Kalamáta is the second most populous city of the Peloponnese peninsula, after Patras, in southern Greece and the largest city of the homonymous administrative region. As the capital and chief port of the Messenia regional unit, it lies along the Nedon River at the head of the Messenian Gulf.

The 2011 census recorded 69,849 inhabitants for the wider Kalamata Municipality, of which, 62,409 resided in the municipal unit of Kalamata, and 54,567 in the city proper. Kalamata is renowned as the land of the Kalamatianos dance and Kalamata olives.

Sights include:

• Benakeion Archaeological Museum of Kalamata, located in the heart of the historical centre of Kalamata.
• Cultural events, such as the Kalamata International Dance Festival
• Kalamata Drama International Summer School (www.kalamatadrama.com)
• Kalamata Castle from the 13th century AD.
• The marina and the Port of Kalamata, located SW of the city centre, is the main and largest port in Messenia and the southern part of the Peloponnese.
• Kalamata Municipal Stadium, home of Messiniakos, seats 5,400 spectators
• The Railway Museum of the Municipality of Kalamata, a railway museum which first opened since 1986
• Ancient Messene, some 15 to 20 km (12 mi) north-west of modern Messini
• The Temple of Apollo Epicurius is about two-hour drive north from Kalamata.
• The Maria Callas Alumni Association of the Music School of Kalamata (www.mariacallas.gr) with the exhibition of the personal letters of the legendary Maria Callas.