Discover the flavors of Greece with a one-of-a-kind food tour in the gastronomy hub of
Kalamata. Your host and guide will show you some of the region's most beloved traditional recipes. Along the way, you'll taste more than 20 Messinian homemade products for the ultimate foodie experience.
Start in the historic core of seaside Kalamata, strolling through charming and colorful streets with your guide. Then, make a few stops at family-owned food and pastry stores, listening to stories from the locals. Kalamata and the surrounding region of
Messenia are known for world-renowned black Kalamata olives, which produce exquisite olive oil.
Your first stop is at a traditional workshop where you'll taste local, homemade Messinian products. Your host will dive into authentic ancestral recipes and prepare two iconic dishes to taste. Next, head to a sweet shop to try local delicacies, including famous Corinthian raisins. The aromas will take you to Mt. Taygetos, where many herbs and spices originate.
At this point, you might need a pick-me-up! First, enjoy a traditional Greek coffee tasting prepared by Giorgos, a local grinding shop owner. He'll reveal the secrets to a proper cup of Greek coffee. Then, pair your java with local pastries from the Mani Peninsula, including homemade cookies and
pasteli made with local honey and sesame seeds.
Now, fill your belly with classic Greek
meze (similar to appetizers or tapas) at a traditional
ouzo tavern. First, enjoy
revithokeftedes (chickpeas patties),
kolokithokorfades (courgette flowers), and oven-baked sardines. Then savor traditional eggplant dip with fresh basil,
kagianas (an omelet with tomato and cured meat), and so much more!
To polish off your
meze, enjoy a cheese tasting. First, you’ll try two of the region's most famous varieties made by small family-owned farms. Then, pair your cheeses with Kalamata olives and extra virgin olive oil, the Messinian gastronomy trilogy!
Next, you'll visit an olive oil shop for a quick tasting and to learn about the production of Greece's liquid gold. Afterward, head to a local wine shop and discover the different grape varieties of Messenia. Some favorites include
Fokiano,
Assyrtiko,
Mandilaria, and
Moschofilero. You'll learn how producers combine these indigenous grapes with foreign varieties to create white, rosé, and red wines.
Your last stop is a light lunch at one of Kalamata's coziest restaurants. Enjoy traditional Messinian dishes and local wines. Your host will continue to share unique stories about these heritage recipes and is happy to answer any questions.
Read more about interesting and unique
activities on the Peloponnese and
culinary experiences in Greece.
