Shopping in Kalamata: streets, the market and what to buy
Aristomenous Street, the old town's small shops, the farmers' market and the local products worth bringing home.
- Aristomenous Street is the main shopping street, from 23 March Square to the sea.
- The old town has small shops selling local Messinian produce.
- The best souvenirs: Kalamata olives, olive oil, mountain tea and silk.
Combine a morning at the market with a walk along Aristomenous and the old town. Pack olive oil and olives in checked luggage.
Where to shop in Kalamata
Kalamata is the main city of Messinia, in the south-west Peloponnese, and is famous worldwide for its olives. It's a real city, not just a resort, so you can buy everything here, from fashion chains to local food. Most shopping is in three areas:
| Area | What you'll find |
|---|---|
| Aristomenous Street | the main street, from 23 March Square to the central square and the sea. Shops, cafés and neoclassical buildings in its northern part |
| Streets crossing Aristomenous | many small shops of every kind |
| The historic centre (old town) | small shops selling local Messinian products, below the castle |
According to the municipal guide, the Londos and Varvoutsi arcade on the east side of Aristomenous is busy and lively.
Kalamata's market
Kalamata has a large produce market where farmers from the villages sell what they grow. Europe Up Close describes olives, pomegranates, wild mountain greens, courgette flowers, fresh dill, dried mountain tea and spices. Prices are low, and buying in bulk is cheaper still.
We couldn't find an up-to-date source for the market's days and hours, so ask at your hotel or a tourist information point. As in most of Greece, markets are busiest in the morning.
What to buy in Kalamata
- Kalamata olives: the famous purple-black olive, in jars or vacuum packs. They're tastier and cheaper at the source.
- Messinian olive oil: the region is one of Greece's main olive-oil producers. Buy a sealed bottle or tin from a local producer.
- Mountain tea and herbs: easy to pack and a good gift.
- Local sweets: pasteli (a sesame-and-honey bar) and honey. Check the ingredients.
- Silk: Kalamata has a silk tradition, and a workshop run by nuns in the old town makes silk scarves. Check opening hours in advance.
If you keep kosher, olives and olive oil with kosher certification can sometimes be found in supermarkets, but most local products are uncertified. For kosher food and Shabbat in the area, see our Kalamata kosher and Shabbat guide.
Shopping tips for Kalamata
- Hours: Greek shop hours vary by weekday, and most shops are closed on Sunday.
- Packing: olive oil and jars of olives go in checked luggage, not hand luggage.
- VAT refund: non-EU residents can claim a refund on larger purchases. Details in our Greece VAT refund guide.
More in Kalamata: Kalamata guide, food and restaurants in Kalamata, Kalamata beaches and where to stay in Kalamata.
FAQ
What is Kalamata's main shopping street? Aristomenous Street, which runs from 23 March Square to the central square and the sea.
What is the best thing to buy in Kalamata? Kalamata olives, Messinian olive oil, mountain tea and local silk.
Is there a market in Kalamata? Yes, a produce market where local farmers sell olives, greens, fruit and herbs. Check the days and hours in advance.
Can I take olive oil from Greece on the plane? Yes, but in checked luggage and well sealed.
