One of the best hikes in Greece begins at Voidokilia Bay through a diverse and distinctive landscape. Walk along the beach towards Paleokastro Hill. From the parking area, pass the dunes and use the wooden paths (contribution of ARCHELON Association) that protect the vegetation, which is especially sensitive in this area.

At the end of the beach, begin your climb up the hill. Dune vegetation yields to shrubbery, and it is recommended to wear long trousers and closed shoes for the climb. The path leads past the Cave of Nestor, which is occasionally used as a sheepfold (as it was in ancient times). The view from here is magnificent. You can appreciate the exceptional shape of Voidokilia Bay and the unspoiled landscape (unchanged for over 3,000 years) that allows your imagination to roam.

Continue your climb past the cave. Initially the path is steep and carved into rock, but you will reach castle walls further up, where you should explore the site. Beware of a hole that falls into the cave below. The vegetation here is dense since the site is protected from winds and grazing is limited.

The view from Paleokastro Hill is unique in all directions. To the north you see Voidokilia Bay and Romanou Beach in the distance; to the east, Divari Lagoon; to the south, Sykias Pass, Sfaktiria Island and Navarino Gulf; to the west, the vast Ionian Sea.

The vegetation on the hill differs completely from the wetlands below. On the cliffs facing Divari Lagoon is spurge, a common local plant. Even the birds are different here. The rock nuthatch, a frequent visitor of archaeological sites, lets out startling calls, and the blue rock thrush flits up and down the parapets. Many bird species nest in the steep rocks here and on Sfaktiria Island. Roughly 200 pairs of Eurasian jackdaws nest near the castle and flocks of swifts (hummingbirds) fill the sky during summer.

You can return to Voidokilia Bay from the castle, which will take roughly 1.5 hours (with stops). If you prefer, walk along the southern slopes towards Sykia Pass. Sfaktiria Island is only 150m away. Go left to Divari Beach and you will encounter the road from Gialova with a sign towards Voidokilia Bay. Continue on the path to the base of the Paleokastro cliff and the shores of the lagoon. You will arrive at Voidokilia Bay having completed a circular route that covers approximately 3.5km.

If you want to find more paths and excursions in this region you can visit the site of Ecotourism in Greece.