From my decades of travel experience, Kalamata’s lunch options focus squarely on the region’s famous olives and Mediterranean cuisine. The most practical way to experience local food culture is through guided tours combining tastings with meals. I’m especially fond of the olive oil tour-and-taverna combo – it’s educational and delicious. The sea kayaking picnic excursion stands out for combining active sightseeing with outdoor dining along this stunning coastline. For serious foodies, I recommend the walking food tours through town, where you’ll sample olive oils and local specialties while learning from passionate guides. For a quieter experience, the countryside picnics among olive groves deliver authentic flavors without the crowds. Let’s explore the best lunch tours that capture the true essence of Kalamata.
Key Points
- Enjoy a traditional Greek taverna lunch showcasing the culinary uses of olive oil during the Olive Oil Tour & Tasting experience.
- Savor a picnic lunch featuring local Greek delicacies during the Kalamata Sea Kayaking adventure.
- Indulge in a hands-on tasting of over 20 Greek mezedes with local beverages during the Traditional Food Tour.
- Relish a picnic lunch with local delicacies while exploring Navarino Bay by kayak.
- Experience a culinary pairing of olive oil tasting with regional foods during the Olive Grove and Wine Tour.
Olive Oil Tour & Tasting With Lunch in Kalamata, Messinia, Greece!
One of the premier lunch experiences in Kalamata is the Olive Oil Tour & Tasting with Lunch. Kalamata is renowned for its local olives and extra-virgin olive oil, and the tour includes a visit to a local olive farm and grove, as well as a seasonal olive oil mill.
Participants can taste 4 varieties of Greek extra virgin olive oil, guided by a professional olive oil taster. Lunch options are available, including a light or full Greek meal at a traditional taverna, allowing visitors to savor the culinary uses of the local olive oil.
The tour provides insights into olive oil production and highlights the health benefits of its consumption.
Read our full review: Olive Oil Tour & Tasting With Lunch in Kalamata, Messinia, Greece! Review
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Kalamata: Sea Kayaking Day Trip With Lunch
Setting out on a captivating sea kayaking adventure, visitors to Kalamata can enjoy the breathtaking coastal landscapes of the Aegean Sea.
This 4-hour excursion offers a guided tour through the turquoise waters, with the opportunity to explore a seaside village, learn kayaking techniques, and enjoy a hearty picnic lunch featuring Greek delicacies and fresh fruits.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, liability insurance, and photographs.
With its 4.8/5 rating based on 5 reviews, this activity is suitable for couples, friends, solo travelers, and families, though not recommended for those with back problems or non-swimmers.
Guests are advised to bring essentials like water, sun protection, and a change of clothes.
Read our full review: Kalamata: Sea Kayaking Day Trip With Lunch Review
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Traditional Food Tour, Olive Oil Tasting With Lunch in Kalamata, Messinia!
Visitors to Kalamata, Greece, can enjoy the region’s culinary heritage through a captivating food tour.
The tour, lasting approximately 4 hours, showcases traditional Greek cuisine and local culinary practices. Guests can expect a guided exploration of regional delicacies, including Korinthian raisins, Kalamata olives, and Messinian recipes.
The experience also includes hands-on interaction with local culinary traditions and a tasting of over 20 Greek mezedes, accompanied by soft drinks or local beverages.
Participants can learn about the cultural significance of food in Messinia from a local host, Maria, who welcomes guests at the meeting point in Vasileos Geogiou Square.
Read our full review: Traditional Food Tour, Olive Oil Tasting With Lunch in Kalamata, Messinia! Review
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Nestled within the picturesque Navarino Bay, travelers can embark on an exhilarating sea kayaking adventure with a delectable lunch.
This half-day trip, priced from $84.43 per person, takes adventurers on a 4-hour guided tour through the bay’s rock formations, sea caves, and secluded beaches.
Along the way, guests can swim, snorkel, and even try optional cliff diving. A picnic featuring local delicacies is provided during the journey.
With warm, crystal-clear waters and golden sandy beaches, Navarino Bay offers ideal kayaking conditions, even for beginners.
Travelers can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Read our full review: Navarino Bay: Sea Kayaking With Lunch Review
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Methoni: Half-Day Sea Kayaking and Beach Excursion With Lunch – Kalamata
Travelers seeking a captivating sea kayaking adventure coupled with a delightful beach excursion can embark on the “Methoni: Half-Day Sea Kayaking and Beach Excursion With Lunch – Kalamata” experience.
This four-hour activity offers an instant mobile ticket and is available in English and one other language. Participants will explore Greece’s striking waterfront scenery, paddle to Sapientza Island, and stop for snorkeling near shipwrecks.
They’ll also enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and a fresh picnic lunch. The experience includes snacks, photographs, and transfer service to and from the meeting point at Methoni Beachfront.
