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Kalamata is the Capital and chief port
of Messinia, in the Messinian Gulf
near the ancient city of Farai mentioned by Homer, 238 km (150 miles)
from Athens. A lively regional city of 50.000 people nestled between the
mountains and the sea. The Kalamata airport is an international airport
with flights to and from Athens and many other European hubs.
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Virtually every famous ancient site in Greece is in the Peloponnese.
While many of the Aegean islands sag under the weight of tourists from
May until September, the Peloponnese is still relatively uncrowded, even
in midsummer. One of the great delights of living in the Peloponnese
comes from the quiet hours spent in seaside cafes, watching fishermen
mend their nets while Greek families settle down for a leisurely meal. Leisurely
is the word to remember in the Peloponnese, an ideal place to make haste
slowly. And what better place to watch shepherds on the hills or fishing
boats on the horizon as you wait for dinner or enjoy a cappuccino in one
of the many seaside cafes?
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Every summer, cultural events like concerts and plays put on by the
Kalamata theatre and international dance companies come to the stone
amphitheatre of the 10th century frankish castle. In the evening the town comes alive,
especially along the water front which is lined with taverns, seafood
restaurants and rotisseries serving drinks and local dishes such as, fresh fish,
roast suckling pig and chicken, sausages, vegetable dishes, cheese, olives, and wonderful
wine. Unlike the Greek islands the southern Peloponnese is a thriving
year-round community.
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The city of Kalamata is 238 km (150 miles) south of
Athens. Kalamata has an international airport with daily flights from Athens
and other European hubs. The airfare from Athens to Kalamata is
approximately 35 Euros (US$32). Taxi service from Athens to Kalamata is surprisingly
inexpensive and takes about three hours. And there is express bus service,
as well.
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