Car Hire in Kalamata

About Kalamata

Kalamata, the capital and principal port of the regional unit Messenia, is situated on the Nedon River at the head of the Messenian Gulf. It is the second-largest city of the Peloponnese peninsula and the largest city of the administrative region of the same name. The industrial city has long been known for producing silk cloth, flour, liquor, and tobacco. Kalamata is also famous for its high-quality olives, currants, and other fruits.

The city has a long history with many turbulent events that have shaped the Kalamata we know today. In the past, the city was ruled by different nations and religions. Today, Kalamata is a modern and prosperous city that is also a trendy tourist destination. Kalamata and its surrounding areas have much to offer, from great restaurants to historical religious and cultural sites to beaches.

This region is known for its diversity, which is reflected in what it has to offer tourists, as there are many exciting things to see and do here. The best way to explore Kalamata and its surrounding areas is to hire a car and move around as you wish, as there are so many different things to do and sights to see.

So if you are planning a road trip through southern Greece, be sure to put Kalamata on your list of must-see destinations. You will not need much time to explore the city, but take your time and find the perfect place for lunch in Kalamata, as there are many delicious restaurants here.

Basic info and car hire in Kalamata

• Location: Messenia, Greece
• Population: 69,849
• Official language: Greek
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Kalamata has a Mediterranean climate  
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Kalamata are in good condition.
• Car hire in Kalamata: The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Kalamata is at Kalamata airport. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks before your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Kalamata!

 Driving in Kalamata

Driving in Kalamata should not be a challenging experience for you. There can be some traffic jams in the summer and traffic is generally a bit busier in the summer season because of all the tourists that pass through. Also, be extra careful as some of the streets in the city centre are pretty narrow and finding a parking space here can be tricky at times. So it's best to park your car outside the city and explore Kalamata on foot. This way, you will probably save some time and avoid the stressful search for a parking space and standing on the street for a long time.

The fines for disobeying the laws and regulations are strict and expensive. Running a red light or ignoring a stop sign will cost you 700 euros. Not wearing a seatbelt in a car is punishable by 350 euros. Talking on a mobile phone without a hands-free device is punishable by 100 euros. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by a fine of between 200 and 1200 euros and a probable driving license suspension of between 10 days and six months, depending on how much the breathalyzer test reveals.

• Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in Greece is 18 years old. The minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old, and some rental companies for people over 75 years old. Young driver surcharges may apply to those under 25 with many rental companies.
• International Driving Permit:  Visitors need a valid driving license to drive a car in Greece legally. Drivers of motorcycles up to 125cc must be at least 18 years old, while drivers of mopeds (up to 50cc) must be at least 16 years old. Driving licenses issued in E.U. and EEA countries are accepted. With an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can legally drive in Greece and 174 other countries and present your valid driver's license. Only two organizations issue IDPs: Automobile Association of America (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), and you can order it online if there is no office near you.
• Additional papers: Identification (passport), a valid driver's license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to take out insurance with the car rental company if your policy does not cover you when driving in Greece). 
• Additional requirements: Warning triangle (mandatory in every vehicle), headlight deflectors (for cars from UK. Depending on the vehicle, you may either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually), fire extinguisher (mandatory in every car), first aid kit (mandatory in every car), warning triangles, spare wheels are required, and hands-free devices with hearing aids if you are talking on the phone while driving. 
• Children in the car:  A suitable child seat must be fitted for children under three years of age. Local authorities approve child restraint systems that comply with the ECE R44/03 standard. A suitable child seat should also be used for children between 3 and 11 years of age smaller than 1.35 meters. Adult seat belts are already approved for children over 12 years of age and over 1.35 meters tall. You may do so if you wish to fit a rear-facing child seat because the front passenger airbag is deactivated.
• Driving side of the road: Right
• Lights: In poor daytime visibility, use low beam headlights. The use of high beams in cities is strictly prohibited.  
• General speed limits: Unless otherwise stated, the maximum speed on the motorway is 120 km per hour. On rural roads, you may drive 110 km/68 mi per hour. In residential areas, the speed limit is 50 km/31 mi per hour.
• Parking suggestions: Parking is prohibited in Greece: Within 5 meters (m) of intersections, within 15m of railway crossings, within 15m of bus and tram stops, within 3m of a fire hydrant, within 5m of a stop sign, or traffic light. In some streets, signs indicate which side of the road to park on. Parking fees vary from city to city, with meters usually operating between 30 minutes and two hours. In Athens, particular parking areas are reserved for tourists. E.U. disability cards should be recognized in Greece. However, to be on the safe side, you should apply for a card from the Institute for the Rehabilitation of Disabled People in Athens or from local prefects in other provinces.

