Looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life? If you're looking for a sunny getaway, look no further than Voidokilia beach. This secluded stretch of coastline is perfect for swimming and sunbathing - and it's also a great place to relax and take in the coastline's natural beauty. Voidokilia beach and the surrounding area are one of the most beautiful places in Greece and are part of the Natura 2000 Network.
Voidokilia Beach is possibly the most renowned beach in Messinia and one of the most exquisite beaches in Greece! Located on the western side of the Peloponnese, close to Gialova, the beach resembles the Greek letter omega (Ω) or an ancient Greek theatre. It took its name from its shape, which looks like the belly of a cow.
How to get to Voidokilia Beach
It's easy to access Voidokilia Beach. Follow the signs to Paleokastro until you reach the end of Divari Beach. You can leave your car there and follow the indicated route 'Nestor's Cave' (20 minutes). But it's easiest when you go by road from the village of Petrohori, 6km north of Gialova, off the road to Chora.
While you are on the main road of Pylos-Gargaliana, you should turn left at the sign for Petroxori-Voidokilia. At the end of the driveway, you'll find a little store. There, you should turn left and continue and follow the road that leads to the beach. It may require some attention, especially during the busy summer months, as it becomes pretty narrow every now and then.
Interesting Facts
Voidokilia beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Messinia and the Mediterranean Sea. It is perhaps one of the most recognizable beaches in Greece. Above the beach is Nestor's Cave, and above this are the ruins of the thirteenth-century Frankish castle (Old Navarino or Palaiokastro).
Overlooking the beach at the northeastern end is the tomb of Nestor's son, Thrasymedes of the Mycenaean period (1680–1060 BC), with Neolithic finds at the same site showing occupation as early as 4000 BC. The beach is presumed to be Homer's "sandy Pylos," where Telemachus was welcomed by King Nestor when searching for his father, Odysseus. According to myth, Nestor's Cave is where Hermes hid the cattle stolen from Apollo.
What to do at Voidokilia Beach
On the north side of the beach, you can hike up the backside of the cliffs to get a better view and see some ancient Mycenaean ruins.
Back at Voidokilia, most people only stay in the area near the parking lot. It can get crowded in this part, but it wasn't too bad when we were there. However, fewer people are there if you can continue further down the beach.
There are two options if you want to go hiking. Neither option is very obvious, but both will get you up to the top of the Navarino Castle. The option we recommend is to head straight into the sands dunes. As you end the walk along the beach, veer left instead of going up the large sand at the end. There is not a clear path at first but continue going through the dunes. Then, as the sand disappears, a clear path emerges that follows along the cliffs on your right and a lagoon on your left.
Where and what to eat
There are a few restaurants located near the beach. One of them is the Deroko restaurant in Gialova. Deroko restaurant is a hundred-year-old stone building. Originally a warehouse to store grapes, it was the ideal place to implement our concept of bringing a natural atmosphere by maintaining its rustic elements and keeping it casual.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a relaxing and beautiful beach to spend your summer days at, Voidokilia Beach is worth checking out! It is breathtakingly beautiful, but it's also a great place to learn about Greek culture and history. So if you're planning on visiting Greece soon, be sure to include Voidokilia Beach on your list!
