Summary
It’s always a good time to visit Greece and Costa Navarino is at the top of luxury destinations. Most people head for the Greek Islands of Santorini or Crete after exploring Athens but believe it or not, there are other places to visit in this diverse and beautiful country.
Our latest travels took us to Costa Navarino located in a remote corner of Peloponnese. Sitting on the Ionian Sea in the South of Greece, Costa Navarino has everything you could want in a vacation to Greece. With beautiful white sand beaches, thousand-year-old ruins, and a strong local culture, a trip to Peloponnese is something you won’t soon forget.
Costa Navarino – Ancient History & Natural Beauty
The culture of Costa Navarino dates back 4500 years to the Bronze Age and Mycenean civilization. Over the ages, it changed hands back and forth from Byzantine, Ottoman and Venetian rule.
It was in 1827 during the Battle of Navarino that the Greeks regained control of their region defeating the Turks and Egyptian fleet with the help of the British, French, and Russian fleet.
While the area played a large role in the Greek independence, it ended up falling into decline after the Second World War and many people left the area including a man named Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos. He built his fortune abroad establishing one of the largest shipping businesses in the world. It was his dream to bring new life to his home region of Messenia, and thus the idea of Costa Navarino was born.
He started work on creating a high-end resort focusing on sustainability and promotion of local culture and traditions of Messinia. Today, Costa Navarino is the first luxury eco-friendly destination on the Mediterranean and is now a leading example of sustainable tourism and environmental protection.
About Costa Navarino Westin Resort
The resort is hoping more companies around Greece will follow their lead to create jobs for the local community while adopting a sustainable tourism model. We stayed at the Westin Costa Navarino Resort, where luxury awaited us. With our own private infinity pool on our suite’s patio, we enjoyed both privacy and opulence.
Situated directly on a long sandy beach overlooking the Ionian Sea, the resort connects to the ultra-luxurious Romanos Resort, which has hosted movie stars, royalty, and even sheiks in their private villas.
Visitors have the freedom to explore the resorts, choosing from an extensive selection of fine dining restaurants or enjoying a round on one of the two award-winning golf courses. They can also experience the healing waters in the Anazoe Spa and engage in a variety of activities with Navarino outdoors.
During our stay, we explored ancient cities, castles, and villages as much as we could. Spending five days in Costa Navarino only gave us time to scratch the surface of all there is to do, but we managed to see enough to know we’ll return one day.
Introducing Messinia
Our introduction to Messinia started at the resort where we met our guide Simon for a cycling trip through the villages to a high cliff overlooking the area. It was a wonderful introduction and a perfect way to get our bearings.
The bikes at Navarino outdoors are superb, making this trip a must regardless of your ability. It starts off meandering through nearby villages and olive groves until we reached one of Greece’s most beautiful beaches, Voidokilia Beach. Shaped like the Greek letter Omega, Voidokilia Beach is steeped in legends.
It was believed to have been used by King Nestor, the ancient king of Pylos, and Homer referenced this beach in the Odyssey. Directly beside the beach lies the Gialova Lagoon.
This protected area is designated as a Natura 2000 site due to the migratory birds that frequent this wildlife habitat. If you visit at the right time of year, you might catch a glimpse of flamingos!
After admiring the beauty of the wildlife preserve and beach, we made our way up to a high lookout. If you aren’t an avid biker, you can easily walk this path, but Dave and I opted for a bike ride.
Adventure in Costa Navarino Greece
The steep climb reminded us of our mountain biking days and it was a tough but fun 500-metre ascent. We couldn’t have done it without Simon, who towed a cart carrying our camera equipment for capturing photos and videos (including drone footage) from the view!
Fortunately, we had our appetites ready because, in true Greek fashion, a feast awaited our arrival. The tours in this area with Navarino Outdoors include local dishes provided by K Food Stories, and we enjoyed a vast spread of delectable Greek food paired with delicious white wine.
Speaking of food, one of the most authentic experiences of our four visits to Greece took place right here in Messinia.
Cooking Class from Westin Costa Navarino
Staying true to supporting the local community, Costa Navarino purchased a traditional seaside house for running cooking classes. We met with Loola and Anna, the granddaughters of the house’s original owner, for an afternoon of fun and education about Greek cuisine.
With an apron and scarf, I certainly looked the part, but could I cook Greek food? You bet I can! Following Loola and Anna’s guidance, we made fresh homemade pasta, Greek salad, and kolokithopita (akin to spanakopita but with zucchini).
It was a delightful afternoon learning from the ladies as we kneaded dough, chopped vegetables, and stuffed pasta. The highlight was enjoying the fruits of our labor with a homestyle Greek meal shared around the table.
