Hiking around Navarino Bay
A half day hike in a unique wetland combined with a swim in the famous Voidokilia beach.
The Place
Navarino Bay, near Pylos, is a natural harbor where the island of Sphacteria stands as a natural barrier against the open Ionian Sea. An area integrated into the environmental program Natura 2000 and the largest wetland in southern Greece, offering shelter to endemic and migrating birds. Apart from its ecological significance, the area never ceases to amaze with its incredible beauty, attracting people from all over the world. Join the Hiking Navarino Bay trip, and you will come across the most beautiful views of the whole area!
The Trip
Our hike starts from Divari Beach, near Gialova. We follow the path around the lagoon, where we get the opportunity to witness a unique and sensitive ecosystem. Here, migratory birds such as herons, flamingos, and ospreys live, which we may have the opportunity to observe. We cross the dunes until we reach the famous omega-shaped beach of Voidokoilia. A refreshing swim in its turquoise waters is an option. On the way to Paleokastro fort, we stop to explore the cave of the mythical king Nestor. At the top of the hill, we explore the medieval castle and learn about the intense history of the region. Here, the beauty and uniqueness of the landscape reveal breathtaking vistas hard to believe are true. After tasting a healthy picnic, we descend the way back.
What's included
- Local mountain guide.
- Tour planning.
- Picnic with local products.
- Photographs from the tour.
- Liability insurance.
- All taxes.
Not included
- Transfer to the meeting point.
- Tip or gratuity.
Know before you book
- A minimum number of 4 participants is required for this activity to take place.
- No previous experience is required.
- Good physical and mental condition.
- Parental accompaniment is required for minors to take part in this activity.
- A written waiver form is compulsory to be filled in before taking part in this activity.
Know before you go
- Bottle of water.
- Swimwear.
- Towel.
- Hat.
- Sunscreen.
- Hiking shoes or trainers (open shoes, sandals, or flip-flops are unsuitable).
- Hiking backpack (if available).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous experience?
No, many of our customers are first-timers. The Hiking Navarino Bay trip is easy to catch up and beginners can complete a decent journey on their first-time hiking trip. All of our trips are about journeying. We walk at a relaxed pace, learn on the move, and enjoy the natural environment. If you are a group of experienced hikers wanting to complete a demanding journey then a private trip would be the best option.
Is this hiking trip suitable for families with kids?
Absolutely Yes! A hiking trip is a wonderful way for your child to explore the outdoors. There are so many reasons to love a hiking trip with kids. Watching them gain confidence when outdoors, gives them the chance to see places from a different perspective, teaching them about the natural environment.
What is the minimum age for a kid to join this hiking trip?
Kids from 10 may join a standard group trip or a private trip. We always walk with kids at a relaxed pace allowing them to learn and have fun.
What kind of fitness level do I need to take part?
Relatively good physical condition is required. Keep in mind that the most important thing is to have fun and to enjoy the journey. We’ll take plenty of breaks and walk at an achievable pace.
What is the size of a group?
From 2 participants up to 12 people on our standard group trips. Most of our groups consist of couples, families and individuals. We can also cater to smaller groups on private trips.
What is the trip best suited for me? How do I choose?
All of our trips are designed to be suitable for everybody. Each one has its unique characteristics. The best way to choose a trip among others is to check which one departs closer to the place you are staying.
Do you offer private trips?
Yes, we can organize a private tour, standard or tailor made, just for you, your family or your friends.
Should I book a standard trip or a private trip?
If you are happy to hike with a mixed group or don’t want to spend as much money then booking a standard group trip is the best way to go. Private trips really work best with groups of experienced hikers or groups of friends who want to do something a bit different, would like to do a more advanced journey or just want to have privacy and enjoy the trip just themselves.
Is lunch provided?
Yes, simple, nutritious and flavorsome, the food is one of the pleasures during our trips. Halfway we make a relaxing stop at a nice place to taste a picnic with freshly baked bread, organic garden-grown fruits and vegetables, homemade olive oil, and cheese.
What route will we take?
We usually perform our tours within a certain route aiming to visit the most beautiful spots each trip has to offer; however, your guide is likely to choose an alternative route that suits the conditions on the day and the experience and needs of the group. This is the safest and best way to operate hiking trips.
Where do I park my car?
You can park your vehicle safely and for free near our meeting point. Feel free to ask us about parking conditions for a specific trip.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable?
A hiking trip is either canceled and we return your money or arranged for another day.
How can I book a trip?
You can fill out the online booking form for Hiking Navarino Bay or the trip you wish to participate in.
Start exploring the bay by land and continue the exploration by sea with Sea Kayaking in Navarino Bay!
Sustainability
At Explore Messinia, we are dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism and safeguarding the natural splendour of the landscape for future generations. Our hiking tours reflect this commitment to environmental stewardship in several significant ways. By navigating on foot, we eliminate the need for fossil fuels, ensuring a minimal carbon footprint and a quiet, eco-friendly exploration of the region.
Read more
We strongly encourage all participants to bring a reusable water bottle to reduce the dependence on plastic throwaways. Staying hydrated is essential, but it doesn’t have to come at the cost of our planet’s health. Refillable bottles can be topped up before the hike to ensure you have sufficient water for the journey.
Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond equipment and personal habits. We weave environmental stewardship into our hiking tours. Guides will provide space and bags for small clean-ups during the trek, encouraging participants to help maintain and enhance the condition of the trails and natural areas we visit. We ask everyone to collect any plastic or other debris encountered along the way, ensuring that we leave the locations better than we found them.
By adhering to these sustainable practices, together we can ensure that the magnificent landscapes we explore remain pristine and that our hiking experiences continue to be environmentally friendly and enriching for every participant.
You can read more about our Sustainability Policy and Code of Conduct here.
What our guests say
Fotis is an A+ guide. He knows so much about history and the area. He was really fun to be with. The views were breathtaking and we got great photos!
I would absolutely choose this company again! Our Guides were excellent! 10 out of 10. The area was beautiful. There were a lot of rocky places wear a good pair of hiking shoes.
Excellent trip! Everyone was friendly. We were treated as VIPs! I recomment it 100%. Thank you all! Looking forward to new adventures!
Beautiful beach runs around and is not deep It is wonderful for fresh dive and you can also walk to it via the castle .This walk is for the advanced The beach is without beds belongs to protected nature reserve Karetta turtles come here to lay their eggs Its azure blue waters and yellow sand define it as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Peloponessos
The tour was an unforgettable experience. The guide had the perfect mix of humorous and informative. The pace was completely ok despite the large group, the route unexpectedly daring but manageable for all. No one wished for the many mosquitoes. On the beach, anti-mosquito spray was even handed out. I can recommend the tour provider without any reservations.
What guests say about their days with Explore Messinia — from trips across our program:
Read all of them on TripAdvisor and Google — also featured by Lonely Planet and National Geographic Traveler.
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