By Nicolas Bard

Pylos is a small picturesque seaside town of Messinia, with 2,500 inhabitants, located about 52 kilometers from the city of Kalamata.

Today’s settlement is amphitheatrically built in the southern opening of the Navarino bay, where the historic naval battle took place, and is defined by the imposing island of Sfakteria.

It is the largest natural port of the Peloponnese and at the same time one of Messinia’s most popular tourist destinations, due to its rich history and its inimitable natural beauty.

The Naval Battle, held on October 20, 1827 between the Allied and Turkish -Egyptian fleet, was a historic victory that contributed decisively to the liberation of Greece from the Turkish yoke.

Europe gladly accepted the outcome of the battle, and saw it as a “victory of the peoples” in spite of the decisions of political leaderships. According to Homer, Pylos was the Kingdom of Nestor, but today’s position is not the same as that of Homeric times. The current town of Pylos was built in 1828 by the expeditionary body of General Maizon.

Pylos, although located in the mainland, exudes island air and stands out for its special architecture and white houses, with its tiled roofs and colorful doorways. Every summer it attracts many tourists from both Greece and abroad, who come to tour the historical and natural monuments of the region.

The most popular attractions include Paleokastro, Niokastro, Nestor Cave, Yalova Lagoon and the exotic beach of Voidokilia, whose image has traveled to the ends of the Ecumeni.

In the center of the town, the impressive centuries -old plane trees that adorn the square of the three Admirals, combined with traditional houses and the spectacular views of the island of Sfakteria create a landscape of unique beauty, which gives the place identity and makes it easily recognizable.

In the wider area you will also find beautiful beaches, with sand or pebbles, some isolated and other crowded and organized, for a dip in the deep deep waters of the Ionian Sea.

Looking at Pylos you will have the opportunity to sample local cuisine and local specialties such as boiled goat, fried cod with garlic, roasted pigs, sage smoked sausages, diplles, lalangia and oil.

Before you leave, do not forget to get the renowned olives of the area, honey, pastels, figs, raisins, trahana and noodles.

The hospitality of the locals and the warm smile will make you feel at home, and the only sure thing is that you will promise to come back!