Pylos is a prosperous area that has a long history and remarkable cultural heritage. Being also referred in the Homeric poems, Pylos has all the ideal “fonts” to be characterized as a “Eutopia” . The warm Mediterranean sun and crystal clear waters, the stunning landsape alongside with its history makes Pylos the center of the northwest part of Messinia!
Pylos is not only attractive in morning but also at night, discretely lightened by the lights of the seaside bars and restaurants. Let your eyes and mind travel to the colourful night scenery that this part of Pylos area offers. Additionally the entire site of Navarino, from Egaleo Mountain, Korifasio and Agios Nikolaos to Sphacteria, is covered by the abundance of light, the olive trees and fruits trees along with the natural springs.
In the beginning of the new millennium people finally recognized the importance of their heritage, even though they had to it the rough way. Today, Pylos is stepping on a thin line and by that we mean that the new tendency of the tourist industry is characterized by massive investments and in opposition the preservation and safeguarding of the historical, cultural and natural heritage of the area. The municipality of Pylos Nestor, the heart of western Messenia, manages with big success to keep the balance between the line in these tough times, allowing the area to progress and keep developing without losing its regional, historic and cultural identity.
Pylos has a long history, being inhabited since Neolithic times. It was a significant kingdom in Mycenaean Greece, with the remains of the so-called “Palace of Nestoras” excavated nearby. In Classical times, the area was uninhabited, but became the site of the Battle of Pylos in 425 BC, during the Peloponnesian War. Pylos is rarely mentioned thereafter until the thirteenthth century, when it became part of the Frankish Principality of Achaea. Increasingly known by its Italian name Navarino, in the 1280s the Franks built the Old Navarino castle on the site. Pylos came under the control of Venice Republic from 1417 until 1500, when it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans used Pylos and its important bay as a naval base, and built the New Navarino fortress there. The area remained under Ottoman rule, with the exception of a brief period of renewed Venetian rule in 1685–1715 and a Russian occupation in 1770–71, until the outbreak of the Greek War of Independence in 1821. Ibrahim Pasha reconquered it for the Ottomans in 1825, but the defeat of the Turco-Egyptian fleet in the 1827 Battle of Navarino forced Ibrahim to withdraw from Peloponnisos and from since then was confirmed the Greek independence.
Pylos historically known under its Italian name Navarino, today is a town and a former municipality in Messinia. Since 2011 local government reformed it as a part of the municipality Pylos Nestor, of which it is the seat and a municipal unit. It is the main harbour on the Navarino Bay. City of Pylos has 2,767 inhabitants, the municipal unit of Pylos 5,287 with an area of 143.911 km2.
Modern Pylos is situated in the west end of Messinia, opposite a long beautiful island called Sphacteria, and the protected seaside of the natural harbor of Navarino Bay. This beautiful town is warmed up by the inexhaustible Greek sun, even during the autumn and winter time.
In Pylos, similarly as throughout the prefecture of Messinia, you’ll find a rich traditional cuisine and plenty of pure and healthy native products. The main agricultural foods produced in Messinia are olives, grapes, raisins, figs, citrus and fruit and vegetables.
Some of the specialties of the local cuisine are salads, boiled goat, scrambled cod with garlic, roast pork, and sage-smoked sausages unique to their taste and quality.
Try even marvelous “diples”, “lalagia” and oil bagels. Don’t forget to shop the far-famed Kalamata olives, honey, that are of excellent quality, “pasteli”, “ouzo”, balsamic vinegar, “trachana”, noodles, herbs and organic products.
Pylos offers all of the traditional and local tastes with undeniable quality because Pylos as well as the surrounding areas has exceptional soil and climatic conditions.
Pylos has lots of sights and areas worth visiting, some of them are: Niokastro (New Navarino), “Shipwrecks” exhibition, Church of transfiguration of the Saviour, Maison Quarters, Three Admiral’s Square, Tsiklitira’s House, Kamares (old aqueduct), Pylos Museum, Tsichli Mpampa – Sphacteria – Chelonaki, Kalamaris Waterfall, Nestoros Cave, Old Pylos Castle (Palaiokastro), Thrasymedes Tomb, Folklore Museum of Gialova, Panagia of Sgrapa, The Lagoon of Gialova, Polilimnio Springs.
