Making the most of Pylos
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The cruise dock located in the center of Pylos. Larger ships may anchor and use their tenders to get you into town.
Pylos is the name of a large bay and a town on the west coast of the Peloponnese Peninsula in southern Greece. It consists of two distinct settlements several kilometers apart, Old Pylos - situated on the NW of the bay - and New Pylos - on the SE. Interestingly, each town has its own castle.
One of its interesting features is the large town square that ends at the port and contains an enormous plantanos tree that can fit approximately a hundred cafe tables beneath it. Also of interest are the remains of ships - seen in the clear waters - that were 'accidentally' sunk by Britain in the Battle of Navarino. Also worth visiting is the Mycenean Palace of Nestor, but be sure to visit the archaeological museum in nearby Chora to see many of the frescos and artefacts that were found here.
Nearby places
North of Pylos is area of Voidokilia, which is not only a spectacular beach and wildlife area but a place of great historical value with evidence of habitation from the Neolithic period and just about every period since. You will enjoy your visit to this beautiful bay protected from the Ionian Sea by a string of islands with high cliffs, and the town that 'takes you back to the sixties'.
Food and shopping
A very popular regional specialty here are brightly-colored, woven wall hangings and bags.
Kalamata is easily reachable by bus, and offers good shopping. Plateia Aristomenous has a number of boutique stores. Visitors shopping for clothing can easily come away with some good bargains.
Money
Euro
Staying connected
Greek
Opening Hours and
Public Services: open Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 2.00pm. Retail Stores & Specialty Shops: Monday to Friday, 9am – 1.30pm and then again from 5pm – 9pm. Saturdays, 9am – 2pm. Supermarkets: Monday to Friday, 9am – 9pm, and Saturdays, 9am – 6pm. Tourist Shops and Convenience Stores: most of these do not have official opening hours and are usually open from dawn to well after midnight during the summer months.