Kalamata, Greece 🇬🇷
#732
37.037271, 22.110707
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kalamata, located in the Peloponnese region of Greece, is famous for its olives and stunning landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 70,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds are around 60 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. Major banks include Alpha Bank and Eurobank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, though bottled water is recommended for visitors. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers like Cosmote and Vodafone offer good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash is widely accepted, but cards are also used in most places. Revolut is popular among expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to Airbnb and long-term rentals through agents like Remax. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular for short stays, with prices starting around €50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Kalamatabackpackers offers dorms from €15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Chamber of Commerce in Kalamata offers affordable coworking spaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kalamata Coffee House, known for its fast Wi-Fi and cozy atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups are held at local cafes and coworking spaces. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Kalamata Expats Group on Facebook regularly organizes meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is not available, but local taxi apps like Beat work well. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rent bikes from Kalamata Bikers or scooters from local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kalamata Beach is within walking distance and ideal for a quick dip. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Olympic Air connects to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Aegean Airlines operates international flights from Kalamata. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E65 connects Kalamata to Athens. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kalamata Railway Station connects to other major cities in the Peloponnese. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus tickets from KTEL are affordable, about €1.50 for local routes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operated by KTEL run frequently to Sparta and Tripoli. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kalamata General Hospital provides comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Kalamata offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club Kalamata is popular and well-equipped. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services like 'Kalamata Clean' offer quick, efficient service. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt and e-food.gr are the most used delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local Kalamata olives and Makarounes, a traditional pasta dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Mamma Mia offers fantastic vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Kalamata Pastry Shop is famous for its baklava. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local food markets, especially around the Agora, offer fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local Greek online shops such as Skroutz are popular. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarkets like Sklavenitis offer delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The waterfront area is bustling with bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kalamata Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinsanto is a popular wine bar with local selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Experience gyros and souvlaki from various food stalls in the city center. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Try Tako, which serves delicious sushi in a cozy setting. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Kalamata Castle and Municipal Railway Park are must-sees. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Benakeion Archaeological Museum showcases rich local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient ruins of Messene are a short drive away. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Apostles Church is a prominent landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kalamata Dance Festival held every July attracts global attention. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Old Kalamata features traditional architecture and local shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Theatre of Kalamata hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Kalamata Farmers Market operates every Saturday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various bars feature live Greek music, especially in summer. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The streets of Kalamata exhibit vibrant murals and local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Learn about Greek cuisine at the Kalamata Cooking School. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Kapsas Gallery hosts contemporary exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the Victoria G. B. Mansion for its architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kalamata is known for its rich olive oil and agriculture heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Taygetus Mountains offer hiking and stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nearby Mount Taygetus National Park provides diverse ecosystems. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal promenades are perfect for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the viewpoint near the Kalamata Castle for panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Polilimnio are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches like Ammos have designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like ELTA handle local and international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Kalamata Tech Center provides laptop and mobile repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Clubs at local community centers host table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Kalamata Language School offers Greek language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Kalamata Central Library provides great study resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural centers offer recreational and social activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Various internet cafes offer places to play video games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Kalamata, but nearby cities have options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €132,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €102,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €128,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | For residents, the tax system is based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 44% |
| 🧾 VAT | 24% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Greece has specific rules for CFCs. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the value of property assets. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard rate. |