Churches: It is worth visiting the magnificent church of Panagia Myrtidiotissa, the chapel of Agios Nikolaos with its magnificent view, as well as the churches of Agia Sotira and Panagia Ripena.
Beaches: Voidokilia beach, Gialova beach, Gold Sand beach and Romanou beach near Pylos are very popular to visit.
Spring Breaks
Visitors who head to Pylos between late March and May should expect to find clear skies and temperatures that hover between fifteen and twenty five degrees, making sightseeing pleasant and creating perfect walking conditions. It’s not uncommon for water temperatures to be warm enough for swimming throughout the early Spring also. The important Easter preparations that take place this time of year, where you see locals flooding the streets for the biggest celebration of Christianity. Next day is followed by music, dancing, eating and drinking as a tradition. By avoiding the summer rush, tourists should be able to find smart deals on flights and accommodation, making Spring a good season for budget travellers to visit Pylos.
Summer Sun
Sunscreen and shades are essential for a Summer visit to Pylos, and the dry heat, which is possible to exceed 40 degrees, can feel stifling. If you intend to visit Pylos at this time, don’t attempt to pack too much clothes into your trip. Arrange several of lazy beach days and make sure your hotel room or apartment is air conditioned. Greek holidaymakers flock here during the summer months, so you should expect crowded beaches so book your lodgings earlier as well.
Autumn and Winter in Pylos
As the temperatures drop, also do the tourist numbers, and the early Autumn is a very pleasant time to visit Pylos. During September the waters are still warm enough for swimming, and you’ll have plenty of space for splashing into. Sightseeing becomes more comfortable as the heat becomes less oppressive, so October, November and forward are good times of the year to explore the mountains. During the Winter, there are fewer international flights to Kalamata, but it is always possible to fly in to Athens and take the transport through the beautiful newly created highway and inside the graphic villages along the way.
Pylos is a not so small picturesque seaside town, located in the southwestern part of the prefecture of Messinia. It is 52 kilometers far from capital city of Kalamata. Pylos is the largest natural harbor of Peloponnisos and at the same time one of the most interesting traveller destinations of Messinia as testimonials tend to show, thanks to the glorious history and the rich natural beauties of the area.
Pylos is located in the southern entrance of Navarino and spreads over Agios Nikolaos in the little valley between the hills, with Niokastro towering over it. It is graphic and beautiful in all aspects. If you approach Pylos from the northwest side, spend some time to observe the scenery, we assure you it is totally worth it. You can see the entire marina where plentiful tourist luxury yachts have been stranded. The red-bricked houses and the castle, along with the village of Gialova with the famous Divari beach, worldwide known Voidokilia beach, the pathway of Sykia and Palaiokastro on the opposite side of Pylos and many more included to the many attractions of the area.
Navarino’s soil is reddish, and it is remarkable for the production of lots of different commodities which are also used in medicine industry. The remains of Navarino, consist of a fortress, covering the summit of a big hill.
Driving: You’ll be able to drive from Athens to Pylos in about three hours thirty minutes on the National Road. Its not a bad drive and you will pass some attention-grabbing countryside. After all it’s a lot more interesting for the passenger than it’s for the driver who should keep his eye on the road in order to be alert for all the crazy things Greek drivers do. However even that may be amusing and if you’re a good driver you will not have any issues. Rent a Car
By bus: Coach services are operated by KTEL between Athens, Pylos.
The trip time depends on bus schedule. Ticket value depends on bus schedule also.
You don’t have to pre-book for a price ticket. You’ll pay at the terminal, before bus departure or on the bus. If you’re there half an hour before departure you must find a seat. Find a Bus
By taxi: You’ll be able to rent or hire a taxi transfer from Athens directly to Pylos through the contact form and also you can arrange the price with the driver! This can be a simple solution if you don’t wish to drive all the way by yourself! Taxi Transfer
Pylos is a prosperous area that has a long history and remarkable cultural heritage. Being also referred in the Homeric poems, Pylos has all the ideal “fonts” to be characterized as a “Eutopia” . The warm Mediterranean sun and crystal clear waters, the stunning landsape alongside with its history makes Pylos the center of the northwest part of Messinia!
