Guide to Yialova

"On the northeast edge of Navarino Bay sits the village of Yialova offering safe swimming and a fine sandy beach."

Yialova is a good base in which to explore the local sights and ancient history of Messinia. The ruins of an ancient castle on top of Koryphasion Hill, 5 km west of Yialova is a good starting point. The castle was built at the end of the thirteenth century on the site of the acropolis of ancient Pylos. Around the base of the hill is the beautiful horseshoe bay of Voidokilia Beach and nearby you can visit Nestor's Cave where, according to mythology, Hermes hid the cattle he stole from Apollo. There are no cattle there today, but the impressive stalactites inside more than make up for it. Nestor's Palace is also nearby – the best preserved of all the Mycenaean palaces. Visit the little archaeological museum at Hora, 3 km from the palace, steeped in history and fascinating to see. The village of Yialova has a picturesque seafront with a small pier but its main claim to fame is the Yialova Lagoon (sometimes spelt Gialova) – a prime bird-watching site especially in the winter. Between November and March it is home to approximately 20,000 water birds with thousands of waders invading these wetlands. You will also find flamingos, ibis, eagles, osprey, peregrine falcons and harriers. This easily accessible area is a paradise to all bird-watchers – as well as being an easily accessible paradise to all birds.

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