Things to do in

Kalamata

Start your small group tour at the arranged meeting point: the magnificent 13th century castle of Androusa, located in the heart of Messinia, just a 20 minute drive from Kalamata and 10 minutes from Ancient Messene. Begin with beautiful olive walks to provide as an overview of the amazing olive groves of Messinia. Witness the olive trees as the guide tells you about the history, the tradition, and the mythical stories of the castle olive trees. The olive grove is the next visit. Walk though the groves and marvel the perennial olive trees. Learn about the different varieties of olive trees in the area and discover the story of the Messinian land as recorded on the stems. In the center of Androusa Village, visit a unique olive oil press and mill, located there for more than 120 years. The fifth generation owner will explain the procedure of extraction, the storage, and standardization process of extra virgin olive oil. Next, join a tasting session, where a dining table is filled with the special blue olive oil tasting glasses ready for you to try. Taste the extra virgin olive oil of 'Koroneiki' variety and learn about its organoleptic characteristics. Learn to recognize the elements that define the extra virgin olive oil. Taste different varieties of Greek extra virgin olive oil, such us 'Manaki', 'Xalkidikis', 'Mavroelia', and evaluate their flavours. What about food? The extra virgin olive oil of different varieties is matched with traditional recipes including fruit, gourmet small dishes, as well as tzatziki, kalamata olives, olive paste, lalagia, pasto (smoked ham) and local cheeses. Enjoy a unique experience in the historic olive groves, and learn about the history, the soul, the tradition, and the gastronomy of Messinia.

Navarino Bay lies in front of the town of Pylos. It is a natural harbor where the island of Sphacteria stands as a wave breaker, protecting the bay from winds of the open Ionian Sea. The bay offers ideal conditions for Sea Kayaking trips, especially for beginners. The bay itself is a place of incredible natural beauty, with an impressive landscape, warm, crystal clear, waters and golden sandy beaches where sea turtles often return to lay their eggs. Sea kayaking here is a must definitely do without a doubt. Meet your guides at Divari beach just a few kilometers away from the charming village of Gialova. Your guide will brief you on paddling techniques, safety measures, and equipment. Soon we shall hop on our kayaks for a trip around the Navarino bay like never before. Heading west we paddle towards the imposing Rock, the islet located at the south side of the bay. The Rock is also a place of nesting and resting place for many species of birds. We admire its impressive natural stone arch and visit a few of its sea caves and galleries. Our next stop is the unhabituated island of Sphacteria. Here, we jump out of our kayaks, stretch our legs and walk to the island’s viewpoint for taking pictures of an idyllic landscape and for story-telling. A few minutes later we shall make a stop at a secluded beach for swimming and snorkeling, and why not some cliff diving for those who feel more adventurous. Here we shall also taste our homemade picnic of local delicacies and relax under the sun. After this energy pumped stop, we will paddle back to the starting point to end an amazing day in the tranquility of Navarino Bay.

Hike through the Ridomo Gorge in southern Greece and discover its unique morphology and colorful geological formations. Finish the hike on a beach where you can take a swim and refresh with fruit juice. After pickup from your hotel, set off in an air-conditioned van to Ridomo Gorge. a 25-kilometer gorge that begins deep in the heart of Mount Taygetos and runs to Santova Beach. Upon arrival, you'll be dropped off under the bridge that connects the two sides of the gorge. From there, start your guided hike through the gorgeous gorge. While you make your way through the magnificent natural surroundings, marvel at the varied rock formations around you and discover the lush flora of the area. After 6 kilometers of hiking inside the gorge, end the trek on a beautiful beach away from the resort. Have the chance to swim and enjoy a juice near a well-known and popular local beach bar. Afterward, return to Kalamata for drop-off at your hotel.

Explore the Gulf of Navarino on an evening hiking tour with van pickup at your hotel in Kalamata. Learn about the facinating military history of the Gulf of Navarino from your guide. Look for local wildlife, swim at Voidokilia beach and have dinner in a Greek tavern.  Be picked up from the comfort of your hotel in the center of Kalamata and sit back and relax in the spacious and airconditioned van. Take in the stunning Greek countryside on way to the beginning of the hiking trail. Admire views of the  see the old Navarino castle. Start from from the bottom hill and make your way to the top at a leisurely pace. On Keep an eye out for migratory birds like flamingos, ospreys, and royal eagles that travel between Europe and Africa at the Gialova lagoon. Stop for a refreshing dip at the most photographed and well known beach in Greece, Voidokilia beach. Continue to the top of a hill where you can marvel at views of Voidokilia beach, Gialova lagoon, the city of Pylos and the Ionian sea. Have some fresh fruits while learning about the history of the area from 425 BC to today. Finish your tour with a authentic meal in a a Greek tavern right next to the coast before returning to your accommodation.

