Costa Navarino: A golfing experience you will never forget

A golf holiday at Costa Navarino is hard to beat. Allow us to explain why…

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In any given industry, there’s no bigger accolade than being ranked number one.  

This is especially true in the golf travel sector, where an ever-increasing number of golf and lifestyle experiences in countries covering the length and breadth of Europe means that UK golfers have never had it so good when booking a golf break abroad. 

Having been rated as the continent’s best in the last two editions of Golf World’s industry-leading ‘Top 100 Resorts in Continental Europe’ list, Costa Navarino’s place at the head of the standings is well-deserved. 

Costa Navarino is, however, far more than a resort – it is a destination with a choice of four signature 18-hole golf courses, four five-star luxury hotels and private residences, not to mention the array of sports, leisure, gastronomic and cultural experiences available. It’s easy to see why golfers have headed in increasing numbers to Greece’s southwest Peloponnese. 

As Chris Bertram, editor of the Top 100, says: “The depth, range and quality of every aspect of this Greek destination means (being ranked no.1) is a scenario that is unlikely to change any time soon. And describing why it is number one becomes easier by the year, because there is always something new to report.” 

This year is no exception with an ‘Inside the Ropes’ playing experience with a collection of golf’s most famous names, an enhanced hospitality offering and a refreshed new look at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino among the highlights for the coming golf season.  

The Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy is one of the headline events that players and their families can enjoy in 2025 at the sustainably driven destination. And with the addition of new flights from the UK to Kalamata International Airport, just 45 minutes away, travelling to the destination has never been easier. 

Named as the ‘World’s Best Golf Venue’ at the World Golf Awards 2024, Costa Navarino is set for another busy year across its four signature courses – The Dunes Course, The Bay Course and the two layouts at Navarino Hills, the International Olympic Academy Golf Course and The Hills Course. 

At the centre of the golf calendar is the return of the Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy. Taking place from June 9-14, the event offers the opportunity for golf enthusiasts to enjoy an exclusive ‘up close and personal’ playing experience alongside a group of golf legends, with a private golf clinic and Q&A session, a place in an invitation-only pro-am and inside-the-ropes spectator viewing access to the 54-hole tournament among the many benefits included. 

Situated across a maximum distance of 13km, each golf course at Costa Navarino offers a different and enjoyable challenge. Built using the best sustainable practices and GEO certified, all are equally memorable in their own right – from the technical demands of The Dunes Course and dramatic backdrops of The Bay Course to the challenges set by the two layouts at Navarino Hills – which opened in 2022 and are perched high above the historic bay of Navarino. 

The first layout to open and measuring 6,018m, the par-71 Bernhard Langer and EGD-designed The Dunes Course offers spectacular sea and river views and incorporates links-style features in areas closest to the sea, while occasionally venturing into olive and fruit groves. 

Surrounded by olive groves and overlooking the historic bay of Navarino, the par-71, 5,422m The Bay Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr and meanders through three distinct settings – seaside, canyon, and grove – to provide striking contrasts. Golfers can also enjoy the award-winning earth-sheltered Bay Clubhouse, which blends seamlessly into the natural landscape. 

Launched in partnership with the International Olympic Academy and the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the par-72 International Olympic Academy Golf Course routes around the western part of the Navarino Hills area. Measuring 6,366m, more than half its holes play along the ridge overlooking the historic bay of Navarino and the Ionian Sea, providing spectacular sea views. Precision over length is definitely the best option on several holes, with trouble lurking for those long hitters who are too aggressive off the tee and stray offline.  

Also designed by Olazábal, The Hills Course offers a scenic golf journey through nature, along the way passing old olive trees, and stunning ravines that carve deep into the Kinigou hills. Measuring 6,280m in length, the par-72 course offers a good balance and variety, while myriad strategic options await, providing a good test for creativity and course management.  

Away from golf, golfers and families can enjoy an array of sports and lifestyle experiences throughout the year. Adults can relax in style after a day on the fairways with a visit to the award-winning Anazoe Spa to indulge in a range of soothing treatments. For active young guests, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino hosts an expansive multi-sports camp for kids featuring ten different sports along with the NBA Basketball School, FC Bayern Football Camps, and new kids camps at the Mouratoglou Tennis Centre.

Guests can choose from an array of luxury accommodation, with each catering to a different audience. The ultimate family and sports destination, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino has unveiled a renewed look for 2025 with redesigned accommodation, revitalised popular spaces and a brand-new lap pool.

The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort is a haven for adults and families seeking unparalleled service and authentic experiences featuring a unique selection of beachfront villas and suites ensuring complete privacy and curated exclusive benefits tailored to each guest, while the adult-friendly escape W Costa Navarino is perfect for those seeking a chilled and relaxing holiday in a vibrant, chic beachfront setting.

Finally, there is the Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, where guests can enjoy the ultimate ultra-luxury experience, while the nearby Navarino Agora is open to guests and locals and is a hub of gastronomy and shopping, alongside cultural events which showcase the region’s heritage. 

Costa Navarino has also expanded its Villa Rentals Collection for the 2025 season with exclusive properties in the beachfront Sea Dunes neighborhood available to book, while the destination will be more accessible than ever over the coming months.

As well as new weekly flights from Bristol (Jet2) to Kalamata operating along with extra Jet2 and new EasyJet services from Manchester, there will be an extended British Airways flight from Heathrow flying five times a week while existing routes from London (EasyJet, Jet2, Ryanair) will continue.  

For more information, visit the Costa Navarino website.