Pylos, West Messinia, Greece
Pylos is a town located at the South-West of the Peloponnese region. Historically known as Navarino has been inhabited since Neolithic times. During the history it had different names such as the French name Port-de-Jonc and the Italian one, Navarino.
Pylos was a significant kingdom in Mycenaean Greece, with remains of so-called “Palace of Nestora”, named after Nestor the king of Pylos in Homer’s Iliad. It had an important role during the Peloponnesian War and became the site of the Battle of Pylos in 425 BC. During 13th century it became part of the Frankish Principality of Achaea. Pylos became under control of the Republic of Venice from 1417 until 1500 and during 1685-1715. There was a Russian occupation between April 10th of 1770-1771 during the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-1774 and under the Ottoman Empire until the outbreak of the Greek War of Independence in 1821.
The Neokastro
Directions HERE
Strategically located at the west of the town, the Neokastro or Niokastro of Pylos was built in blocks of stone by the Turks in 1573. When they dominated Greece, in order to guard and protect the southern entrance of the bay of Navarino and defend the port and the region.
In the Neocastro the is the hexagonal acropolis that was used as a prison up until 1900 and during the World War II. The Navarino Castle was used as a base for the invasion of Crete during the opening stages of the Cretan War.
Old Navarino Castle
Directions HERE
On the Northern edge of the bay, on top of the 200-metre rock formation is located the Old Navarino Castle. Although there are no physical barriers to access, the castle ruins have been declared “closed” because the structure is considered dangerous. The Castle was built by Nicholas II of Saint Omer, the lord of Thebes. He, in c. 1281, received extensive lands in Messenia in exchange for ceding his wife’s possessions of Kalamata and Chlemoutsi to the princely domain.
The Castle remained unimportant until the naval battle in 1354 between Venice and Genoa and an episode in 1364, during the conflict between Mary of Bourbon and he Prince Philip of Taranto. Due to Mary’s attempt to claim Principality following the death of her husband, Robert of Taranto. In 1423, Navarino, like the rest of the Peloponnese, suffered its first Ottoman raid, led by Turakhan Bey, which was repeated in 1452.
The Bay Course Navarino
Directions HERE
The World-Class Golf Course of Navarino is operating since October of 2011. It is an 18-hole, 70 par seaside Bay Course at Navarino Bay that is designed by Robert Trent Jones II. The course provides both fund and experience at all levels of golfers. Golfers experience four different Seaside greens framed by a scenic backdrop of the tranquil waters of the Bay of Navarino. The bay’s natural beauty is showcased on hole #4, a short and strategic par 4 directly fronting the bay with the town of Pylos visible in the background. This challenging hole offers tremendous visual appeal.
The Rene Puaux Exhibition
Directions HERE
The Rene Puaux Exhibition is a Museum located right next to the port of Pylos. It is a red mansion that was donated by Rene Puaux (1878-1937) who bequeathed porcelain, engravings and lithographs on the condition that the be exhibited at Pylos , near the battle’s location. In the museum there is. collection with exhibits from the War of Independence with a focus on the Battle of Navarino.
Costa Navarino Resort
Directions HERE
One of the best resorts located in Greece, focused on family vacation and high-end tourism is located at the Peloponnese region close to Pylos. The area with the buildings and the villas consists of 256,000 m2. In addition, there are several areas close by with private sports centers and golf courses.
Beaches Near Pylos
Gialova Beach – Directions HERE
Divari Golden Sand Beach -Directions HERE
Voidokilia Beach – (Highly Recommended) – Directions HERE
Glossa Beach – Directions HERE
Romanos Beach – Directions HERE
Vromoneri Beach – Directions HERE
Restaurants near Pylos
Katerina’s Tavern Restaurant – Seafood – Directions HERE
Taverna o Koukos – Seafood – Directions HERE
Poseidonia Restaurant Cafe – Greek Cuisine – Directions HERE
Taverna to Spitiko – Mediterranean Cuisine – Directions HERE
Navarino food culture by Trichordo – Mediterranean Cuisine – Directions HERE
A great way to explore Peloponnese is by using one major place as your base and explore the region on daily trips. Nafplio, which by the way is one of the most beautiful Greek cities, is ideal to be your base for this amazing experience. Find all the options you will have for daily trips – to explore Peloponnese HERE.
For any kind of support or assistance with your Peloponnese vacation, feel free to live chat with our customer service team HERE.
For the best accommodation in the town, you can always check our properties HERE.
