Pylos

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Revision as of 13:23, 9 September 2010

Pylos (Port of Entry)

(Click links for more information)
	36°54.9′N, 21°41.6′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

Pylos (Πύλος ) or Pilos or Navarino or Neokastro is a fairly modern town located in the deep bay of Navarino where there was a very famous naval battle of the British, French, and Russians against the Ottomans in 1827. This battle devastated the Ottoman fleet and led to Greek independence since the Turkish-Egyptian troops were totally cut-off and at the mercy of the Greek rebels.

Modern Pylos is at the S of of Navarino bay but the the famous Pylos, the capital of Nestor, the Homeric hero, was located to the N of the bay.

Charts

Chart of Navarino Bay
Click for larger view

BA

189 Nisos Sapiénza to Nisos Paxoi

Imray-Tetra

G15 Southern Peloponnisos

NIMA

54301 Kalamai and Approaches

Greek

212 Othonoi I. to Amvrakikos Gulf

Radio Nets

Also see Cruiser's Nets

• Greek Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
• Olympia Radio - VHF channels 27, 83, & 86

Local Weather

See Ionian Sea.

Approach and Navigation

Danger: The only safe way of entering the bay of Navarino is from the S of the long island Sfaktiria.

Check-in facilities

Chart of Pylos Commercial Harbor
Click for larger view

There are anchoring several possibilities within the bay: In the "marina", the commercial harbor, and anchoring off in N of the bay.

Yachts entering Greece for the first time or checking out, should report to the Coast Guard (Limenarchio). They will direct them, if appropriate, to Customs, and Passport Police. All are nearby in the commercial harbor. Procedures here are lax.--Istioploos 14:32, 5 June 2008 (MDT)

The commercial harbor of Pylos 36°54.9′N, 21°41.6′E, is not only crowded with commercial vessels but it has a very uncomfortable swell. It is to be avoided.

The Main Square in Pylos
Click for larger view

Offshore Islands and Groups

• Sphacteria

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

• Pylos Marina

Anchorages

There are several places one can anchor at the N end of the bay. The shelter is good but anchoring can present problems.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

There is a small chandlery, Fortis, next to the super market in the main square. They also carry Camping Gaz.

Repairs/Yards

Only for the outboard.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel

A mini tanker delivers to the marina. Call +30 2723 22 107

Water

There is a faucet near the marina entrance, but not very convenient. There is also an outlet at the commercial harbor (call +30 2723 22 127)

Electricity

N/A (Not Available)

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Bronze Statuette in Pylos Museum Click for larger view

Neocastro Click for larger view

The most important place here is to visit the excavation site of Nestor's Palace in Englianos. The ongoing excavation is described in detail in the excavation reports in The Pylos Regional Archaeological Project. In the early stages of this excavation by the American archaeologist C.W. Blegen many clay tablets were found. These tablets were written in a script (also found in Crete and other Mycenaean sites) that was labeled "linear B". The script was deciphered by the brilliant work of Michael Ventris and John Chadwick and was found to be the earliest form of Greek. Many of the findings from the excavation are in the the Pylos Museum in the town.

A nice walk from the town is Neokastro, the Ottoman castle of Pylos. It is fairly large and well preserved. Within the castle there is an interesting historical and folkloric exhibit. Well worth a visit.

Grocery & Supply Stores

There is a small supermarket at the main square.

Eateries

Good food at 1930 and O Koúkos

Internet/WiFi

In Internet cafés.

Laundry

The dry cleaner uphill from the NW corner of the square does laundry but they take at least one day.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

• No motorbikes are to be rented
• Cars near the Miramare hotel, ask for Mr. Nikos Houmas

Garbage Disposal

There are bins around the marina and commercial harbor.

Transportation

There are regular buses to Kalamata from where one can fly to Athens.

Routes/Passages To/From

• Circumnavigating the Peloponnese

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum

External Links

• Pylos (Wikipedia)
• Nestor's Palace
• Sphacteria (Wikipedia)

References & Publications

See Greece.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details checked:

• June 2001 --Istioploos

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

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