70km continuous beach (sandy and pebble), good climate, fresh fish, nice people, archeological sites and huge olives groves.
Kalamata is the capital with 60 000 habitants and main port of the prefecture. A charming town well known amongst other for its world wide famous virgin olive oil, the olives, the figs, the sesamed-covered sweet called pastelli and the silk kerchiefs, made by nuns on the Monastery of Agios Constantinos and Eleni on the north part of the city. There are many churches in town, the oldest being the historic 13th century church of Agii Apostoli, where the Greek Revolution against the Ottoman Empire was formally declared on March 23rd, 1821. Kalamata has an archeological and folklore museum, a fine arts museum and a library containing 60,000 volumes.
During summer, cultural events (theatre, dance, and concerts) take place in the amphitheatre of the Castle of Kalamata which is on the north part of the town that was built during the 13th century by Villehardouin. The most important cultural event is the International Dance Festival.
From Kalamata, after 8km, we reach Almyros, on the shores of which ammunition for the Greek War of Independence of 1821 was initially unloaded. From Almyros, by taking the road on the left side, after an astonishing itinerary of 35 km through mountains, we reach the coastal Kardamyli / Kardamili. This small village still keeps its Homeric name, and indeed is one of the 7 cities that Agamemnon offered to Achilles to return to the battle in Troy.
Swimming is great in Kardamyli. There are nice beaches like Ritsa, Kalamitsi, Salio and Neo Proastio. In the old town of Kardamili, one can find the fortified tower houses of the Troupakis family. The best preserved is the Tower of Mourtzinos which stands next to the beautiful 16th century church of Agios Spiridon.
Kardamyli / Kardamili is also famous for the walks up to the mountains. The well designed topographic maps help people to explore the great Taygetos Mountain with its 23 different types of orchids and other special flora.
From Kardamyli / Kardamili, one can visit Stoupa, Agios Nikolaos, Platsa and further south Oitylo, Areopoli, Diros Caves, Vathia and Gerolimena.
