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| Pylos | ||
| Country | Messenia | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 5300 (2011) | |
other value for residents on Wikidata: 2345   | ||
| Tourist info web | www.pylos.gr | |
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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Pylos is a small fishing village in the southwest of the Peloponnese, where tourism has long since arrived, nestles nicely on a slope and offers many places a beautiful view over the historically important bay. In the immediate vicinity there are beautiful beaches, the Nestor's Palace and a ruined fortress of the Venetians.
background
The historical Pylos of King Nestor is believed to be about 10 kilometers to the northeast. But the bay of Navarino was also settled in ancient times. There was an acropolis at Cape Koryphasion where the ruins of the Venetian fortress Paleokastro now stand.
getting there
Pylos is best reached by car or bus. Kalamata is about an hour (50 KM) away to the east Methoni it is 15 kilometers to the south and after Kirparissia it is 65 kilometers to the north.
The bus stop is in the central square next to the harbor at the Shell petrol station. There are bus connections to Kalamata, Kirparissia, Chora (Nestor's Palace), Methoni and Athens. The departure times are posted.
mobility
Dynamic cardsTourist Attractions
- Neo Kastro. The new fort is on the road to Methoni in the south of the village. The fortification was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century to control the southern entrance to the Bay of Navarino. The complex is well preserved and its size testifies to the importance of the port for the Ottomans. Until recently, the castle complex served as a prison when it was opened to tourism. The walls can be climbed and an exhibition in the renovated interior documents the resistance against Turkish rule.
- Archaeological Museum. Pylos also has a small museum where finds from the surrounding area are exhibited. Finds from the time of the first settlement up to the time of the Romans can be seen. The museum is on the road to Methoni.
- Paleo Kastro. On the north of the Bay of Navarino, a few kilometers north of Pylos, on a high rock at Cape Koryphasion lies a dilapidated fortress, which was mainly Venetian-owned. But Slavic goods, Franks, Genoese and Turks also temporarily ruled the castle. In earlier times there was an acropolis and an important, small port on the Sykia strait below. The castle can be hiked from Golden Beach. A good cleared path leads to the gate of the castle. From the parking lot you need about 30-45 minutes for the ascent, which can be exhausting in the great heat, but otherwise easy. Unfortunately, the paths within the complex are no longer so good. The crenellated walls can be climbed and it is also worth making your way across the overgrown inner courtyard to the east side of the complex. The rock face falls vertically down to the lagoon and there is a fantastic view over the ox belly bay, the lagoon and the bay of Navarino. A little more arduous, but also possible, is the ascent from the Nestor grotto to the castle.
- Oxmouth Bay. (Voidokilia). Although the Ochsenmaulbucht naturally invites you to swim, it is also a sight in itself. Many consider it the most beautiful bay in the Peloponnese. Two rocks on the sides have created a characteristic sickle shape. The easiest way to get to the bay is via a spur road that leaves the Pylos-Kyparissia route in Romanos (follow the signs "Voidokilia"). The road turns into a slope, but it is very easy to drive on. When you have crossed a bridge over a small body of water, it is worth looking into the canal on the side of the road. Often there are many turtles here. Alternatively, you can drive to the rearmost parking lot of the Golden Beach and then follow the signs (approx. 20 minutes running time).
- Nestor grotto. The cave below the Paleo Kastro cannot be overlooked from Ochsenmaulbucht. There is a large dark hole about halfway up the cliff. The cave was inhabited in Mycenaean times and is also represented in mythology. The cattle of King Nestor are said to have been housed here and Hermes is said to have slaughtered the cattle that he stole from Apollo here. The hanging skins are said to have turned into stalactites. A visit offers little besides goat droppings. The way to the grotto is signposted from the parking lot of the Golden Beach (approx. 20 minutes). Alternatively, you can approach the cave from the Ox's Mouth Bay.
activities
- Swimming
- Pylos: Pylos does have a few smaller stretches of beach, but all in all they are not very inviting for a swim.
- Ox belly bay (Bay of Voidokilia): The ox belly bay is ideal for swimming. It is located one kilometer north of Pylos and can be reached either via a short footpath from Golden Beach or a cul-de-sac from Romanos (sign "Voidokilia"). Most of the time, the stream of tourists is pleasantly distributed on the beach. Unfortunately, the beach is polluted in some places.
- Golden Beach. On the north side of the Bay of Navarino is the extensive Golden Beach, which is very suitable for swimming. From the beach you have a beautiful view over the bay of Navarino, Pylos and the island of Sphaktiria. Unfortunately a lot of floating debris washes up. There is a beach bar that also lends out umbrellas. The beach is approached via a small cul-de-sac from Gialova (sign "Golden Beach"). Since there is a wetland area directly behind the north side of the Navarino Bay (see Birdwatching), depending on the season, a lot of mosquitoes can be expected. Golden Beach is good for swimming, but it can be quite annoying when you sunbathe for a long time.
- Birdwatching. The lagoon is a bird's paradise. You can see great egrets and flamingos there. In spring, you can take long hikes through the lush, blooming surroundings.
shop
Everything you need for your daily needs can be found at the place at the port. Several small supermarkets, vegetable and fruit sellers, souvenir shops, newspaper kiosks and a gas station.
kitchen
nightlife
Delicious pizza is available just behind the large harbor square, along the small street at the supermarket. Attention!! Great pizzas! One is enough for 2 people. Cheap.
accommodation
- Pension "Philip", at the entrance to the village. Beautiful, new apartments with incredible sea views of Pylos Bay. The associated restaurant is also highly recommended.Feature: pension.
Practical advice
trips
- Palace of Nestor
- The "eyes of Venice" Methoni and Koroni are only a few kilometers away. Imposing fortresses on the southern tip of the Peloponnese to secure the Venizian trade routes.
