Long a secret known in more alternative circles, Pylos is gaining serious attention. It is located in the region of Messinia in the southwestern Peloponnese, a region that after years of being almost shamefully overlooked has been placed on the global tourism map by the award-winning Costa Navarino resort which highlighted the region’s many treasures.

Here you will find one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the curiously named Voidokoilia (or Cow’s belly), as well as many enormous stretches of sandy beaches, but there is plenty more to do than just swim and sunbathe.

Near to Pylos is the Palace of Nestor, a well-preserved Mycenaean palace that, following a major project by the Ministry of Culture is now protected by a soaring roof under which visitors can take in the archaeological site, looking down from raised walkways. Nearby an unlooted grave belonging to a nobleman – the so-called ‘Griffin Warrior’ – was recently discovered, yielding incredible finds from an area that has already taught us much about Mycenaean civilization.

Whatever time of the year you visit you will see golfers taking advantage of the region’s mild climate, hikers, kitesurfers, birdwatchers, foodies, history buffs, culture lovers and more. And now it is easier to get to than ever following the completion of the new Corinth – Patras road which makes the drive from Athens a mere 2.5 hours (and far less stressful than before). Or simple fly to the international airport in Kalamata which is only about 1 hours drive away through the beautiful countryside.

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