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Gialova Lagoon

A protected nature reserve about 13 km from the property, an oasis of biodiversity with more than 250 recorded bird species. It is the ideal place for birdwatching and lovely walks in the Greek countryside.

~13 km from Navarino Greek Houseby car
Gialova Lagoon and the coastline facing the sea
Gialova Lagoon

Gialova Lagoon lies just behind Voidokilia and is one of the most important wetlands in the Mediterranean: shallow water, reed beds, an ecosystem that changes with the seasons. More than two hundred and fifty species of birds have been recorded here, many of them passing through, because the lagoon is one of the first stopovers on the migration route between Africa and Europe.

You do not need to be an ornithologist to enjoy it: all it takes is a pair of binoculars and the desire to walk slowly along the paths around it. The best times are dawn and dusk, when the birds are on the move and the light on the still water is worth the trip on its own.

It is about thirteen kilometres from the house. It is a place that works out of season too; in fact, in spring and autumn the migration is much more intense than in high summer.

The seafront tavernas of Gialova village
The Gialova seafront · photo: G Da · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Practical tips

  • Spring and autumn are the best seasons for birdwatching: the migration is at its most intense.
  • Dawn and dusk are the right times; bring binoculars, closed shoes and insect repellent.
  • This is a protected area: stay on the paths, keep your voice down and leave nothing behind.

Other places to visit: Voidokilia Beach · Navarino Castle · Palace of Nestor at Chora