go to http://www.zorbas.de./english/welcome.php webcam and search for Gialova there are reports and I'm sure photos.

Yialova is a very quiet, laid back little hamlet, which only wakes up in season or when the wine factory is processing grapes. No night life, a couple of delightful small family hotels, plus about four or five tavernas and cafes. It's about 7 miles from Pylos, a delightful small market town with lots of local character which is alive all year, but which is little affected by tourism.

What little night life exists (outside the usual taverna trade) comprises a couple of late night discos and bars about a mile south of Pylos.

Yialova is on the eastern side of the Bay of Navarino, a big stretch of sea, about 8 miles by 4, completely sheltered by a string of islands. The bay has a quiet sandy beach stretching 5 miles from Yialova to the north corner. It's narrow in places, but at Yialova it's about 70m wide and sheltered by tamarisks (no need for a beach brolly!).

The north end of the bay is a nature reserve, sand dunes, one of the few places where the African Chameleon still breeds in the wild. The far end of this reserve is Voidokilia, arguably one of the finest and most beautiful beaches in Greece, horseshoe shaped, white sand and an azure blue sea with very few people and no shade (bring a brolly!).

Climb from here to Nestor's cave, or even the castle on the top of the island, to enjoy some wonderful views.

Maybe hire a little motor dinghy from Nikos in Pylos to drive around the bay. Or take a day trip from Pylos harbour in a small caique to visit Methoni and Finikounda. On a clear evening, watch the sun drop below the horizon from a hill top bar in Methoni, or a taverna in a beach just north of Voidokilia.

Take plenty of interesting books to read!

JimB, who lives about 14 miles away from this paradise.

Hi JimB

Thanks for your reply, we are staying at the Eleonas apartments about 600m from Yialova, Yiannis the owner has sent us a brochure and the views from his apartments and villas are stunning! We look out over the bay including Voidokilia and it really does look like paradise!
We drove around this peninsular from Stoupa a few years ago following the coast road, but after a few hours driving with a 4 year old we turned back before we got to Voidokilia! We could see it in the distance but my husband had had enough by then!!

We originally wanted to try Finikounda but Kosmar had nothing available for the weeks we wanted and Sunvil were simply too expensive! So I've taken the plunge and booked independantly, not Finikounda unfortunately as all the quotes I had were 60 - 90 euros per night which is more then we wanted to pay. So found this fab accommodation in Yialova for only 44 euros per night!
We will have a car for 2 weeks so will definitely drive down to Finikounda as it looks lovely and we also want to go up to Olympia. If you can think of any other info then please let me know

Thanks again
Diane

Hi duffy,
would definately take a trip to the Corinth canal. We took a boat trip through on a Kosmar excursion although we were not Kosmar guests, its quite a long drive but its spectacular

I would like to see the Corinth canal but it's going to be hard enough to get my hubby to go to Olympia!! He does lots of driving with his work so he just likes to relax on holiday and unfortunately driving around to see the sights is not his idea of fun!
So apart from Olympia we'll probably just stick to seeing the sights that are within an hour of where we're staying.

We had a fantastic holiday in Gialova, it's a gorgeous place and even though it's been on the tourist trail for years it's not spoilt or commercialised in any way! There were hardly any other Brits there which was great just lots of Greeks, Germans, Italians, Americans and loads of camper vans.
It's the perfect place for a relaxing chill-out holiday with some wonderful sandy beaches, Golden beach and Voidikilia were our favourites, they were both quiet even in July and on Voidikilia no sunbeds or snack bars are allowed and apart from the waves it was so peaceful.
Gialova itself is a small village with a couple of shops and about 6/7 tavernas which serve excellent Greek food (no Brit food on the menu here!) Although not the prettiest village it has definitely retained it's Greek charm and because of the friendliness of the locals and the general atmosphere of the place we will definitely be returning!

We booked independently via the internet to stay at the Eleonas apartments and they were superb - one of the best apartments we've ever stayed in! And we could flush the loo paper - no horrible bin in the bathroom!! We've been going to Greece for 16 years and have never been anywhere where we could do that!
We had excellent views from our balcony of Navarino bay inc Golden beach and the lagoon and we were surrounded by lemon, orange and olive groves it was lovely.

Pylos was our closest town and that was also a traditional Greek working town just a few tourist shops and very friendly people. Methoni about 30 mins away is a very pretty little town with a huge castle and a gorgeous sandy beach. It too has managed to retain its Greek charm and it didn't feel touristy at all!
We just loved this area of Messinia and I would say that we have found our perfect Greek destination. However, developments are planned for the future and I just hope they don't turn it in to a tourist hell!!

Diane

PS We went flight only with First Choice and they were fantastic - early both ways but it seems they are not flying to Kalamata next year which is a real shame!

Duffi ! i'd like to ask u about Gialova. i booked the same apartments, where u were. If it's possible, clarify some things concerning Gialova!

Elenaforever

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yasus
wizard

elena forever,

Since 2005 Yialova has changed quite a bit in appearance, but it is still a small summer resort, silent in the winter. The seafront road has been attractively paved, and the old raisin processing factory has been demolished, to be replaced by an attractive arcade of small shops, cafes and restaurants about 150 m along the seafront. It has made the place really quite smart, but it is still good value for money.

Zoe hotel is right on the beach, fronted by tamarisk trees providing good shade, planted around with flowers - a great spot. Zoe have a web site - http://www.hotelzoe.com/main/eng/mainfrm1.html - which will tell you their prices. There are cheaper accommodations inland.

This is quite an up market little resort, served by a specialist British tour operator which charges a premium price. It is also popular with German and Dutch clients who have been coming here for years, usually DIY (which is well worth while).

For more info on DIY (flights into Kalamata, Athens, and buses from Athens to Pylos etc) look at my web site. You can find that just by Googling 'JimB'

I hope that helps.