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Voidokilia - Greece's most beautiful beach |
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Voidokilia is the most beautiful beach I have seen in Greece.
Before I saw the beach with my own eyes, I had seen a lot of pictures,
and I was a bit skeptical. Can a beach really be that beautiful? The Swedish
author Staffan Stolpe calls Voidokilia "the beach of beaches"
in his eminent book Morea, and since I trust Staffan Stolpe, the rumor
should match the reality. And he was right, and not only that, Voidokilia
was even more beautiful in reality than in the picture.
Voidokilia is the most beautiful beach I have seen in Greece.
Voidokilia is even more beautiful in reality than in pictures.
When you see Voidokilia from above, from the cliffs at Nestor’s Cave, the experience becomes even stronger. Down there, the beach is shaped like the Greek letter O (omega) – one of nature’s most perfect works of art. The contrast between the deep blue tones of the sea, the pale semicircle of sand and the wild, untouched vegetation around it is so dramatic that it almost feels unreal. It’s a view that explains why the place is often ranked as the most beautiful beach in Greece. |
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The name Voidokilia comes from Greek and means roughly “the belly of the ox” (voidi = ox, koilia = belly). It refers to the rounded, protective shape of the beach – like a natural embrace where the sea rests. It is a name that is both down-to-earth and poetic, just like the place itself. Nearby there is a small beach called Glossa beach, but it is commonly called Hidden beach because it is hidden behind some rocks. If you want to have a little bit of yourself, this is the place to go.
Voidokilia beach. Glossa (Hidden) beach is behind the cliff on the left.
Glossa beach is suitable for those who want to have a little time to themselves.
Glossa beach is commonly called Hidden beach because it is so secret.
Voidokilia beach seen from the path to Glossa beach. |
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Voidokilia is not just a beach, it is an experience that stays with you long after. When you see Voidokilia beach for the first time, something strange happens: your body stops. Your gaze is fixed. It is as if the landscape is too perfect to be real. The almost perfectly circular bay, the soft light sand and the clear, turquoise blue water create a feeling of stillness and awe – as if you have stepped straight into a dream. Many describe it as an almost physical feeling of calm, mixed with childish delight.
Voidokilia beach in one direction.
The middle part of Voidokilia beach.
Voidokilia beach in the other direction. Paleokastro is located at the top of the cliff.
Panoramic image from Voidokilia beach.
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Voidokilia is not just beautiful – it is deeply rooted in Greece’s mythical past. According to tradition, this is the port of King Nestor, and Nestor himself is a central figure in Homer’s Odyssey. Telemachus is said to have arrived here on his journey to find his father Odysseus. Standing on the shore, it’s easy to imagine ships gliding into the bay, sails flapping in the wind and stories yet to be written down. The area has also had strategic importance long after antiquity – not least in connection with the naval Battle of Navarino in 1827, which was decisive for Greece’s independence.
There are no sunbeds or parasols for rent on the beach.
If you like snorkeling, you've come to the right place.
There are no restaurants directly on at Voidokilia beach as the beach is located in a Natura 2000 protected area. However, you will find canteens right by the parking areas and a wide range of restaurants in the nearby villages of Petrochori and Gialova, just a few minutes' drive away. There are no sunbeds or parasols for rent, which is one of the reasons why I think Voidokilia is so paradisaical.
Divari beach where the hike to Paleokastro begins.
Voidokilia is located about 17 kilometers north of Pylos in the southwestern Peloponnese. So if you visit this part of the Peloponnese, you should not miss this fabulous beach under any circumstances. You can drive to the beginning of the beach. But if you want to see the beach from above, you have to hike up to Paleokastro, or use a drone. The hike starts at Gialova lagoon where the beautiful Divari beach is located. There you can park your car and start the hike up. It takes about 25 minutes to walk up to the place where you can see the beach from above. Sweaty, yes, but well worth every drop of sweat. Follow the hike up via the link below.
Voidokilia beach seen from Paleokastro.
Read about the hike up to Paleokastro above Voidokilia beach here » |
WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS WHEN YOU ARE IN THE AREA
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