Kalamata Open Market Guide: What to Eat, Buy and Bring Home from Kalamata
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I receive commissions for purchases made through those links at no cost to you. Please read my full disclosure for more information.
Table of Contents
The scent of newly-gathered herbs, fresh fish on ice, and the steady buzz of neighbors greeting each other over crates of tomatoes, artichokes, lemons… visiting a market gives you a true glimpse into life in the Peloponnese. Twice a week, the Kalamata Open Market (Λαϊκή Αγορά Καλαμάτας) spills into the back lot around the permanent agora building, offering a feast for the senses and a glimpse into everyday life.
Locals weave through the crowds with well-worn shopping carts, exchanging recipes and gossip with neighbors and the vendors they’ve known for years. Although I’m guessing it’s not quite the “hidden gem” it used to be – I did notice a selfie stick or two – it’s still definitely a place where people still come to do their weekly shopping. My kind of place!
Whether you’re stocking up for a beach picnic, cooking at your Airbnb, or looking for the perfect edible souvenir to take home, this market has you covered.
Where and When to Visit the Kalamata Farmers Market
The Kalamata Farmers Market is open twice a week — on Wednesdays and Saturdays — and it’s best to come earlier in the morning when the stalls are full and crowds are lighter. I usually tried to visit around 10am or so.
The market is located in the shadow of the hilltop Kalamata Castle and not far from the city center, so whether you’re staying near the waterfront or the Old Town, you’ll likely be just a short taxi ride or a pleasant walk away. You can get from the waterfront Navarinou Street to the old town on foot in about half an hour, taxi in a just a few minutes (about €5), or you can opt to catch the local city bus #1 (€1.50).
If you are visiting on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, the permanent structure of the market and some of the shops inside will be open, so you can still buy cheese, produce or pick up a few souvenirs. But it’s truly worth timing your visit for a Wednesday or Saturday, when the market comes alive with local energy.
Best food souvenirs to take home from Kalamata
Some of the best souvenirs from Kalamata aren’t found in tourist shops — they come straight from the farmers market. Many local foods are easy to pack and make thoughtful gifts for friends and family or delicious reminders of your trip once you’re back home.
Here’s what to look for:
- Vacuum-Packed or Jarred Kalamata Olives:
Fruity, rich, and full of flavor – plus you can taste many varieties and ask questions of the friendly shopkeepers. Just make sure they’re sealed tightly if you’re flying! - Artisanal Olive Oil:
Try a tasting to learn the unique characteristics of Kalamata olive oil and pick up small bottles from local producers, perfect for drizzling over salads or using in Greek recipes back home. - Dried Kalamata Figs:
Naturally sweet and sun-dried, Kalamata figs have been world-renowned and prized since ancient times. - Pasteli (Sesame and Honey Bars):
Traditional sesame and honey bars made with Peloponnesian honey serve as a great snack for your travels or a sweet gift. These days some varieties are made with sugar, but my favorite is the soft style made only with honey! - Packaged Lalagia:
Fried dough twists unique to Messinia – if you find them freshly packed, they make a delicious (and very local) snack to bring home. You’ll also see them replacing croutons in Messinian salads or served with local cheeses. - Local Honey:
Look for small jars of Greek honeys, like Vanilla Fir Honey from nearby Arcadia – one of only two PDO honeys in Greece. It’s rare, lightly sweet, and completely natural. - Spoon Sweets (Glyka tou Koutaliou):
Traditional preserved fruits served by the spoonful, “spoon sweets” are a beloved Greek hospitality tradition. They’re sold in small glass jars and make a beautiful edible gift. My hotel’s breakfast buffet had a variety each day, my favorite was the sour cherry. - Greek Wine:
While Kalamata isn’t as famous for wine as some other parts of Greece, you can still find wine here. But my favorite comes from nearby Arcadia, like the crisp, aromatic Moschofilero. If you have room in your luggage, a bottle is a delicious souvenir and a trip to the wine regions of the Peloponnese can make a great day trip from Kalamata!
📝 Tip: Pack liquids carefully in checked baggage, and consider wrapping jars and bottles tightly between soft clothing. I try to bring an empty duffle bag in my hard-sided carry on, then use that for my clothing on the way back so the case can protect more delicate or liquid souvenirs.
