Kalamata

25.04.23

We have now arrived in the very south. After staying with Dimitri and the last two days by the sea, today we had another varied city visit.

Kalamata is a city whose name is heard from time to time when traveling here. The lively capital of the Messenia region has about 70,000 inhabitants and is located directly by the sea. It is said that this region has some of the most beautiful beaches. A majestic mountain panorama also begins at the foot of the city, giving the place a special charm. If you have ever looked at Greece on the map, you may have noticed the three peninsulas in the south. They are also called the three fingers. Kalamata is located between two of the fingers.

Although we actually didn't know anything about the city in advance, we came here with some expectations. Not concrete ones, but we were once again ready to stroll around and immerse ourselves in a lively city. As it goes with expectations, we were a little disappointed quite quickly, and that was shortly after our arrival.

The selection of Park4night places was quite limited, and our choice was not necessarily in the nicest area.

When we arrived in the city, there was hardly anything going on. We walked across a plaza and through a pedestrian zone where there were a few cafes, but that was about it. Where were the old buildings and the charming center, we wondered as we were almost on the verge of writing off the city and criticizing a bit about what we saw or rather didn't see. It was boring so far.

Kalamata was already considered a disappointment when we unexpectedly reached the small but nice city center. After the initial disappointment, the joy was of course great, perhaps even a bit exaggerated, at least in retrospect. But it was still nice. Typical of what I know of Greece so far are, among other things, the numerous stylish cafes. Here, too, I noticed a few really inviting and pretty cafes and bars. Also, a few other appealing shops. (Once again, many shoe and fashion stores as well)

In an unpacked store, we were thrilled by the sensational selection of spices. It wasn't until later that we realized that the prices were also reasonable, so we will stop by again tomorrow to stock up on a fine selection of spices.

The city, not surprisingly, also attracts quite a few tourists. So there is definitely something going on and it is fun to watch the hustle and bustle while enjoying a cool drink on a plaza. Beautiful.