Business Class Flights to Kalamata, Greece

A mid-size city on Greece’s Peloponnese Peninsula, Kalamata is an important southern Greek port. The city is home to about 70,000 people and is known throughout the world for its delectable Kalamata olives. Though Kalamata olives are now grown in various locations around the globe (and referred to as “Kalamon olives” if grown outside this region), their origin stems from Kalamata, Greece. What makes them different from other olives is their dark purple color, meaty texture, and size. Beyond its world-famous olives, the city is also the birthplace of the Kalamatianos Greek folk dance which is performed throughout the country, and the world, at weddings and other social gatherings.

Visitors who book flights to Kalamata often come to the city to experience its culture, see its historical sites, and enjoy its delicious cuisine. During the summer tourist season, which is generally April through October, flights to Kalamata, Greece, are mostly served by Kalamata International Airport (KLX). The airport, which is sometimes referred to as Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos International Airport by locals, is located midway between Kalamata and the nearby town of Messini. Kalamata is a focus city for Aegean Airlines, which handles most of the air traffic coming into the airport from Athens. About 300,000 passengers pass through Kalamata International Airport each year.

From November through March, flights to Kalamata are routed through Athens International Airport. Direct flights to Kalamata from cities in Europe are generally only available during the summer months.

Kalamata is home to several historical sites and landmarks dating back to its early history. Among the most visited is the Kalamata Castle, built on a hill overlooking the city, and the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Ypapanti, built in the late 19th century. According to locals and tourists alike, the Kalamata Castle, built by the Franks in the 13th century, is one of the best places to catch an absolutely stunning sunset. At the foot of the castle is Palia Poli (Old City), which offers many historic sites. Pylos and Methoni, nearby port cities to Kalamata, also have towering castles with gorgeous sightseeing. 

Ancient artifacts that have been unearthed in archeological digs can be seen at the Archaeological Museum of Messenia located in the city center. Other museums in the city include the Kalamata Folklore Museum and the Municipal Gallery art museum.

For tourists who book flights to Kalamata in search of the outdoors, the city is surrounded by amazing beaches. Visitors take advantage of the sun, snorkeling, and scuba diving. For beach enthusiasts, this area of Greece is home to many easy-to-find and secluded coves for an afternoon by the waves. Because they’re so popular, many of Kalamata’s beaches are home to plenty of bars, restaurants, and other outdoor sporting activities. 

In addition to its famous olives, Kalamata is also known for a dessert called pasteli. A type of candy, the sweet treat is made from sesame seeds and honey and is usually pressed into a bar. Pasteli is consumed throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East and can often be found in Middle Eastern grocery stores in Europe and North America. Every Wednesday and Saturday in Kalamata, nearly 500 artisans, food producers, and other vendors offer up a selection of delicious local produce and makes at the central market. For tourists looking to taste a little bit of everything this city has to offer, this market delivers cheese, honey, Kalamata olives, and so much more. 

Notable people from Kalamata include composer, music producer, and musician Yiannis Chryssomallis, more popularly known as Yanni; Greek street artist and political activist Bleepsgr; and film producer and director Vassilis Photopoulos.