The Ultimate Guide to Costa Navarino, Greece

Travellers choose the area because it enjoys Messinia’s year-round pleasant temperatures and very little rain during the high season. The resort is surrounded by striking beautiful landscapes composed of tropical blue waters, lush hills and plenty to discover. With a holistic approach to sustainable tourism, Costa Navarino bills itself as the first high-end, eco-friendly destination in the Mediterranean.

Messinia is a magnificent region to kick off an authentic Greek adventure. The area features a unique landscape, ancient cities and archaeological sites, picturesque architecture, epic beaches and delicious examples of Greek cuisine.

When looking for things to do in the area, starting with the local cuisine is always a great idea – olives, oranges, sage, thyme, wild greens, cheese and wine are just a few of the staples you can taste during a food tour in the area.

Costa Navarino hosts one of the most beautiful turquoise-water beaches in Voidokilia. This half-moon-shaped shore offers the perfect backdrop for swimming and relaxing – but be aware that there are no facilities on site, so pack everything you need to spend the day.

Adventurous hiking and mountain biking are other popular activities. Most local resorts offer bike rental services and biking tours to explore the hills and valleys – and a very rare wetland habitat, Gialova Lagoon, which is a paradise for birdwatching.

If you prefer a different kind of sport, then check out two of Europe’s best golf courses, or learn everything about this sport at the Navarino Golf Academy. Alternatively, if you’re more of a history fan, then explore historic Messinia. Here, you can explore the archaeological treasures found in the waters offshore at the Ottoman Neokastro fortress or visit the nearby old town. With more time to spare, you can embark on an hour and a half trip to Olympia – the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

There are plenty of high-end accommodation options in Costa Navarino, meaning you’ll be spoiled for choice – these are some of the best places to stay in the area, bookable via Culture Trip.

Gastronomy is a serious endeavour in the Peloponnese – a region that features the highest quantity of PDO products in Greece, such as Kalamata olives or the famed red Agiorgitiko wine.

Deroko is a fine dining restaurant on the seafront in Gialova. Besides its romantic atmosphere, the restaurant offers familiar flavours rooted in Greek cuisine with a touch of modern elegance on a menu that highlights the best of the local produce.

Onuki is an innovative and unique proposal. This Japanese restaurant is within the Romanos Costa Navarino Resort, and it serves excellent dishes paired with amazing views of the area. When looking for a beach restaurant, a great option is Kookoonari, in Pylos. Right by the sea, the restaurant offers a selection of fresh fish and a seafood menu with rather affordable prices.

Home to mild Mediterranean weather, Costa Navarino enjoys a fairly long warm season. Summers are long and hot – therefore, the area is at its best between May and September. If you’re looking for the hottest time of the year to visit, then July and August feature the warmest air temperatures – while the sea temperature is the highest during September.

There are many different ways to get to Costa Navarino – the area can be easily reached from many European cities with a direct flight into Kalamata International Airport, just a short drive from Costa Navarino. It’s also possible to get to Costa Navarino with a private transfer from Athens (270km/168mi) or the International Port of Patras (200km/120mi), which receives frequent ferries and cruise ships from Italy.

This is an updated version of an article originally by Ethel Dilouambaka.