Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of Yiálova. It has substantial walls and identifiable courtyards, a mix of Frankish and
Venetian designs, set upon ancient foundations. The castle overlooks one of the finest
beaches in the Peloponnese.
Voïdhokiliá beach
The Pýlos-Hóra bus will take you to the turn-off to the beach from where a dirt road ends below the castle hill
Voïdhokiliá beach is a spectacular crescent of white sand and turquoise waters 12km north
of Pýlos. The lagoon behind the beach is an important bird conservation area, and vehicles
are not allowed on the earth road around its eastern rim. Turtles still breed at Voïdhokiliá
(and at the beaches of Romanoú and Máti, further north), and there's a tiny population
- the only one in mainland Europe - of chameleons among the dune shrubs.
A path from the southern Voïdhokiliá dunes ascends to the Spílio toú Nestóros
(Nestor's Cave), and then (head right, up steep rocky steps) to the castle. This
impressive bat cave with a hole in the roof is fancifully identified as the grotto in
which, according to the Odyssey , Nestor and Neleus kept their cows, and in which
Hermes hid Apollo's cattle.
ARRIVAL AND INFORMATION
2
PÝLOS AND AROUND
By bus The bus station is on Niléos ( T 27230 22230).
Getting your bearings is easy as the town is not large, and
the main square facing the port is very much its heart.
Destinations Athens (2 daily; 5hr); Finikoúnda (3 daily,
none on Sun; 45min); Hóra (2-6 daily; 35min); Kalamáta (8
daily; 1hr 45min); Methóni (5 daily; 20min); Yiálova (4 daily;
15min).
Services The National Bank is on the central platía. The
post office is on Niléos, just west of the bus station. Car
rental (also at Kalamáta airport) is available through
AutoUnion ( T 27230 22393, E autounionkalamata
@mailbox.gr) on the Kalamáta road, and from the
Miramare hotel.
ACCOMMODATION
Pýlos has somewhat limited accommodation; in the summer months you should phone ahead. A more bucolic alternative
is the beachfront part of Yiálova.
unpretentious, clean and pleas ant, with balconies
overlooking the square. April-Sept. €45
PÝLOS
Karalis Kalamátas 26 T 27230 22960, E hotel
_karalis@yahoo.gr. Located up from town centre, on the
main road to the north, this is an attractive port-view hotel
with comfortable modern room s with balcony. Breakfast
included. Easter to end Oct. €60
Ì Karalis Beach On the beach below the castle
T 27230 23021, E hotel_karalis@yahoo.gr. This is the
Karalis family's new luxury property right on the sea,
featuring a comfortable mix of minimalist design and
tradi tion al decor. Buffet breakfast included. Easter to end
Oct. €80
Miramare Myrtidhiotíssis 35 T 27230 22751,
W miramarepylos.gr. This well-appointed establishment
faces the port. Models of ancient ships decorate the lobby
and the simple rooms have balconies with views. The
reception can also provide info about var ious lagoon
wildlife tours. Breakfast included. April-Sept. €70
Nilefs René Pyot 4 T 27230 22518, F 27230 22575.
Just down from the castle, this very simple choice is
YIÁVOLA
Erodios T 27230 28240, W erodioss.gr. This is a fine
campsite with studios just 500m west of town, just of its
own sandy beach. It offers private parking, wi-fi and
recreational equipment. Also here are a restaurant, bar,
minimarket, barbecue and playgr oun d, plus wa shing
machines. March-Oct. Camping from €15 ; studios €55
Helonaki T 27230 23080, E helonaki@vodafone.net
.gr. Here you'll find a variety of satisfactory rooms and
apartments. The ground-floor taverna i s ver y good and also
serves as the breakfast spot (included). €50
Zoe T 27230 22025, W hotelzoe.gr. A pleasant resort
complex of fresh hotel rooms and apartments surrounded by
greenery but right on the beach. Be sure to score a room with
a front balcony. The taverna on the premises is fine for lunch
or dinner. The affable owner has an interest in the wildli fe
that inhabits the local lagoons and can suggest walks. €60
EATING AND DRINKING
PÝLOS
Ì Faro Paraliakí Road T 27230 22739. This is where
the locals go for wonderful, hearty meals, either in the,
homely interior or at the seaside tables. Fresh fish a
 
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