What to buy to enjoy during your stay
Inside the main market hall, you can find shops specializing in cheeses, olive oil, helva, pasteli and other local products. Mixed in with stalls housing butchers, fishmongers and even some tables with a selection of honey or homemade wines. Once you’re there, it’s hard to resist picking up fresh ingredients for a cozy night of cooking at your accommodation or even a beach picnic if you don’t have kitchen access! A few essentials to look out for:
- Fresh Seasonal Produce: Juicy tomatoes, sweet figs, crisp greens, and seasonal fruits depending on the time of year. Many vendors may even speak a little English, or you can use a translation app to ask for suggestions on how to cook things. (Perfect time to practice some Greek with the friendly locals!)
- Fresh Fish and Seafood: Arrive early to see the day’s catch, especially if you have a kitchen to prepare a simple grilled meal. You can also ask the fishmongers to clean your chosen items for you. If not, I highly recommend Μπλε γαρίδα (Blue Shrimp) off to the back of the fishmonger area.
- Kalamata Olives: Naturally, you’ll want to snack on the famous olives straight from the source. Look for ones marinated with lemon, garlic, or herbs. These can also be preserved in oil or vinegar. These are great in salads or on the breakfast table too.
- Sfela Cheese: A local specialty, Sfela is salty, slightly spicy semi-hard cheese, and ideal for grilling or tossing into a fresh salad. It’s usually made from a mixture of sheep and goat milk. Of course you can also find other great cheeses like Feta, Graviera, etc. but don’t miss a taste of this PDO product.
- Messinian Sausage with Orange: A fragrant pork sausage subtly flavored with pieces of orange peel, full of local character! It reminds me of the groves of oranges or trees on the sidewalks in the city that were heavy with fruit when I visited in March. It is often included in a Messinian Salad, but I enjoy it on its own as well!
- Lalagia (Λαλάγγια): The traditional fried dough twists from Messinia, slightly crisp on the outside and soft inside. They’re often eaten plain, dusted with sugar, or even savory-style with sesame seeds. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack! You can combine these with the pork above in a Messinian salad.
- Fresh Herbs: Bundles of oregano, mint, and sage to brighten up your meals (or simply perfume your kitchen). Dried herbs can be used in cooking or as tea.
- Sweets and pastries like diples: Diples are a local Kalamata specialty made from thin, crispy fried dough drizzled with honey and nuts. My favorite sweet treats come from a tiny bakery not far from the market. It’s run by Christanthi, a Cretan woman who serves up fresh pastries daily, always ready to chat and describe each one to you.
📝 Tip: Even a humble spread of tomatoes, peppers, olives, Sfela cheese, and a package of lalagia or fresh bread makes for a perfect Greek picnic.
Greek language tips for the market
I loved the vibe of this foodie city so much that on a recent return trip, I found myself visiting the market area most days for at least a few hours, even when the market wasn’t on! I find that a local market is always the perfect place to practice greetings in the language and I enjoyed every interaction.
It’s also the kind of place where curious and respectful visitors might wind up with a little something extra…
I kept returning to a stall which was full of a variety of tomato that I hadn’t seen before. Maria Monastirioti of Mama’s Flavors explained to me that this variety is called “Chondrokatsari” which translates to “fat and curly” which made sense when you picked one up. They’re huge and can come to almost 3kg! I took the opportunity to practice my basic Greek, exchanging greetings with the farmer and eventually he put one of them in my bag to take home.
🗣️ Want to feel more confident at the market? Check out my guide to using food phrases while traveling.
👉 Pro tip: You can get great eats just outside the market building as well! For the freshest seafood and a glass of tsipouro, try Μπλε γαρίδα (Blue Shrimp). For carnivores, head to Ψησταριά Νικήτας (Niktia’s Grill) for delicious pork souvlaki!
Have questions or need help? I’ve got you!
What’s next?
Want to take your foodie travels to the next level?
- 🍴 Download my free Savor the Journey Workbook — it’s packed with travel journal prompts, local food tips, and ways to connect more deeply with the places you visit.
- 👥 Join our free Facebook group, Savor the Journey: Foodie Travel Inspiration — a space to share foodie finds, travel stories, travel recommendations and cultural tips with like-minded travelers.
