Venetian built castles.
In Koroni, we spent our time exploring the village, which is built on a hillside. We spotted cute houses and lots of flowers but didn’t make it to the castle though.
Our next stop was Methoni, where our visit was all about exploring the castle, which for me is the most interesting castle in Peloponnese. I particularly liked the walk towards the small fort that it’s located outside the main castle and you get there via a stone bridge (pictured in the first photo of the post). It’s probably the most picturesque part of the city which is very Instagram and Pinterest worthy!!
After the exploration, we had lunch at Kastro restaurant just outside Methoni’s castle and then drove north towards Ancient Olympia.
Have you ever visited Kalamata, Koroni and Methoni?
P.S. Read Part 1 of our road trip where we explored Mani peninsula of Peloponnese and Part 3 where we visited Ancient Olympia and Vytina
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I'm Anna and this is my lifestyle and travel blog! 
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Beautiful colours! What a great sounding (and looking!) trip 😀
Truly lovely photos of those stunning places.