Discover the wild beauty of the Taygetos mountain on this day trip from Kalamata. Admire diverse flora and fauna that are part of the Natura 2000 network of natural habitats on your guided hike. See sights like a King Leonidas statue and the chapel of the Prophet Elija. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in Kalamata. Sit back and relax on the airconditioned ride in a comfortable van on the way to the starting point for your hike. Get fitted with your walking pole and backpack.  Visit an imposing statue of the Spartan King Leonidas before setting off on the trail. Learn about Greek history and mythology in Taygetos where Spartan warriors once trained. Find out about the mountain's importance in Greek mythology.  Stop for water and a snack to keep your energy up along the way. Leave the Spartan side of Taygetos behind you at the Varvara viewpoint which offers stunning views at 1,550 meters above sea level.  Head to the pyramid-like summit and make your way to the the roofless chapel of the Prophet Elija. Go back down the mountain with breathtaking views of the blue Messinian bay. Transfer back to Kalamata by bus. 

Take a thrilling half-day hike through the Ridomo Gorge in southern Greece and explore majestic, untamed nature with a guide. Marvel at the distinct and colorful geological formations, and try a traditional Greek coffee. After pickup at your hotel in Kalamata, transfer to Ridomo Gorge in an air-conditioned van. Upon arrival, prepare for the adventurous 11-kilometer circuit with an energy-boosting coffee at Socrates's cafe, and relish the taste of the Greek coffee Socrates specializes in. Then, set off on your hike to see the best of the Ridomo Gorge, a 25-kilometer gorge that begins in the heart of Mount Taygetos. For the first 2 kilometers, follow a gravel road to the bottom of the gorge. For the next 5 kilometers, climb up the gorge until reaching a manmade cobbled road. Admire the unique morphology of the gorge and take in its aesthetic wonders. During the hike inside the gorge, you might have to use your hands to cross some boulders. For the last 4 kilometers, take another way back to the starting point from the top of the gorge, again on a gravel road. This way, during the hike you'll both cross the most beautiful piece of the canyon from the bottom and enjoy the panoramic views on the way back. After the hike, you will be taken back to Kalamata for drop-off at your hotel.

Wander through Section Four of the Peloponnese’s Menalon Trail in southern Greece on a guided hike. Head out of Kalamata in the comfort of a van to reach the trailhead. Once there, follow your mountain guide through quaint villages, deep canyons, and more as you explore the stunning Greek landscape. Leave Kalamata behind as you sit comfortably in your van and head towards one of the Menalon Trail's sections. This mountain hiking path spans 75 kilometers and runs through the legendary Arcadia in the heart of the mythical Peloponnese. Immerse yourself in a diverse landscape of rugged mountains, canyons, and verdant valleys. Follow the trail as it passes through picturesque villages, such as Elati and Vytina — one of the most striking sections of the trail. Descend from Elati to the riverbed of the Milaon River and pass under the hill where the acropolis of the antique city Methydrion was located. Throughout your whole trail, pass through a dense forest full of fir trees. Stop to smell this intense and calming aroma en route. After a small break for a few dives in the crystal clear waters of the river, reach the village of Vytina — the gem of Menalon. Here, take your time to do some shopping and taste local delicacies before your van picks you back up and brings you back to Kalamata.

Hike the traditional stone-built path from Sotirianika to Altomira on this guided hike on the Biliovo Hiking Trail. Take in breathtaking views of the majestic nature of the Messenian Gulf. Keep your energy up on your day trip with the included coffee, water, and snacks.  Enjoy the convience of being picked up from your accommodation in the center of Kalamata. Relax on the drive in the comfortable van to the Biliovo Hiking Trail in Sotirianika. Walk along the 100-year-old paved path to the village of Altomira on the outskirts of Taygetos. Follow your guide around 83 turns which skirt steep cliffs. Stroll along with at a leisurely pace with minimal inclination. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like birds and lizards. Stop for some refreshments at Altomiraspings before heading back to your accommodations.

Visit the Ancient Messene Archaeological Site, a must-see for any trip to the southern Peloponnese. Discover the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Messene and the ruins of this ancient Greek city, including its sanctuaries, public buildings, imposing fortifications, houses, and tombs. Discover countless mosaics, engravings, and restored buildings that will help you visualize the history of this impressive site. Take in the beauty of the mountains and the tranquil surroundings. Admire the dominating Ithome limestone, the site of the ancient acropolis and one of the largest theaters of the ancient Greek world, dating back to the 3rd century B.C.

Hike from Greece from Dimitsana to Gortyna on this guided day trip from Kalamata. Make your trip a breeze with the provided walking poles and get photos of from your hike. Pass by monasteries, watermills, and charming towns like Stemnitsa and Nymfasia.  Enjoy the convenience of being picked up at your hotel in the center of Kalamata. Relax aboard a spacious van on the drive thorugh the countryside to the Menalon Trail in Dimitsana. Cover 10 kilometers of this 75 kilometer trail and hike along the Lousios Gorge. Admire a diverse landscape of rugged mountains, canyons, and verdant valleys. Stroll by picturesque mountain villages, such as Stemnitsa, Elati, Vitina, and Nymfasia. View the legendary Lousios river where the newborn God Jupiter is said to have had his first bath. Walk by the Open Air Water Power Museum and see religious sights light the10th century and 17th century Monastery of the Virgin of the Philosopher, the 16th century Monastery of Timios Prodromos, and the watermill of the monastery of Prodromos. Reach the 3rd century city of Gortyn which was once the capital of Crete. Learn about local history as you walk. Return to your accommodation in Kalamata at the end of your tour.