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THE LAGOON OF PYLOS (DIVARI) AND THE ISLE OF SFAKTIRIA
This whole region is under protection status, with approximately 48% of its expanse comprising the almost circular bay of Navarino. The entrance to the bay is located at its southern edge, and is closed off by the Pylos islet (also known as Tsichli-baba), right across from the town of the same name. To the north there is the Gialova lagoon, with the adjacent beach of Voidokilia. The area includes significant habitats and endangered flora and fauna species, and is part of the European Natura 2000 Network. Apart from its ecological significance, the zone never ceases to amaze with its incredible beauty, attracting not only nature aficionados, but also people from all over the world who come to enjoy the splendor of nature.
To the west the bay of Navarino is closed off by the elongated island of Sphacteria, parallel to the coast. This island, covered in lush and rare vegetation, is also home to many birds of prey. Sphacteria's peculiar location contributed to its becoming the backdrop for many bloody conflicts in antiquity, and also during the Turkish rule.
To the northwest we come across the Gialova lagoon, which extends between the settlement of the same name and the bay of Voidokilia; the lagoon is one of the most significant wetlands not only in Greece, but also Europe. Known also as Divari, from the Latin vivarium, which means "fish farm," the area has been designated as a Special Protection Area with code GR2550008 and as a Site of Community Importance with code GR2550004. Moreover, it is a Wildlife Refuge and one of the Important Areas for Birds in Greece. It is the first stop for the migratory birds from Africa, and it is also home to a great number of mammals, serpents, amphibians and fish. Probably the most significant species that lives here is the very rare and endangered African chameleon.
Divari has also been characterized as an archaeological site, along with its neighboring Voidokilia: To the north of this beautiful beach one can see the ruins of a tholos tomb, which has been attributed to Thrasymedes, and on the southern side, under the rock of the medieval Paleokastro (fortress), lies the cave of his father, Nestor, where traces of habitation were discovered, dating to the Neolithic period. Myth says that this was the cave where Hermes hid the 50 oxen he had stolen from Apollo. Access to the cave is easy, and the view from here is spectacular.
To the west the bay of Navarino is closed off by the elongated island of Sphacteria, parallel to the coast. This island, covered in lush and rare vegetation, is also home to many birds of prey. Sphacteria's peculiar location contributed to its becoming the backdrop for many bloody conflicts in antiquity, and also during the Turkish rule.
To the northwest we come across the Gialova lagoon, which extends between the settlement of the same name and the bay of Voidokilia; the lagoon is one of the most significant wetlands not only in Greece, but also Europe. Known also as Divari, from the Latin vivarium, which means "fish farm," the area has been designated as a Special Protection Area with code GR2550008 and as a Site of Community Importance with code GR2550004. Moreover, it is a Wildlife Refuge and one of the Important Areas for Birds in Greece. It is the first stop for the migratory birds from Africa, and it is also home to a great number of mammals, serpents, amphibians and fish. Probably the most significant species that lives here is the very rare and endangered African chameleon.
Divari has also been characterized as an archaeological site, along with its neighboring Voidokilia: To the north of this beautiful beach one can see the ruins of a tholos tomb, which has been attributed to Thrasymedes, and on the southern side, under the rock of the medieval Paleokastro (fortress), lies the cave of his father, Nestor, where traces of habitation were discovered, dating to the Neolithic period. Myth says that this was the cave where Hermes hid the 50 oxen he had stolen from Apollo. Access to the cave is easy, and the view from here is spectacular.
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