Pylos is not only attractive in morning but also at night, discretely lightened by the lights of the seaside bars and restaurants. Let your eyes and mind travel to the colourful night scenery that this part of Pylos area offers. Additionally the entire site of Navarino, from Egaleo Mountain, Korifasio and Agios Nikolaos to Sphacteria, is covered by the abundance of light, the olive trees and fruits trees along with the natural springs.
In the beginning of the new millennium people finally recognized the importance of their heritage, even though they had to it the rough way. Today, Pylos is stepping on a thin line and by that we mean that the new tendency of the tourist industry is characterized by massive investments and in opposition the preservation and safeguarding of the historical, cultural and natural heritage of the area. The municipality of Pylos Nestor, the heart of western Messenia, manages with big success to keep the balance between the line in these tough times, allowing the area to progress and keep developing without losing its regional, historic and cultural identity.
Pylos has a long history, being inhabited since Neolithic times. It was a significant kingdom in Mycenaean Greece, with the remains of the so-called “Palace of Nestoras” excavated nearby. In Classical times, the area was uninhabited, but became the site of the Battle of Pylos in 425 BC, during the Peloponnesian War. Pylos is rarely mentioned thereafter until the thirteenthth century, when it became part of the Frankish Principality of Achaea. Increasingly known by its Italian name Navarino, in the 1280s the Franks built the Old Navarino castle on the site. Pylos came under the control of Venice Republic from 1417 until 1500, when it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans used Pylos and its important bay as a naval base, and built the New Navarino fortress there. The area remained under Ottoman rule, with the exception of a brief period of renewed Venetian rule in 1685–1715 and a Russian occupation in 1770–71, until the outbreak of the Greek War of Independence in 1821. Ibrahim Pasha reconquered it for the Ottomans in 1825, but the defeat of the Turco-Egyptian fleet in the 1827 Battle of Navarino forced Ibrahim to withdraw from Peloponnisos and from since then was confirmed the Greek independence.
Pylos historically known under its Italian name Navarino, today is a town and a former municipality in Messinia. Since 2011 local government reformed it as a part of the municipality Pylos Nestor, of which it is the seat and a municipal unit. It is the main harbour on the Navarino Bay. City of Pylos has 2,767 inhabitants, the municipal unit of Pylos 5,287 with an area of 143.911 km2.
Modern Pylos is situated in the west end of Messinia, opposite a long beautiful island called Sphacteria, and the protected seaside of the natural harbor of Navarino Bay. This beautiful town is warmed up by the inexhaustible Greek sun, even during the autumn and winter time.
In Pylos, similarly as throughout the prefecture of Messinia, you’ll find a rich traditional cuisine and plenty of pure and healthy native products. The main agricultural foods produced in Messinia are olives, grapes, raisins, figs, citrus and fruit and vegetables.
Some of the specialties of the local cuisine are salads, boiled goat, scrambled cod with garlic, roast pork, and sage-smoked sausages unique to their taste and quality.
Try even marvelous “diples”, “lalagia” and oil bagels. Don’t forget to shop the far-famed Kalamata olives, honey, that are of excellent quality, “pasteli”, “ouzo”, balsamic vinegar, “trachana”, noodles, herbs and organic products.
Pylos offers all of the traditional and local tastes with undeniable quality because Pylos as well as the surrounding areas has exceptional soil and climatic conditions.
Pylos has lots of sights and areas worth visiting, some of them are: Niokastro (New Navarino), “Shipwrecks” exhibition, Church of transfiguration of the Saviour, Maison Quarters, Three Admiral’s Square, Tsiklitira’s House, Kamares (old aqueduct), Pylos Museum, Tsichli Mpampa – Sphacteria – Chelonaki, Kalamaris Waterfall, Nestoros Cave, Old Pylos Castle (Palaiokastro), Thrasymedes Tomb, Folklore Museum of Gialova, Panagia of Sgrapa, The Lagoon of Gialova, Polilimnio Springs.
