When you think of going on a beachy vacation to Greece, some of the famous islands may come to mind. However, there’s a picture-perfect spot with pristine beaches and stunning resorts on continental Greece that you might not yet know about…but should.
Costa Navarino is a beachside haven you’ll never forget after a visit. It’s in the southwest Peloponnese peninsula in the Messinia region of Greece. It’s near Pylos, a seaside town with charming restaurants and shops. This region has been influenced by 4,500 years of history, and you can see ancient ruins on short drives from the resorts in Costa Navarino.
Here are some things that you should know before visiting this seaside sanctuary.
Why Visit Now?
There’s a growing interest in eco-conscious traveling, and Costa Navarino has long been one of the prime sustainable spots to visit in the Mediterranean. It was developed with deep dedication to preserving Messinia’s natural environment and heritage, with conscientious actions taken to preserve the biodiversity that’s unique to the area and minimize using natural resources. The resorts in Costa Navarino all have a focus on social responsibility and sustainable tourism.
The landscaping itself was designed to promote the natural beauty of the area as well as blend in with it. Messinia has centuries-old olive groves, and that was respected. When construction was being done, no olive trees were cut. Instead, they were moved and later replanted.
The principles of bioclimatic architecture were at the forefront of the design for the Navarino Dunes and Navarino Bay areas. The buildings blend into the natural world with places to build and materials chosen carefully. It was very important for the developers to protect the local landscape, horizon and ridgeline. For example, the Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino blends into the land with its earth-sheltered villas.
Sports Lovers Embrace Costa Navarino
There is something for sports lovers at every resort in Costa Navarino. It is well-known for its world-class golfing opportunities. The Dunes Course is located by the sea and is the first signature-designed golf course in Greece. The Bay Course takes golfers through three different landscapes: grove, canyon, and season.
Costa Navarino’s Mouratoglou Tennis Center is the first one in Europe, and it offers 12 state-of-the-art tennis courts, padel and pickleball courts, and a health club with an indoor pool.
Then there’s popular yachting and sailing excursion and water sports. Visitors to the area often enjoy biking, hiking, rock climbing, and a wide variety of outdoor adventures.
Inclusivity Is A Priority
Costa Navarino and its resorts are also very dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that truly empowers them to welcome all guests. W Costa Navarino is the first internationally accredited hotel by the IGLTA for its inclusive practices. The area makes changes when they can to further enhance the comfort of guests. They have started to offer beach wheelchairs so everyone can enjoy the pristine beaches. They offer gender neutral restrooms, gender neutral amenities, noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets, prayer kits, and amenities for many hair and skin types. You can read more about its diversity and inclusion commitments on its site.
Animal Protection Is Key
One of the organizations that stands out for its excellent work is the Navarino Pet Community. Its volunteers seek to solve the problem of excessive stray animals and help find them loving homes. It is led by volunteers among the Costa Navarino associates, and so far over 250 dogs and cats have now found great homes. Tourists can visit the shelter, and sometimes cats or dogs in need of homes are brought out for tourists to visit. Some travelers decide to come home with a new companion animal.
Also, Costa Navarino has worked with the Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation and other NGOs, and they worked together to launch the initiative “Messinia Without Strays”. This will support the goal of ending the suffering of stray animals. It will help protect them and find them homes. They strive to find homes while working on basic training, socialization and walking on the leash. The cats and dogs are also neutered or spayed, and they receive stellar vet care.
Where To Stay in Costa Navarino
With options for almost everyone, there are some spectacular resorts in Costa Navarino. There are family-friendly spots and those that are just right for couples seeking a romantic getaway.
Known for being the most family-friendly resort in the area, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino welcomes guests of all ages with open arms. It is beautifully surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, and its guestrooms and suites were newly renovated for the 2025 season.
The resort’s aqua park is beloved among young people with its three water slides and pool games. Toddlers and children have entertainment options like SandCastle, a special youth hub with recreational and educational programs. Many of the children’s activities are specific to the Mediterranean, and they help kids build great memories while parents enjoy some quiet time. There’s even a variety of day care options for infants.
Guests can enjoy such activities as an olive-oil tasting session at Enoteca where they can learn about the many types of olive oil, local olive groves, their history, and how to tell olive oils apart. The exploration of the local olive traditions can continue at the renowned ANAZOE Spa where you can get an olive nourishing facial that utilizes local olives. Visitors may also book such things as a traditional Messinian cooking class with local teachers.
The W Costa Navarino has been welcoming visitors since it opened in 2022, and it is the first of the W hotels to open in Greece. It’s situated on the Ionian Sea, and it seamlessly fits into the environment with its stone, wood, and weed materials.
The resort offers villas and suites with perks like one’s own pool available, and guests can enjoy the hotel’s Whenever/Whatever service that aims to ensure visitors have whatever they want whenever they need it. The W Costa Navarino also has six dining venues. The most popular is Parelia, an all-day Beach Club.
The onsite AWAY Spa provides locally inspired treatments. Sports lovers can enjoy the water sports hub, four signature golf courses, and the nearby Mouratoglou Tennis Center in Navarino Dunes. The W Costa Navarino is great for an adults-only getaway; visitors should be at least 12 years old.
Extreme luxury abounds at Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino. It’s enough to leave you breathless, really, from the moment you see how it cascades down the hillside and looks over the sea. The resort invites guests to experience its unique blend of Greek hospitality along with the resort’s Asian heritage.
Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino is hosting a Masters In Motion series of events in which wellness experts lead holistic experiences for guests which are designed to nurture one’s mind, body, and spirit. That’s in addition to its constant focus on wellness at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, which offers a holistic experience for each guest.
The resort provides stunning villas and suites for guests that were designed to capture the beauty and warmth of the region. It also is a golf lover’s dream with four signature golf courses, and it hosts prestigious golf tournaments throughout the year.
Located by the Ionian Sea in the Navarino Dunes area, The Romanos, A Luxury Collection Resort is, like other area resorts, dedicated to sustainability and luxury in equal measures. Guests often remark on being wowed from the moment they arrive at The Romanos and see the stunning outdoors check-in area.
This resort has a mile-long beach for guests to enjoy. It offers beautifully designed rooms, suites, and villas that have views of golf courses and the sea. Many suites also feature their own pool. All guests are treated to 24-hour butler services.
Golfers also love this resort with its four 18-hole signature golf courses – The Bay Course, The Dunes Course, The Hills Course, and the International Olympic Academy Golf Course. That’s in addition to its own golf academy.
It also has the onsite Anazoe Spa, an award-winning spa that offers Thalassotherapy and a complete menu of other therapies and treatment that reflect ancient Greek health and beauty practices.