• The Lowlands, West Of The City
• The Inlet Of The Gulf Of Messinia
• On The Slopes Of Mount Taygetos

Various departments of the city of Kalamata located on and around the road network connecting Kalamata to the rest of Messinia (to the west) have experienced a rapid pace of development over the past few years. Due to their proximity to the city, these areas are mostly urban in character. The local technical college and hospital are also located here.

Taking a left (south) off the main road brings us to Akovitika, an important archaeological site where excavations have revealed remnants believed to have been the Sanctuary of Poseidon and the foundations of an early Helladic palace.

From the Temple of Poseidon, archaeologists have dug up the northern side of a rectangular structure with an atrium in the middle surrounded by a Doric - columned arcade. A long, narrow corridor with wooden columns enclosed the arcades from the exterior. A small well made of limestone was found in the interior. The building is dated to the 6th century BC, while there is also evidence of an earlier phase of construction (late 7th century [ read the chapter » ]

Here we have a number of municipal departments located east of the Municipality of Kalamata and on the northeastern side of Gulf of Messinia. These small towns belong to Messinian Mani, yet they have an urban and touristy character. There are beautiful beaches here, as well as several hotels and other lodgings for tourists, drawing visitors from Greece and abroad, and are also known for a very vibrant nightlife.

Verga
The municipal department of Verga comprises three villages: Paralia (or beach), Ano (Upper) Verga and Kato (Lower Verga). At Paralia (8 km from Kalamata), near the mouth of the Selitsa Stream, we come across the remains of a fortified wall that has two towers and battlements. This was where the forces of Mani managed to block the progress of Ibrahim Pasha.

Kato Verga (also known as Kato [ read the chapter » ]

Here we have municipal departments which are nestled in the western slopes of the Mount Taygetos and which stand out for their natural beauty and traditional character. The villages can be reached via the Kalamata - Sparta road and are ideal for those interested in religious history and architecture, walking or simply enjoying nature.

Elaiohori, Dimiovia Monastery
Moving northeast of Kalamata, uphill towards Sparta, brings us to Mount Taygetos. A small detour to the right (east) 5 kilometers outside Kalamata, takes us to Elaiohori and the Monastery of Dimiovia.

Elaiohori (also known as Yiannitsa), where the celebrated folklorist Nikolaos Politis was born, is known as the “balcony of Kalamata.” It includes the village of

Perivolakia, while just north of it is an area known [ read the chapter » ]