A Greek Celebration
Afterward, music filled the air, and we all danced in a circle, celebrating our newfound friendship. If you visit Costa Navarino, ensure you partake in this unique cooking experience!
History Surrounding Costa Navarino
Dave and I are fond of exploring ancient ruins. We’ve had the good fortune to visit Roman ruins, the ancient cities of Bagan and Angkor Wat, Tikal, and even the Forbidden City in Beijing, China.
We were unaware of the ancient city of Messene in Peloponnese until we learned it was a mere hour’s drive from Costa Navarino, prompting us to explore it.
Ancient City of Messene
Unlike the crowded Acropolis of Athens, we had Messene almost to ourselves. Dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries BC, the region of Messenia is remarkably ancient. Messene itself was founded in 369 BC and still stands proudly at the base of Mt Ithome.
While en route, we noticed segments of walls still standing, and our driver informed us that these walls are much older than the Great Wall of China, with an impressive 9 km still intact. The site houses ancient baths, several buildings with mosaics, a theatre, and a stadium.
Agora Stadium – Messene
The Agora Stadium impresses with tiered seating surrounding the grounds and large white pillars lining the walkways. We spent about two and a half hours exploring the complex but could have easily spent another hour delving into the scriptures and mosaics.
Be sure to stop for a coffee at the top of the hill on your way up for a bird’s-eye view of Messene from the terrace. Surrounding the ancient city is a village where people have lived for thousands of years.
Methoni Castle – A Day Tour from Costa Navarino
A shorter and scenic drive from Costa Navarino leads to Methoni Castle. The coast of Messinia is breathtaking, with picturesque villages lining the shores.
Pilos
The main town on the way was Pilos, a popular tourist spot where one could easily spend a few days soaking in the atmosphere of Southern Greece. However, our objective was to see Methoni Castle’s famous octagonal tower known as the Bourtzi.
Located in the seaside town of Methoni, Methoni Castle is the star attraction of the area. Built in the 13th century by the Venetians, the Bourtzi was rebuilt in the 15th century after the Turks overthrew the city.
This stunning ruin features remnants of a Turkish bath, the house of Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt, and the Transfiguration of the Savior church.
The stone walkway leading out to the Bourtzi offers gorgeous scenery, and once you reach the tower, you can ascend the circular walkway for a lookout back at the castle with many spots available to climb for views over the sea.
Exploring takes a couple of hours (especially for photo and video enthusiasts like us), and much like Messene, the crowds are light, giving you a sense of having the place to yourself.
Luxury of Westin Costa Navarino
If you recall from earlier, Costa Navarino is recognized as the first luxury eco-friendly destination in the Mediterranean, and it certainly lived up to expectations.
Alongside the beautiful suites typical of high-end Westin Resorts, complete with our infinity pool and private terrace, there are several scenic luxury pools, waterfalls, and gardens.
But a day at the spa is a must.
If you indulge in a massage, opt for the traditional Greek massage – Melisseus ‘The spirit of honey’. I always love trying local traditional massages wherever I go, and this one combined deep tissue techniques with the softening and scrubbing properties of local honey.
Ensure you arrive at least a half-hour early to enjoy the amazing pools, including a floating salt pool with the same sodium content as the Dead Sea. From there, you can transition to the other two pools for water massages and relaxing jets in the waterbeds.
If you’re like us, you’ll thrive in the herbal steam baths and saunas. An afternoon at the spa is truly revitalizing.
Fine Dining at Westin Costa Navarino
During our five days in Costa Navarino, we didn’t shy away from the culinary delights. Despite our active endeavors, we indulged in the food of the Gods.
Costa Navarino’s Flame Restaurant was recently nominated for the World Luxury Restaurant Awards, and the Greek cuisine at Armyra was exceptional.
Each morning offered an overwhelming selection of healthy and delectable breakfast options, and our traditional lunch at Kafeneio with Songs around the table was a memorable experience.
We learned that Costa Navarino hired local women to sing, preserving the tradition of making pasta while entertaining patrons outside with songs about their vibrant customs and culture.
Peloponnese Greece
While rich in customs and traditions, there is also a chic and modern side to the resort. Every aspect is elegantly appointed, blending traditional experiences with cool settings for enjoying signature cocktails in stylish bars.
What more could you ask for?
Our stay at Costa Navarino was an ideal combination of luxury and relaxation, alongside adventure and cultural experiences. We learned about the history of the Peloponnese region and the traditions of its people. Even the hotel itself works to maintain and promote the local culture, showcasing traditional costumes and artwork depicting the history of Messenia.
We absorbed a wealth of knowledge about this remote corner of Greece, and we eagerly anticipate our return.
