GIALOVA CRUISES
SIGHTS
Beach in Messinia
Voidokilia Beach is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, due to its round shape resembling the letter "Ω" and its shallow, crystalline waters.
Located north of Pylos, on the shores of the Ionian Sea, it is connected to the lagoon of Gialova through a strip of sand dunes. It is a protected environmental area of the Natura 2000 Network, remaining untouched and authentic.
Voidokilia attracts tourists and locals alike throughout the year.
Sea strait passage
In the northern part of Sfaktiria lies the Strait of Sykia, a sea passage with a maximum width of 150 meters. Initially used as an entrance to the port, however, after the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, ships destroyed by the Turks made it impassable.
To the south of Sfaktiria is the islet of Fanari, also known as Tsihli-Baba.
Island in the Bay of Navarino
Sfaktiria is a rocky islet of Messinia in the southern Ionian Sea, a few kilometers from Pylos, offering natural protection as a breakwater. It has a unique shape, elongated, with an area of approximately 3.2 square kilometers. Its location is crucial, situated above one of Greece's largest natural harbors, particularly in the Peloponnese. Its strategic importance has led to many historical events, including military conflicts from antiquity to the period of Ottoman rule. Today, it administratively belongs to the Municipality of Pylos.
Rocky islet in the Bay of Navarino
South of Sfaktiria, across from Pylos, lies the rocky islet of Tsihli Babas or Fanari, with its iconic hole in the center. The name "Fanari" comes from the lighthouse located at its peak, which illuminates the night passages of ships. The lighthouse, which was put into operation in 1873, is directly visible below, at the edge of the island. Dominating the upper part is the Monument of the French, a marble column erected there in 1890 in memory of the French soldiers who fell in the Battle of Navarino.
Fortress in the area of Gialova
The Palaiokastro or Old Navarino, as it is widely known, was built by the Franks in the late 13th century, on a hill at the northern tip of the Bay of Navarino. From there, it offers stunning views of the famous Voidokilia Beach and the Divari Lagoon, reflecting its historical significance as the acropolis of Pylos.
Access to Palaiokastro was nearly impossible, with the only entrance on its southern side, through the present-day path from Golden Beach - Divari Beach. This point was the primary target of attacks but also of resistance, as defenders managed to withstand even the most powerful assaults.
British Monument, Turtle Island - Bay of Pylos Battle of Navarino. October 20, 1827
British Monument, Turtle Island - Bay of Pylos Battle of Navarino. October 20, 1827. There took place the last significant confrontation ever held between sailing ships, under Phoivos Apostolidis. In the center of Navarino Bay lies the island "Turtle," which is only 172 meters long. Here you can visit the monument to the fallen English from the Battle of Navarino, which took place on October 20, 1827.
Historical Monument - Island of Sfaktiria
The Monument of the Russian Fallen, located on the small island of Sfaktiria, off the coast of Pylos in Messinia, was erected in 1872 by the Russians in memory of the 59 sailors who fell and the 141 wounded in the Battle of Navarino. At the center of the monument is a marble plaque with the inscription: "In memory of those lost in the Battle of Navarino on October 8 (20), 1827, and buried here nearby." The monument is an integral part of history and honor, still visited today by crews of Russian warships during their travels to Greece.
Beach in Messinia
"Golden Beach" or "Divari Beach," in western Messinia, is just 10 minutes away from Pylos. It's a stunning 4-kilometer-long beach that reaches up to Palaiokastro. Its waters are crystal clear and azure green, while the view towards the Bay of Navarino, Pylos, and Sfaktiria Island is unique.
It's a protected area, and during the summer, you can encounter caretta-caretta turtles coming ashore for nesting. There is a camping site nearby the beach.
Carefully navigating through the thorny bushes covering the sand dunes, you can head towards the Gialova Lagoon to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the most important wetland in southern Greece, hosting rare migratory birds and other rare species.
Town in the municipality of Pylos-Nestor
Pylos, formerly known as Navarino, is a coastal town in western Messinia. It is a protected area with a rich ancient, medieval, and modern history. Although the first city of Pylos, Ancient Pylos, does not geographically coincide with the present-day town, modern Pylos is its substantial urban continuity. Additionally, archaeological remains from the ancient city are recognized, while an important landmark is the Palace of Nestor. Pylos has been the seat of the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor since 2011, with a population of approximately 21,077 inhabitants.
Small Island of Oinousses
Sapienza is the second largest island of the Oinousses in Messenia, after Schiza, and is a destination that inspires relaxation and contemplation. The island is rich in flora, with a large forest covering most of its surface. It has rocky shores and only one beach, called Ammos, which is one of the best swimming destinations in southern Peloponnese. The waters of the beach are crystal clear, clean, and exotic, offering a unique swimming experience. The fact that the island does not suffer from heavy visitation and has not been affected by tourism contributes to the preservation of its natural beauty.
Small island in Messenia
Opposite Marathopoli, near the coast, lies the islet of Proto, a small and picturesque island covering an area of 3 square kilometers. Its name either derives from the sea god Proteus, son of Poseidon, or from the fact that it is the first land sighted by ships approaching the Peloponnese from afar.
The shores of the island are steep and rocky, but there are also calm coves, such as Vourlias Beach on the eastern side, with sandy and crystal-clear waters. North of Vourlias is the monastery of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary of Gorgopigi. The monastery celebrates on August 23rd and September 24th, offering meals with local fish to visitors and pilgrims. The monastery has a small guesthouse and accommodates visitors who are stranded on the island due to bad weather.
Settlement in Messenia with historical interest
Methoni, with its impressive castle, is located on the southwestern tip of the Peloponnese. It retains its traditional architecture and hosts a beautiful beach that combines greenery with the azure sea. To its south, amidst the sea, lies the island complex of the Messenian Oinousses, including islands such as Schiza and Sapientza.
Methoni is 10 kilometers away from Pylos and 61 kilometers away from Kalamata, the capital of Messenia. It is a popular tourist destination with rich ancient and medieval monuments, such as churches, mosques, and fortifications. The impressive castle, built by the Venetians, is constructed on a rock that extends into the sea, while to the south of it stands the Bourtzi tower, connected to the castle by a bridge.
Coastal village in Messenia
"The settlement of Finikounda is a coastal destination with an endless beach. Finikounda Beach, located in the southern part of Messenia prefecture, opposite the islet of Schiza, is an award-winning beach with a Blue Flag designation. Its sandy shore and clear azure waters make it ideal for families with children. Along the beach, there are traditional fish taverns offering Greek flavors, making it a popular destination for full-day excursions, starting with a morning coffee and ending with an afternoon stroll in the liveliest spot of the area."
