Plan a CruisePylos Cruise Port Guide
Pylos is a historic town located on the west coast of Greece's Peloponnese Peninsula, situated within a large natural bay. The cruise dock is conveniently located in the center of Pylos town, making it easily walkable for passengers. Larger cruise ships may anchor in the bay and use tenders to bring guests ashore. The wider Pylos area encompasses two distinct settlements, Old Pylos to the northwest and New Pylos to the southeast, each featuring its own castle. A prominent feature of Pylos town is its large main square, which extends to the port and is dominated by an enormous plane tree capable of shading approximately a hundred cafe tables. The clear waters of the bay also reveal the intriguing remains of ships "accidentally" sunk during the Battle of Navarino.
Getting Around from the Port
The cruise dock is centrally located in Pylos town, allowing for easy walking access to the main square and waterfront attractions. For destinations further afield, such as Kalamata, local buses are available. There are no specific details provided for local taxi services or other public transport within Pylos itself, but walking is the primary mode for exploring the town center.
Attractions and Activities
Given 8-10 hours in port, Pylos and its surroundings offer a mix of historical sites, natural beauty, and local culture.
- Explore Pylos Town:
- Pylos Town Square: Enjoy the cafes and atmosphere under the enormous plane tree that can seat around 100 people.
- Battle of Navarino Shipwrecks: Look into the clear waters near the port to spot the visible remains of ships from the historic Battle of Navarino.
- Pylos Castles: Discover the castles associated with Old Pylos and New Pylos, offering historical insight and views of the bay.
- Mycenaean Palace of Nestor:
- Located a short distance from Pylos, this ancient palace offers a glimpse into Mycenaean civilization. Be sure to combine your visit with the Archaeological Museum in nearby Chora to see many of the frescos and artifacts originally found at the palace.
- Voidokilia Beach and Wildlife Area:
- Travel north of Pylos to experience Voidokilia, a spectacular crescent-shaped beach and protected wildlife area. This beautiful bay, shielded from the Ionian Sea by a string of high-cliffed islands, boasts significant historical value with evidence of habitation dating back to the Neolithic period. It's described as an area that "takes you back to the sixties."
- Shopping in Kalamata:
- Easily reachable by bus, Kalamata offers a more extensive shopping experience. Its Plateia Aristomenous features a number of boutique stores where visitors can find good bargains on clothing.
Dining & Shopping
In Pylos, you'll find cafes and eateries primarily around the large town square that borders the port, offering a pleasant spot for a meal or drink under the shade of the huge plane tree.
For shopping, a popular regional specialty consists of brightly-colored, woven wall hangings and bags, making for unique souvenirs. While Pylos offers local shopping, for more extensive options, consider a bus trip to Kalamata, which is known for good shopping. In Kalamata, Plateia Aristomenous is home to various boutique stores, and visitors often report finding good bargains on clothing.
Typical Opening Hours:
- Retail Stores & Specialty Shops: Monday to Friday, 9 am – 1:30 pm and then again from 5 pm – 9 pm. Saturdays, 9 am – 2 pm.
- Supermarkets: Monday to Friday, 9 am – 9 pm, and Saturdays, 9 am – 6 pm.
- Tourist Shops and Convenience Stores: During the summer months, many of these operate without official hours and are typically open from dawn to well after midnight.