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.
Sail around PylosMain Harbor
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.
Kookoonari Beach Bar50/50 Tavern
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).
Greece’s award-winning sports tourism event the Navarino Challenge will return in October 2021 for its 9th consecutive year.
Through its global message “sports unite people”, the event, which will take place between 15-17 October, will offer international and local visitors the opportunity of discovering the beauty of the Messinian landscape and the history highlighted by sporting events for people of all ages.
Kayaking in Messinia
According to organisers, the event follows the ideals of the Olympic Movement, contributing towards the development of a peaceful and better world without any discrimination, and through sports, promoting the benefits of exercise. Navarino Challenge is said to promote the Olympic ideal- highlighting that the important thing in life is not to triumph but to compete.
More than 30 sporting activities will take place at Costa Navarino and Pylos, with the presence of elite Olympic athletes alongside amateur athletes of all ages and abilities. Among the more than 30 sports activities and 10 Olympic sports, there will be competitions in hurdles, taekwondo, basketball, long jump, kayaking, cycling, beach volleyball and more.
Participants from Greece and abroad will also have a chance of running in the Greek Half Marathon, in Voidokoilia along the picturesque coastline to Pylos. This is the only running route that combines sand, soil, and asphalt. For those who prefer something less challenging, there is also a 10km and 5km trail runs.
Stay At Costa Navarino
The famous resort has designed a special accommodation package which includes rooms, sports/wellbeing activities, delicious local dishes, and delicacies, plus access to Costa Navarino’s facilities. For more information on accommodation packages check out costanavarino.
*For more information on the sporting events head tonavarinochallenge.
In the southwestern part of the Peloponnese, you’ll come across Messinia, a beautiful destination that deserves a visit at least once in a lifetime. From Koroni and Methoni to Pylos, Finikounda, and Petalidi, you will be impressed with Messinia’s raw beauty and authentic charm.
Only two hours’ drive from Athens, Messinia is known for its lush landscapes, endless olive groves, gorges, coves, and beaches. It’s also the home to some of Greece’s most impressive landmarks, including the Venetian castles of Methoni and Koroni and the beautiful villages where they stand, Nestor’s Palace and Pylos. From small mountainous cliff-hanging villages to stunning seaside towns and a range of flavoursome traditional dishes, there is so much to see and do in Messinia.
Here we have chosen 5 seaside towns on the southwest coast, where you can drive along slowly and stop off at each, or spend a few days (or weeks) at one (or all) of these beautiful places.
Koroni
The picturesque seaside town of Koroni lies about 52km from the city of Kalamata. Koroni is amphitheatrically built on a low-lying hill and features charming homes, gardens filled with colourful flowers, stone-paved alleyways, narrow back streets, and a large number of churches. When you walk along the narrow little streets of Koroni, you will realise that it is a remote medieval town, which remains enchanting and beautifully raw.
Must see: Visit the manor of chieftain Karapavlos and the traditional central square where you will find the Church of Agios Dimitrios. The top of the hill is occupied by the large Venetian Castle of the 13th century, inside the castle is the Monastery of Agios Ioannis. Below the castle, you will find the church of Panagia Eleistra, which offers stunning views of the town. Also check out the Historical and Archaeological collection with the region’s excavated findings, housed in a small building on the site of the grove.
Must do: Sit at the waterfront and enjoy the great restaurants, picturesque fish taverns, bakeries, ouzerias and cafes that serve tasty delicacies by the sea.
Swim at: the beautiful beaches of Koroni, some offering long with fine golden sand and some smaller with pebbles. They include Kolonides, Paroulia, Gargarou, the beach by the Castle of Koroni with pebbles and small rocks, as well as the beaches Zaga, Memi and Kalamaki, Agia Triada, and Agios Ioannis.
Don’t miss: The Venetian islet opposite cape Akrita with a wonderful sea bed for diving and fishing.
Methoni
Located 38 km from Koroni and 12 km from Pylos, it’s a very popular spot amongst Greeks and is slowly becoming a favourite amongst international visitors too. Most known for its beautiful fortress, this is a must-visit town when visiting Messinia. Surrounded by vineyards, here you will be tempted by good local wines.
Must see: The histоriсаl Cаstlе οf Mеthоni built by thе Vеnеtiаns in 13 сеnturу, right by thе sеа. Methoni’s exterior walls are amazing, although little remains inside the fortress itself. The traditional settlement, the castle, the fortress, the surrounding islets, the pretty port.At the south edge of the castle, you will find a fortified islet, Bourtzi, which was built in 1500 and is connected to the Sea Gate of the castle with a paved tiny road.
Must do: Eat at one of the many seaside cafes, tаvеrnаs, and rеstаurаnts аrоund thе саstlе, which all offer great views of the fortress. Visit one of thе small nearby villаgеs.
Swim at:Mеthоni bеасh is nеxt tο thе саstlе – а lоng strip οf finе sоft sаnd аnd shаllοw wаtеr, which has won several awards for its eco-sensitivity. Hеаding tо Kοrоni, just οut оf thе villаgе yοu will find thе bеасhеs оf Kritika, Lambes and Kokkinia. Thеrе is аnоthеr smаll but bеаutiful bеасh οn thе uninhаbitеd islеt оf Sаpiеntzа in thе bаy οf Mеthоni.
