A pretty seaside town located in the Peloponnese, Pylos is surrounded by lush vegetation, breathtaking natural landscapes, ancient monuments, and fabulous authentic taverns serving fresh local dishes from the region.
Must see: Three Admirals’ Square remains one of the busiest places in Pylos. This is the main focus of the town square, as it’s a monument dedicated to the three admirals who participated in the legendary Battle of Navarino. Nestor’s Cave tours are a great way to discover history. Stroll through the unique archaeological site called Ancient Pylos, with its many ruins of unique ancient buildings; the most splendid of which was the Palace of Nestor.
Must do: Head to the small town square next to the harbour and sit back and enjoy a coffee, dessert, or late lunch at one of the many tavernas, cafes, or restaurants. When the sun goes down it turns into one of the most romantic places in the city. Here you can just walk, admiring the panoramic view of the coast, or dine at one of the local restaurants.
To swim: There are no beaches inside Pylos, however, there is a boat trip around Sfaktiria and Navarino Bay, with daily cruises. Only five minutes away by car you can swim at Gialova and you will be blown away by the nearby Voidokillia Beach, which has been named one of the best beaches in Greece.
Don’t leave until: You visit the Archaeological Museum of Chora, where you will find numerous archaeological findings from the site of the Palace of Nestor; also head to the Archaeological Museum of Messinia, where you’ll discover collections that focus on the Mycenaean civilization.
Eat: There are so many wonderful places where you can try local dishes and delicacies, including Hilopites (handmade pasta) with Myzithra (local cheese), Spinach with black-eyed peas, and Sausages seasoned with oranges, Barbounia (mullet) and Liopita (olive pie). Some of our favourite taverns are Fifty/Fifty for perfectly grilled calamari and other seafood dishes; O Koukos for traditional oven-baked dishes accompanied by local wines; Poseodonia for great grilled food and amazing views of Navarino Bay; and Aetos for the freshest fish and salads!
Drink: Kookoonari Beach Bar is close by and is the perfect spot for kicking back and for listening to crashing waves, taking in stunning sunsets, and sipping on sherbet-coloured cocktails; or for a casual drink with the locals, head to Ethos Café Bar in the town square.
Extra tip…
Definitely take a boat trip around Sfaktiria and Navarino Bay. Cruises start off from The Marina – the harbor of Pylos, where you can spend the entire day exploring remote little beaches and bays at your own pace.
Getting there
The quickest way from Athens to Pylos is by car and it’s around a three-hour and fifteen-minute drive. KTEL Messinias operates a bus from Athens to Pylos twice daily (five-hour trip).