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 SW of
Athens, about SE of
Kyparissia and
GR-9, about SSE of
Pyrgos, about SW of
Tripoli, about W of
Sparta, NW of
Areopoli and about E of
Messene, it is also south of
Patras and 715 kilometres (444 mi) south of
Thessaloniki. The 2001 census recorded 57,620 inhabitants, but it is a busy city and on a regular daily basis there are more than 85,000 people working and circulating in it.
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 from 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 islands of
Kythira, and
Crete .
The Messenian Gulf where Kalamata is located has various long beaches. The
Taygetus mountain range is located about 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......
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