Kalamata ( Kalamáta, formerly Καλάμαι Kalámai) is the second-largest city of the Peloponnese in southern Greece. The capital and chief port of the Messenia prefecture, it lies along the Nedon River at the head of the Messenian Gulf. Located near the ancient city of Pharai mentioned by Homer, it lies 238 km SW of Athens, about 60 km SE of Kyparissia and GR-9, about 120 km SSE of Pyrgos, about 80 km SW of Tripoli, about 60 km W of Sparta, NW of Areopoli and about 8 km E of Messene, it is also 215 km south of Patras and 715 (old: 750) km south of Thessaloniki. The 2001 census recorded 57,620 inhabitants.

Kalamata is renowned as the land of the Kalamatianos dance and the silk kerchief; of succulent dark olives, honey-eyed figs and the honey-covered sesame sweet called pasteli. The city can be reached other Greek cities by bus and train. Furthermore, the city has an international airport and an important harbour. Ferries are available to places such as the Greek island of Kythira.

The Messenian Gulf where Kalamata is located has various long beaches. The Taygetus is located about 4 km E of Kalamata and GR-82 Kalamata - Sparta highway runs through the ranges.

Olives and olive oil are important and famous products that are exported from Kalamata.

Kalamata has schools, lyceums, gymnasia, banks, a post office, and squares (plateia). The newly established University of Peloponnese has a campus in Kalamata, where the history, literature, religion and philosophy departments are located. The Kalamata campus of the university also provides free Greek lessons to expatriate Greeks.

Name

The name Kalamata may have something to do with the Greek kala ommata which means beautiful eyes. A Byzantine church near the city is devoted to the virgin of Kalomata.

Settlements

• Bournia
• Koutala
• Menina
• Profitis Ilias

Municipal districts

• Alagonia (pop: 360)
• Machala
• Antikalamos (pop: 541)
• Artemisia (pop: 291)
• Theotokos
• Asprochoma (pop: 1,231)
• Akovitika
• Kalami
• Katsikovo
• Elaiochori (pop: 395)
• Arachova
• Diasella
• Perivolakia
• Kalamata
• Karveli (pop: 180)
• Agia Triada
• Emialoi or Emiali
• Kato Karveli
• Labena
• Lada (pop: 223)
• Agia Marina
• Agios Vasileios
• Leika (pop: 926)
• Katsaraiika or Katsareika
• Spitakia
• Xerokampi
• Mikri Mantineia (pop: 688)
• Nedousa (pop: 158)
• Piges (pop: 103)
• Skouroulakkos
• Sperchogeia (pop: 855)
• Valyra
• Verga (pop: 2,110)
• Ano Verga
• Kato Verga
• Verga Beach (Paralia Vergas)

History