"As the sun sprang up, leaving the brilliant waters in its wake, climbing the bronze sky to shower light on immortal gods and mortal men across the plowlands ripe with grain— the ship pulled into Pylos, Neleus’ storied citadel, where the people lined the beaches, sacrificing sleek black bulls to Poseidon, god of the sea-blue mane who shakes the earth. They sat in nine divisions, each five hundred strong, each division offering up nine bulls, and while the people tasted the innards, burned the thighbones for the god, the craft and crew came heading straight to shore. Striking sail, furling it in the balanced ship, they moored her well and men swung down on land."
Someone arriving at Pylos (Pilos), has the impression that he is somewhere on an island.
The small town is built amphitheatrically on top of two hills, on the southern side of the Navarino bay-picturesque small roads, stone built steps, arches and huge perennial plane trees, the small pine forest at Niokastro, one of the best preserved fortresses in Greece.
Exactly opposite, on the northern side of Navarino bay, the village of Gialova is situated.Voidokilia is one of the most beautiful and captivating beaches in Greece. Here the natural beauty is so fascinating and dreamlike that whatever words you use for its description, the outcome is a poor result.
According to ancient history (Pausanias) Homer’s Pylos (Pilos), King Nestor’s city was built. Big dunes surround the bay at Voidokilia and protect it from the harsh winds. Paleokastro -enetian castle- is situated on the southern side of the bay.From the edges of the cliff we can see the cave of Nestor. It is here according to a myth, that Hermes hid the cows he had taken from his brother Apollon. When Apollon found his cows, Hermes in order to make up gave his brother a lyre made from the shell of a sea turtle, which even today lays its eggs on the bay of voidokilia.
Nearby (2Km) the Gialova lagoon, included in the European network of protected sites Natura 2000, which is recognized as a wetland of international importance. Many rare species of birds such as herons and flamingos, ospreys, stilts, avocets, calidris, snipe, curlew, tartaric, terns, and the only chameleon found in Europe. The African chameleon changes colour depending on his mood and are an endangered species so please drive carefully and only park in designated areas. The wetlands are a protected area as among the many species found here there are several endangered birds as well the chameleons and the carretta carretta turtle.
In the deep gullies of the ravine of the Mavri Limni (Black Lake) lies something very special. Polylimnio is a succession of tiered lakes. In a secluded setting lay 15 lakes, each a complete world in its own right, with its aquatic flora and fauna. With unusual names such as Black Lake, Little Heart, Italian, Kadi, Panagos, Stathoula and all of them are exquisitely beautiful. Along with gorges and waterfalls they create a unique green ensemble surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. The lakes are joined by successive waterfalls and lush shade. The most beautiful and largest are the Mavrolimni (Black Lake) and Kadi lakes which are fed by impressive waterfalls. Visit Polylimnio in the summer and follow the shaded pathways and dive into the cool waters. The path is made up of steps and rope barriers in the more difficult areas so this natural paradise is accessible to most visitor.
Ancient Messini is one of the most significant ancient cities in terms of its size, structure and state of preservation and still has much to be discovered. Along with the sanctuaries and public buildings it has imposing fortifications, dwellings and burial sites. It has, amongst other things the rare advantage of never having been destroyed or covered by later settlements and sits in an unspoiled inland site in a natural Mediterranean environment. This natural environment combines the mountain grandeur of Delphi and the low riverside serenity of Olympia, the dominating bare limestone mass of Mount Ithome, the ancient acropolis and the low fertile plain spread below the ancient city.
Mount Agios Nikolaos, 650 m above sea level (you can climb it easily in about one hour or by car) with amazing views to the Ionian Sea, the town of Pylos (Pilos), the bay of Navarino, the island of Sfaktiria, and the bay of Voidokilia. Distance from Pylos (Pilos) 1 Km and from our accommodation 7Km
The Paleonavarino castle (2 Km) , The castle of Pylos (Pilos) , The castle of Methoni (18 Km) , Nestor’s palace (10 Km)
The island of Sphacteria, (scene of many battles throughout history) we can organize a tour by boat, it takes one and half hour.
Monemvasia, Mystras, The caves of Diros, Olympia, Epidaurus, The temple of Epicures Apollo (Vasses) Travel, in only two hours, to the heart of the Peloponnese you can see authentic Greek traditional hill villages and many others interesting and important places. For all the above, it takes about 50 minutes to 2 hours.
Golf in Costa Navarino
Enjoy a round of golf at Greece’s first signature designed golf course… Designed by former US Masters champion and Ryder Cup Captain Bernhard Langer in association with European Golf Design, the par-72 seaside Dunes Course ventures into olive groves and along a small river, whilst links-style features add to its unique playability.
Golfers of all levels can benefit from multi-lingual coaching with experienced Head PGA Professional who will also help beginners take their first steps.
After your game, relax with a drink or meal in the comfort of the Dunes Clubhouse.
For further information and bookings, please call 27230-90200
Boat trips in navarino bay
You have the opportunity as well to do watersports: scuba diving ,snorkeling,windsurfing, kitesurfing , sea kayak
Get around by bike and visit the protected area of Galova’s lagoon( where you can take a glimpse of rare bird species. If luck strikes you , you could encounter the African chameleon.)
Explore
Golden beach,Voidokilia, Romanos, Petrochori beach.
Kalamari Waterfall.
Reach Palaiokastro castle and Nestor’s cave where the view is mesmerizing.