Photo from MAMAKITA

Ultimate Kalamata Food Tour

Overview

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.

Traveler reviews

J
Joanna C.
Somerset, CA | Reviewed on Aug 02, 2022

A cant-miss highlight for a trip to Kalamata! The tour combined great food, wine, coffee, company, city sights, and history with memorable local interactions. Maria was like an immediate best friend to our entire family. You could tell she was incredibly passionate about the food tour and making sure we all had a blast. I would recommend her food tour to everyone!!! read more

A cant-miss highlight for a trip to Kalamata! The tour combined great food, wine, coffee, company, city sights, and history with memorable local interactions. Maria was like an immediate best friend to our entire family. You could tell she was incredibly passionate about the food tour and making sure we all had a blast. I would recommend her food tour to everyone!!!

Tips for future travelers

Go into knowing that you'll get some hands-on food making experience along with sit-down dining with excellent company. It's not just tasting food and moving on... You get to meet the people behind the food and really get to know the town. Very fun!

Quality of Experience
Maria was the best!
Food
All of the food was delicious. Had to pace ourselves because the is so much and you want to eat it all.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

Itineraries with Ultimate Kalamata Food Tour

Greek Culture & Adventure for Families: Athens & the Peloponnese - 10 Days

School-aged children can get a taste of both Classical and modern Greece with this 10-day itinerary. You'll start your trip in Athens, where treasure hunts, comic-making workshops, and an Olympic workout will help everyone get acquainted with the many facets of the country. Then head to Kalamata, home of the famous olives, for some gastronomy lessons, sea kayaking, and a chance to channel your inner archer.