Kalamáta, lying to the west of Mt Taygetos, is chief town of the nomos of Messenia and a port for the shipment of the agricultural produce of the region. It occupies the site of Mycenaean Pharai, a town in the kingdom ruled by Menelaos. In 720 B.C., together with the rest of Messenia, it fell into Spartan
hands. From 1204, under its present name, it became the residence, along with Andravída, of the Villehardouins. After periods of Byzantine, Turkish and Venetian rule it was sacked by Ibrahim Pasha in 1825. It still bears the marks of the damage caused by a severe earthquake in 1986.
The chief town of Messinia is Kalamáta, a bustling town constantly expanding. Nevertheless, a walk along the sea-front with its small cafes and fish tavernas, can still be enjoyed in peace. One of Kalamáta's interesting buildings is the Byzantine Church of Áyii Apostolí.
For swimming one can either go to the beach of Kalamáta, or farther on to Almiros.
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