All the surroundings Surroundings · Monuments

Navarino Castle

An ancient medieval fortress above Navarino Bay, about 10 km from the house. Reached by a scenic path, it offers spectacular panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and the lagoon below.

~10 km from Navarino Greek Houseby car
The fortress overlooking Navarino Bay
Navarino Castle

Navarino Castle stands at the top of the headland that closes off Voidokilia to the north, and it can only be reached on foot: a path climbs from beach level up to the walls, and it is part of the experience. The climb is not long, but it is exposed and on stone, so you will need closed shoes and water in your backpack.

From the top you can see why this fortress was built exactly here: on one side Navarino Bay, on the other the lagoon and the curve of Voidokilia, and in between the open blue of the Ionian Sea. It is one of those places where geography explains history better than any sign.

It is about ten kilometres from the house. It is best combined with a morning at Voidokilia: go up early, then head down to the beach when the sun starts to beat down.

The fortified hill overlooking Voidokilia Bay
The headland of Navarino Castle · photo: Fæ · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Practical tips

  • You walk up: wear closed shoes and bring a hat and water. The path is on rock and largely without shade.
  • The best times are early morning or late afternoon, for the light and the temperature.
  • This is an open-air archaeological site: check the signs on site for access and permitted routes.

Other places to visit: Voidokilia Beach · Palace of Nestor at Chora · Gialova Lagoon