What to see in Kalamata

When you visit Kalamata, do not miss the beach. There is a 5-kilometre long sandy beach with many hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs, taverns, water sports, etc. So there are many activities you can do here on the beach, making Kalamata a perfect summer destination.

Many different faces know the city of Kalamata. When you walk around the city, you will understand why. The other parts of the city date back to different eras and have different looks. Each of these parts offers something unique. In the evening, the city takes on an extra dimension. With lots of lights, bars, clubs with music, and vibrant nightlife, Kalamata is an excellent destination for all tourists looking for a destination where you can combine sightseeing, beach activities, and nightlife.

There are also many museums here that are worth a visit. Probably the most famous and most visited museum here is the Railway Museum. It is the first theme park in Greece and offers lots of fun for the whole family. Especially children will have a lot of fun here.

Drive your rental car beyond Kalamata

If you are spending your time in Kalamata, be sure to rent a car and explore the city's surrounding areas. There are so many perfect destinations in this country that have something to offer all types of travellers.

Greece, or many would say the cradle of western civilization, is the southernmost country in the Balkan Peninsula. This perfectly situated country of more than 2000 islands, about 170 of which are inhabited, has access to the entire world via the sea, and also has a beautiful inland area full of mountains and volcanic soil, a rich culture, many historical and religious sites, delicious food, and genuinely lovely people - a place that every person should visit at least once in their lifetime. There are so many different things to see and do here that you are sure to find something for yourself.

If you are planning a vacation to Greece, you should make a good plan. A rental car is the best solution if you want to explore the country to see different places, try other foods and meet different people from different parts of Greece. First, you need to decide if you want to explore the islands or are more interested in the interior. There are plenty of activities you can do for both options and plenty of sights you can visit.

Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the cities you should visit if you plan a road trip through Greece. Athens is something very different from Skiathos, but no less interesting and exciting. Greece is a country that is a mixture of Europe, the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. It sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa and is the legacy of classical Greece, the Byzantine Empire, and almost four centuries of Ottoman rule. All this gives the country a great religious, cultural, architectural, and political background that contributes to the country's diversity.

The size of the country is equal to that of Britain, and it is divided into six main regions: Central Greece: the Píndos Mountains, North-Eastern Greece: Makedonía and Thráki, Eastern Greece: Thessalía and Attikí, Southern Greece: the Pelopónnisos, Western Greece: Ípeiros and Akarnanía, The Islands of Greece. Each of these regions has something to offer you. It is best to rent a car and explore the area by region. You will need time to explore this country well, so it may be best to explore the provinces one by one. The roads in Greece are in good condition, the people are friendly, the country is beautiful, the food is delicious, and the sights are breathtaking, so all you have to do is buckle up and drive safely.

Where to eat, drink, and party in Kalamata

Like all of Greece, Kalamata is a perfect destination for foodies. The city does have many different restaurants serving all kinds of food. You can enjoy traditional dishes from the region or conventional dishes from other parts of the country. Besides that, many modern restaurants offer contemporary cuisine from Greece and other parts of the world.

Kalamata is mainly known for its high-quality olive oil, wine, vinegar, mustard, spirits, dried figs, oranges, cheese, honey...

Kalamata is a city that comes alive at night. So if you are looking for a destination where you can combine sightseeing, beach, and nightlife, Kalamata is the place for you. There are some great bars and nightclubs on the beach and in the old town, so you certainly will not get bored.

Best restaurant in Kalamata

Fish & Pasta Kannas

Notias

Yiamas Gastro Bar

Ta Rolla

Mama's Sweethouse

Tavern Argo