As we were getting very low on water, the only option for miles is Kalamata Marina at €90 for two nights. And we’re a bit apprehensive as the Port Police here have a bit of a reputation!
Kalamata is a bit of a sprawling city, famous for its purple olives, so we need to find some. Also €40 of credit disappeared from the Cosmote sim card we use for on board Internet last weekend so the chance to visit a Cosmote shop. And Kalamata has a Castle!
Although the marina and harbour area are not particularly attractive, as we cycled into the city we were impressed by a park full of old steam engines and further in, the old town with the usual old churches and an impressive cathedral. The castle however was slightly disappointing, but at only €3 entrance fee, nothing was lost.
In the evening we found a Taverna down a side street. Arriving at 8pm there was only one other couple eating. By 9.30pm it was packed. Two starters, 2 mains and 2 puds (on the house) all washed down by half a litre of house red for the princely sum of €37.
The Cosmote shop was a waste of time, we’re still €40 poorer, probably due to credit expiring after 6 months. But coming across a backstreet bicycle repair shop, Ann’s bike did get a new front brake cable, a new brake adjuster, a dust cap and a lube, while we waited. And we managed to find a jar of Kalamata olives!
In need of meat for a few days, we found the local butcher only to discover that he only sold roasted meat, and being the end of day we left with a great big lump of roasted pork that will keep us going for days!
So we kept well clear of the Port Police and thankfully they kept clear of us.
