Getting from Crete to Kalamata

If you are heading to Kalamata from Crete you are making your way to the capital of Messenia and the largest city in the southern Peloponnese. Kalamata has been quietly transforming itself over the past decade into one of the most appealing destinations on the Greek mainland. The waterfront has been renovated, the old town above it has good restaurants and a lively café culture and the surrounding region of Messenia is extraordinary, with the Mani peninsula to the south, the Byzantine ruins of Mystras to the east and some of the finest olive oil in the world produced in the hills around the city.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Crete to Kalamata. Despite having a port, Kalamata has no regular passenger ferry connections to Crete. Getting there by sea means taking the overnight ferry from Crete to Piraeus and then travelling by road south through the Peloponnese, which takes around 3 to 3.5 hours from Athens. Flying is the more practical option for most travellers.

Getting there by air

Both Crete and Kalamata have airports. The journey goes Heraklion to Athens and then Athens to Kalamata, with total travel time around 3 to 4 hours. A direct Heraklion to Kalamata service may be available seasonally so check before routing through Athens as it would save significant time.

Your best option

Fly via Athens. It is the most practical approach and considerably faster than going by ferry and road. If a direct Heraklion to Kalamata service is running for your dates, take it.