While many international tourists arrive at Kalamata and bypass the city in favor of neighboring holiday resorts, it's well worth taking the time to get to know this attractive yet unassuming town at the foot of the southern Peloponnese mountain range. Although largely off the tourist trail for international visitors, Kalamata is popular with families from the interior of mainland Greece, who head here for the calm, clear Mediterranean waters, relaxed pace of life, good tourist infrastructure and lively restaurant scene. Locals offer a warm welcome to children of all ages, and there are good play areas along the beaches that bustle with children - accompanied by their parents, of course - well into the night.

Family-Friendly Lodgings

While there are few large-scale resort hotels in Kalamata itself, there are plenty of options located within a few miles of the town. One of the best options for the price range is the three-star Messinian Bay hotel, at Almyros Verga, Kalamata 24100. It's set in extensive gardens and, with two swimming pools and spacious family rooms with balconies and cable television, there's plenty of room for younger members of the family to stretch their legs. Kalamata's center is less than 10 minutes away by taxi. Like many of the larger hotels close to Kalamata, child care arrangements can be made at an extra cost - allowing the adults to have a night out in the bars and restaurants. A cost-friendly option for families traveling to Kalamata is to rent a self-catered apartment in or close to the town. There are several international agencies that can arrange apartment rentals in Kalamata. Options range from simple apartments to lavish villas, and all allow families to save on the cost of eating out by preparing meals at home.

Family Activities in Kalamata

For holiday-makers at least, life in Kalamata revolves around the beach. Although it is pebble rather than sand, bring along a beach chair for comfortable lounging, and prepare to make the most of the warm, calm Mediterranean sea. The water is clean and safe for swimming, and snorkeling is a fun, family-friendly way to see the fish and other marine life that inhabit the water. By night, the bars and restaurants along the beach front welcome all ages, and the public playparks are safe and well-equipped. The Marina is a nice place to visit and admire the yachts that bob in the harbour, and there are some nice family-friendly spots to eat here, like the lively Skipper's Bar, which has great sunset views.