In approximately 33km distance and 40 minutes of driving from our hotel, you can find the Gialova Lagoon. The lagoon of Gialova, also known as Divari (from the Latin word vivarium which means fish farm) occupies a land of 6.000 acres and it is one of the most important wetlands of Europe. It is the most southern hub stop for migratory birds from Balkans to Africa. Its deepest point is not more than 4 meters.
In Gialova Lagoon, apart from the natural beauty of the landscape, you will have the chance to observe many bird species (more than 250) in their natural habitat, as flamingo, cormorants, king eagles and more. In the area also lives the rarest species in whole Europe, the African Chameleon, which unfortunately is considered an endangerment species. It is believed that this species came to this area during Roman Times, since it was spotted in some other areas of Europe, all in which the Roman Empire has extended.
Beside the Gialova Lagoon lies the famous and beautiful beach of Voidokoilia, a place of unparalleled beauty worldwide.
The whole area, including the Gulf of Navarino and the Island Sfaktiria, are included on Natura 2000 network. Additionally it is acknowledged as a Special Care Zone with code GR2550008 and as a Place of Community Importance with code GR2550004.
The Gialova Lagoon has been also defined as a Zone of Archaeological Protection, due to its many monuments and findings of archaeological importance, such as the ruins of ancient Pylos, Palaiokastro, the tomb of Thrasymides, Nestor Cave and more. Additionally in 1960 during an excavation held by that time curator of antiquities N. Gialouris, a complex of tombs was discovered, with many box-shaped graves, filled with coins, pottery, metallic objects, jewelry etc.. The specific findings are displayed on the Archaeological Museum of Pylos, were they are kept.
