Pylos is located on the southwestern part of Peloponnese and in the prefecture of Messina. It’s an amphitheater-shaped town in the Navarino Bay and it has been an important port since the Middle Ages. The tile-roofed picturesque and quaint houses seem to stretch down to the sea and the fortifications seem to take you back in time.
The historical monuments and museums stands proof to the history of this region.
Sunshine, sea, fish, blue skies, friendly people, and the cooling breeze with the smell of oil and lemon are the characteristics of this interesting town. Add to that the easy-going lifestyle of the locals and you’ll quickly reshuffle your life’s priorities. 🙂
Voidokilia Beach, Pylos
A Little Bit of History
Tradition states that Pylos was founded by Pylos, son of Klisonas. The Messinians were the first inhabitants of Pylos and the town started to flourish since then.
In 425, Pylos was captured by the Athenians, but after the Nikieion Peace, it was taken by the Spartans.
In 369 BC, the ruined city was reconstructed and the town flourished during the Hellenistic period.
Under the Roman and Byzantine rules, Pylos retained its importance but fell into the hands of the Avars, who changed its name to Avarino.
The View of Pylos
Pylos passed between the hands of the Navarres, Venetians and the Turks. The Venetians captured the town again in 1686, but the Turks took over in 1715.
Pylos rebelled against the Turks during the War of Independence and forced the Turks to surrender the castle.
Pylos Bay was the site for two important historical naval battles:
- Battle of Pylos in 425 BC
- Battle of Navarino in 1827
Niokastro, Castle of Pylos
Kostis Tsiklitiras, winner of high and long jumps in the 1912 Olympic Games, was born here. His house has been renovated and still stands in the town.
Olive oil and Kalamata olives are popular throughout this region. Silk has been in production for a long time, so you can also buy some locally produced silk scarves.
Where is Pylos?
- 32.3 miles/ 52 km from Kalamata, Greece
- 39.7 miles/ 63.9 km from Kefalinos, Greece
- 66.4 miles/ 107 km from Mystras, Greece
- 107.4 miles/ 173 km from Nafplio, Greece
- 126.7 miles/ 204 km from Patras, Greece
- 114.9 miles/ 185 km from Araxos, Greece
- 170.2 miles/ 274 km from Athens, Greece
- 161.5 miles/ 260 km from Porto Heli, Greece
- 26.5 miles/ 42.8 km from Kalamata Airport, Greece
- 124.2 miles/ 200 km from Zakynthos Airport, Greece
- 188.2 miles/ 303 km from Athens Airport, Greece
Things to See
- Nestor’s Palace
- Niokastro
- Museum
- The Three Admiral’s Square
- Town Hall
- Polylimnio
- Nestor’s Cave
- Metamorphosis of Sotiras
- Underwater Neutrino Telescope
- Divari, Chrysi Akti
Beaches
- Romanos Beach
- Mati Bouka Beach
- Voidokilia Beach
- Hrysi Ammos Beach
Excursions
- The Lagoon of Gialova
- Methoni and Koroni
- Sfaktiria Island
- Mystras
The laid back Pylos is surrounded by the attractive coastal region, and it gives the impression that you are somewhere on an island.
The area is not only of great historical and archaeological interest, but it is a little piece of paradise on earth.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!