Read our full review: Methoni: Half-Day Sea Kayaking and Beach Excursion With Lunch – Kalamata Review
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Kalamata: Olive Grove E-Mountain Bike Tour With Picnic Lunch
Set out on a captivating four-hour e-mountain bike adventure through Kalamata’s picturesque olive groves with the “Kalamata: Olive Grove E-Mountain Bike Tour With Picnic Lunch” experience.
Explore dirt roads, cycle paths, and secondary paved roads as you admire the region’s iconic olive trees.
After a safety briefing, you’ll savor a delightful picnic lunch featuring freshly baked bread, handpicked vegetables, homemade olive oil, and local cheese.
Conclude the tour with an olive oil tasting, learning the basics of pairing the liquid gold with regional delicacies.
This small-group tour, limited to 7 participants, is led by a professional, first-aid certified cycling guide and includes high-quality e-bikes, helmets, and liability insurance.
Read our full review: Kalamata: Olive Grove E-Mountain Bike Tour With Picnic Lunch Review
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Kalamata: Food Tour and Olive Oil Tasting With Light Lunch
Visitors can enjoy Kalamata’s vibrant culinary scene with the “Kalamata: Food Tour and Olive Oil Tasting With Light Lunch” experience. Priced from €150 per person, this 4-hour tour takes guests to 6 local family-owned shops, where they’ll taste over 20 local delicacies, including wine, olive oil, and Greek coffee.
The experience concludes with a light lunch featuring Messinian dishes. Travelers have praised the tour’s personal interactions with vendors and the exclusive small-group feel.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this food tour offers a convenient and memorable way to explore Kalamata’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Read our full review: Kalamata: Food Tour and Olive Oil Tasting With Light Lunch Review
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From Kalamata: Wine Tour & Tasting With Optional Lunch
For those seeking a captivating enological adventure during their Kalamata sojourn, the “From Kalamata: Wine Tour & Tasting With Optional Lunch” experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the region’s vibrant winemaking heritage.
This 3-hour tour whisks visitors to a family-owned winery, where they’ll explore the vineyards, learn about traditional winemaking, and savor a tasting of 5-7 local vintages accompanied by regional delicacies.
The experience can be further enhanced with an optional light or full lunch in Kalamata.
With year-round availability and free cancellation, this private tour promises an immersive and personalized exploration of Messinia’s enological treasures.
Read our full review: From Kalamata: Wine Tour & Tasting With Optional Lunch Review
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Olive Grove Tour & Olive Oil Tasting and Lunch in Messinia
Nestled within the picturesque Messinian countryside, about 50 kilometers from Kalamata, lies a family-owned olive grove where visitors can enjoy the rich heritage of olive oil production.
The “Messinia: Olive Grove Tour & Olive Oil Tasting with Lunch” experience offers a guided tour through the olive grove, an interactive olive oil tasting workshop, and a light homemade lunch featuring local delicacies.
Participants can also opt to partake in the olive harvest during October.
The 3-hour tour is conducted in English, Greek, and German, and is wheelchair accessible.
Reservations should be made at least 2 days in advance, with transportation available at an additional cost.
Read our full review: Olive Grove Tour & Olive Oil Tasting and Lunch in Messinia Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gratuity Included in the Lunch Experiences?
Gratuity is not typically included in lunch experiences, though some restaurants may add a service charge. Customers should check with the hotel beforehand or be prepared to leave a tip for the service.
What Is the Dress Code for the Lunch Tours?
The dress code for lunch tours in Kalamata is typically casual and comfortable. Most establishments don’t have strict dress requirements, allowing visitors to enjoy the local cuisine in a relaxed, informal setting.
Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated on the Tours?
Yes, most lunch tours in Kalamata can accommodate dietary restrictions. Providers are usually happy to cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary needs with advance notice. Guests should simply let the tour company know about any special requirements when booking.
Are the Lunch Experiences Suitable for Vegetarians/Vegans?
The lunch experiences are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Many restaurants in Kalamata offer a range of plant-based options, and the tour operators can accommodate dietary restrictions upon request.
How Much Time Is Allocated for the Lunch Portion of the Tours?
Most lunch experiences allocate around one to two hours for the meal portion of the tours. This provides ample time for diners to savor the local cuisine at a leisurely pace.
The Sum Up
Kalamata, a picturesque town in southern Greece, offers visitors a range of exceptional lunch experiences. From olive oil tours and tastings to sea kayaking excursions and food tours, there’s something to suit every palate. Whether you’re interested in exploring the region’s culinary heritage or simply enjoying the stunning coastal landscapes, Kalamata’s diverse array of lunch-inclusive activities provides the perfect way to learn about the local culture and flavors.