Kalamata in Greece’s southern Peloponnese is set to become a hub for tourists after a deal was struck on Wednesday to revamp its airport.
A consortium led by Fraport secured a 40-year concession to operate Kalamata International Airport. The deal was finalized with a bid of 45.2 million euros.
Fraport Greece, a subsidiary of the German company Fraport AG, operates 14 of Greece’s regional airports under a long-term concession agreement signed in 2017. These airports are among the busiest and most strategically important in the country, serving as key hubs for tourism and domestic travel.
The consortium’s takeover aligns with a broader push to develop alternative tourist destinations in Greece. The Peloponnese region, particularly Kalamata, has been highlighted by INSETE, the research institute of the of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), for its potential in various tourism sectors, including sun-and-sea, yachting, cultural and religious tourism.
Kalamata Airport gets more international flights
Under Fraport’s management, Kalamata Airport is set to expand its network of international airline partners. While Aegean Airlines has been the airport’s main carrier since 2010, new airlines are already committing to the airport for the 2025 summer season.
British carrier Jet2 will introduce a Bristol-Kalamata route, alongside a returning Edinburgh-Kalamata service starting on May 6.
Discover Airlines, a subsidiary of Lufthansa, is also expanding its operations from Frankfurt to Kalamata, while easyJet has announced a new Manchester-Kalamata route, set to launch on June 24, 2025.
These new connections are expected to significantly boost the airport’s passenger traffic, enhancing Kalamata’s position as a key gateway to the Peloponnese.
Kalamata as a tourist hub
Kalamata is the second largest city in the Peloponnese, after Patras. The 2021 census recorded 72,906 inhabitants for the wider Kalamata Municipality.
There are numerous historical and cultural sights in Kalamata, such as the Villehardouin castle, the Ypapanti Byzantine church, the Kalograion monastery with its silk-weaving workshop where the Kalamata scarves are made, and the municipal railway park.
The Church of the Holy Apostles is where Mavromichalis declared the revolt against Ottoman rule in 1821. Art collections are housed at the Municipal Gallery, the Archaeological Museum of Messenia and the Folk Art Museum.
Kalamata is also ideally located for excursions to a mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions.
From Kalamata one can visit Kardamyli, a picturesque coastal village with stunning beaches, stone towers, and historical sites like the old town and the Church of Agios Spyridon.
Nearby Stoupa is known for its sandy beaches and links to author Nikos Kazantzakis, who wrote Zorba the Greek there.
Ancient Messene is a well-preserved ancient city with impressive ruins, including a theater, stadium, and fortifications, located about 30 km from Kalamata.
The Taygetus Mountain range offers hiking trails, breathtaking views, and traditional mountain villages like Artemisia and Nedousa.
Voidokilia Beach is a stunning crescent-shaped beach near Pylos, often ranked among the best in Greece.
Pylos Castle (Niokastro) is a well-preserved fortress with a small museum.
South of Kalamata are two quintessential Greek seaside towns: Methoni and Koroni, home to Venetian castles, countless pristine sandy beaches, and lush landscapes.
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