Kalamata Kythira ferry

Kalamata Guide

Kalamata Ferry Port

When one thinks of Kalamata, the image of a tough-skinned, purple olive is what will most likely to come to mind. For while the Kalamata olive is world-renowned for its taste and texture, the city after which the fruit was named exists in a state of relative unknown. Not that this obscurity is a reflection of the city’s character. Situated on the jagged coastline of the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece, at the arcing end of a crystal-blue bay that flows into the Ionian Sea, Kalamata is blessed with rich history and an idyllic countryside shaped by low mountains. One of the major draws of Kalamata is its historic city centre. The narrow twist of alleys found along the banks of the local Nedon River are home to plenty of ancient landmarks. The 14th century Holy Apostles church - a tiny, tan stone building featuring a tiled roof and quaint bell-tower – was once used by rebels at the start of the Greek Revolution, while the impenetrable walls of Kalamata Castle overlook the city from the summit of a pine-covered hilltop. The port in Kalamata is found at the western end of the city’s scenic, tree-lined promenade. It sits on the shores of a man-made inlet of the bay, the water here tamed by a ring of breakwaters. Ferries leave from the end of a long pier that serves as a marina for local yachts. There is no passenger terminal at the port meaning that provisions can only be purchased from the market stalls that line the seafront or from the nearby restaurants and bars. Despite being the second most populous city on the Peloponnese peninsula, travelling to and from Kalamata can prove tricky. Many of the inner streets are pedestrianised, and only a few main roads service the centre. It is therefore best, particularly for those unfamiliar with Kalamata, to use the cheap system of buses that regularly zip to every corner of the city. Athens is only 2-hours away to the north-east too. The Greek capital can be reached by following the snaking road route that begins on the E55 motorway, slices through the rugged Mediterranean countryside, and crosses the isthmus that connects the peninsula with the Attica region. A couple of ferry routes currently operate from the port in Kalamata on a limited weekly schedule. Lane Sea Lines offer two southbound services across the sapphire-blue surf of the Messenian Gulf, heading to the nearby island of Kythira and the town of Kissamos at the western end of Crete.

Kythira Guide

Kythira Ferry Port

The wonderful beaches and exciting contrasts of Kythira, a Greek island near the southern mainland, have transformed it into a popular destination for tourists looking for a relaxing time in the sun. Despite the fact that an airport lies on the island, the ferry remains the easiest and most convenient way to get to Kythira. Many of the major travel companies will not include the airport in their travel deals, causing flights to be relatively expensive. The island isn’t particularly close to any of the other well-known islands, as a result the best way to get to Kythira is by ferry from Athens. It’s also an ideal way to witness the stunning scenery and idyllic surroundings that belong the Greek islands. The island was a popular destination for Australians during the 20th Century, and many ended up emigrating there. Consequently, many visitors are surprised to hear the locals speaking English with a slight Australian twang in their accent. Many suggest the reason so many Australians ended up staying is because of the similar climate and landscapes – there are myriad of waterfalls and rockpools dotted around the island. As well as the waterfalls, there are many beaches that are prime for swimming in the crystal clear waters. The port, located in Diakofti, has undergone a recent renovation in an attempt to improve the infrastructure of the island, with a new road being built linking the rest of the town with the port. Unlike many of the Greek Islands, Kythira is relatively far away and the ferry routes can take up to three hours. The most common crossing is to the capital city of Athens, providing the gateway onto mainland Greece.