Churches: It is worth visiting the magnificent church of Panagia Myrtidiotissa, the chapel of Agios Nikolaos with its magnificent view, as well as the churches of Agia Sotira and Panagia Ripena.
Beaches: Voidokilia beach, Gialova beach, Gold Sand beach and Romanou beach near Pylos are very popular to visit.
Spring Breaks
Visitors who head to Pylos between late March and May should expect to find clear skies and temperatures that hover between fifteen and twenty five degrees, making sightseeing pleasant and creating perfect walking conditions. It’s not uncommon for water temperatures to be warm enough for swimming throughout the early Spring also. The important Easter preparations that take place this time of year, where you see locals flooding the streets for the biggest celebration of Christianity. Next day is followed by music, dancing, eating and drinking as a tradition. By avoiding the summer rush, tourists should be able to find smart deals on flights and accommodation, making Spring a good season for budget travellers to visit Pylos.
Summer Sun
Sunscreen and shades are essential for a Summer visit to Pylos, and the dry heat, which is possible to exceed 40 degrees, can feel stifling. If you intend to visit Pylos at this time, don’t attempt to pack too much clothes into your trip. Arrange several of lazy beach days and make sure your hotel room or apartment is air conditioned. Greek holidaymakers flock here during the summer months, so you should expect crowded beaches so book your lodgings earlier as well.
Autumn and Winter in Pylos
As the temperatures drop, also do the tourist numbers, and the early Autumn is a very pleasant time to visit Pylos. During September the waters are still warm enough for swimming, and you’ll have plenty of space for splashing into. Sightseeing becomes more comfortable as the heat becomes less oppressive, so October, November and forward are good times of the year to explore the mountains. During the Winter, there are fewer international flights to Kalamata, but it is always possible to fly in to Athens and take the transport through the beautiful newly created highway and inside the graphic villages along the way.
Pylos is a not so small picturesque seaside town, located in the southwestern part of the prefecture of Messinia. It is 52 kilometers far from capital city of Kalamata. Pylos is the largest natural harbor of Peloponnisos and at the same time one of the most interesting traveller destinations of Messinia as testimonials tend to show, thanks to the glorious history and the rich natural beauties of the area.
Pylos is located in the southern entrance of Navarino and spreads over Agios Nikolaos in the little valley between the hills, with Niokastro towering over it. It is graphic and beautiful in all aspects. If you approach Pylos from the northwest side, spend some time to observe the scenery, we assure you it is totally worth it. You can see the entire marina where plentiful tourist luxury yachts have been stranded. The red-bricked houses and the castle, along with the village of Gialova with the famous Divari beach, worldwide known Voidokilia beach, the pathway of Sykia and Palaiokastro on the opposite side of Pylos and many more included to the many attractions of the area.
Navarino’s soil is reddish, and it is remarkable for the production of lots of different commodities which are also used in medicine industry. The remains of Navarino, consist of a fortress, covering the summit of a big hill.
Driving: You’ll be able to drive from Athens to Pylos in about three hours thirty minutes on the National Road. Its not a bad drive and you will pass some attention-grabbing countryside. After all it’s a lot more interesting for the passenger than it’s for the driver who should keep his eye on the road in order to be alert for all the crazy things Greek drivers do. However even that may be amusing and if you’re a good driver you will not have any issues. Rent a Car
By bus: Coach services are operated by KTEL between Athens, Pylos.
The trip time depends on bus schedule. Ticket value depends on bus schedule also.
You don’t have to pre-book for a price ticket. You’ll pay at the terminal, before bus departure or on the bus. If you’re there half an hour before departure you must find a seat. Find a Bus
By taxi: You’ll be able to rent or hire a taxi transfer from Athens directly to Pylos through the contact form and also you can arrange the price with the driver! This can be a simple solution if you don’t wish to drive all the way by yourself! Taxi Transfer
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