Don’t leave until: You try a traditional dish from Taverna Klimataria where the talented chef offers a range of fresh, authentic Greek dishes made with local produce.
Pylos
Many people call Pylos “Little Switzerland” as it features small homes with white facades, which are surrounded by lush greenery and flower beds. This pretty seasidе tоwn is a perfect place to base yourself in Messinia as you explore the area.
Must see:Three Admirals’ Square that remains one of the busiest places in Pylos, this is the main focus of the square; 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 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, here you will find numerous archaeological findings from the site of the Palace of Nestor are kept here; also head to the Archaeological Museum of Messenia, here you will find collections that focus on the Mycenaean civilization.
Finikounda
This coastal village of Messinia has developed into one of the most beautiful summer spots of southern Peloponnese. Located almost halfway between Methoni and Koroni and 70 km from the capital of the prefecture, Kalamata. The village is built at the head of a bay, exactly opposite the complex of Oinousses, which includes the Sapienza islands Schiza and Agia Mariani. Here you are right between the mountain and the sea. Must see: Walk around the small fishing village and take in the picturesque coastline. Visitors come here to enjoy the stunning sandy beaches with crystal clear waters.
Must do: Join in on some fishing, as the locals are renowned for catching some of the best seafood in the area. On the beach, there are several cozy tavernas and behind the tavernas is a promenade with small shops.
Swim at: The village lies on a long sandy beach, making it popular among tourists. Outside Finikounda are more beautiful beaches, both sandy and pebble beaches. Opposite the coast, lies the island of Schiza and right of the island Sapientza. Between these two islands lies the small rocky islet of Agia Marina. These islands can be visited by boat.
Don’t leave until: Trying the catch of the day at one of the great fish taverns.
Petalidi
Built on the ruins of the ancient city of Koronis, and located on a beachfront, Petalidi is a perfect spot to enjoy the sea and panoramic views. If you are looking for a place away from crowds, this town is the ideal destination as it offers traditional food and a nice range of places to stay.
Must see: Landmarks of the village include the central square with the Church of Agios Nikolaos, the seafront, a lighthouse, the pretty park on the port, and the Fountain of Liar.
Must do: Stroll around the square and sit at one of the many restaurants and bars and also the local shops where you can try local dishes, delicacies and you can take home a nice little souvenir. Sit at a traditional seafront cafe to drink your coffee and enjoy the beautiful view.
Swim at: The beach of Petalidi is located just before the port of the seaside village. Starting from the beach of Petalidi, you can enjoy the nearby beaches of the Messinian Bay
Don’t leave until: You visit the port and watch the local fishermen catch some of the most beautiful seafood, as Petalidi was originally a fishing village and the locals here love their fish!
If you would like to explore the most well-preserved Mycenaean Palace in Greece, you should visit the Palace of Nestor, which reveals so much about the Mycenaean world and the royals that lived here during the 13th Century BC.
Location
Nestors Palace is found on a hill known as Ano Englianos, overlooking the Bay of Navarino, in the Peloponnese. It is found 6km inland and its set on the hill offers wonderful clear views of the coastline whichever way you look. It is located in Pylia, 4 kilometers south of the village of Chora on the hill of Epano Eglianos, which is about 14 km from Pylos.
History Behind the Palace
This extraordinary palace was built in the 13th Century BC by King Nestor, son of Neleus, who holds an important position in the Homeric epics. Nestor led Pylos to the Trojan War with 90 ships and is presented by Homer as a wise old man, whose opinion was always respected by the Achaeans. The palace was almost completely destroyed in the 12th century, by fire, however baked ceramic tablets were still found after the flames with rare information on them.
The Throne Room
Bath in Bathroom
The Buildings
With a brand-new construction, including a new protective shelter, the Palace of Nestor permits visitors to truly experience the rich Mycenaean history. It is a complex made up of various buildings and consists of 105 ground floor apartments. It has four main buildings (central ones, wine store) and some smaller ones. The large rectangular “throne room” is considered to be the most important.
What You Will Find Here
Discover the walls of the palace, which were decorated with fine wall paintings. Very close to the palace, you will find the most impressive, largest excavated Mycenaean vaulted tomb of the area. It was built in c.1550-1500 BC. The Palace’s four buildings feature 2 levels arranged around a courtyard, including reception rooms, bedrooms, warehouses, a wine cellar, workshops, rooms for domestic servants, sewers and more.
Plan of the Palace
Findings on display at Archaeological Museum of Chora
Interesting Remains
You can explore the beautifully decorated round fireplace, the throne room, and a bathroom with a bathtub, as well as seeing numerous shelves with inscriptions. As you walk through the bi-level building you will come across abundant storage spaces, private apartments, stairwells, and skylights. The halls were decorated with remarkable wall paintings, while pictorial representations also decorated the palatial floors. The approximately 1000 clay tablets in Linear B script, which were brought to light during excavations in the wider area, confirm the site’s function as a financial, administrative, political, and religious centre.
Archaeological Museum of Chora
The numerous archaeological findings from the site of the Palace of Nestor are kept at the Archaeological Museum of Chora, as well as the Archaeological Museum of Messenia. Here you will find collections that focus on the Mycenaean civilization. Some permanent exhibits at the museum include old jewellery from the vaulted tombs of Peristeria of Trifylia and there are also fascinating murals with amazing battle scenes. Mycenaeans were known for their trade of perfumed oils and big jars for storing oil, which you can also view.
