Guide to Costa Navarino

At Golf Escapes it really is our pleasure to offer a destination as superb as Costa Navarino, in Greece, voted the world’s Best New Golf Development in 2022, World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination in 2022, World’s Best New Golf Course in 2022, Greece’s Best Golf Course in 2022, claimed first place in the globally acclaimed Golf World Top 100 resorts in Continental Europe in 2022.

Located in naturally beautiful Messinia, situated alongside the coast of the Ionian Sea fronted by a picturesque sandy beach, the resort now boasts four outstanding 18-hole signature golf courses along with a wealth of other fantastic facilities, including the Anazoe Spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness centre, a variety of restaurants and world-class accommodation comprising of 445 stylish rooms and suites.

Be prepared for some stunning coastline golf on the established Dunes Course and Bay Course, already a firm favourite for those fortunate enough to visit this wonderful location. Located at the resort and designed by Bernard Langer, the Dunes Course has been inspired by the character of the natural landscape. Close to the sea, there is a links-like feel, whilst further inland, it reflects a more typically Greek landscape of olive and citrus groves. With large undulating greens, wide fairways and steep-faced pot bunkers, a respected professional at one of Europe’s other top golf resorts has rated the Dunes in his top 3 best-kept courses.

Then just 10 minute drive with courtesy transfers freely available from Navarino Dunes, is the Bay Course, which although sister to the Dunes course offers an alternative set of challenges, in a quite different setting. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, the course places a slightly greater emphasis on strategic play and positional golf. Most tees offer amazing sea views as the course rises, falls, twists and turn through three (Seaside, Canyon and Grove) distinct natural landscapes, providing striking contrasts that create a dramatic and memorable round.

Most destinations would be content with two wonderful courses, but not here at Costa Navarino which offers 4 incredible golf courses. The latest two new courses by the great José María Olazábal heading up the design and construction of the new 36 holes courses, the world’s first International Olympic Academy Golf Course and the Hills Course. Both layouts are now fully open and after playing and inspecting both courses, the two-time Masters champion couldn’t be happier with the design making it the icing on the cake as the Mediterranean’s prime sustainable destination has been completed.

Olazábal commented, “The setting at Navarino Hills is one of the most spectacular that I have seen. The characteristics of the site are wonderful for golf and it surely ranks among the most beautiful properties we have ever had the chance to work on.”

“The International Olympic Academy Golf Course is the longer and tougher of the two courses that I have designed. It’s more compact and, in style, different to the Hills course, which is set in the valley and has more room, especially off the tee.

“We are spoiled as golfers because there are so many great places to go, but Costa Navarino is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. It is more than just the golf offering here, it is the whole experience that is exceptional – from the nature, the culture and the people with their amazing hospitality to the food, the beach and so many activities to choose from.”

Named as the ‘World’s Best New Golf Development’ at the 2020 World Golf Awards and situated over 125 hectares overlooking the historic Bay of Navarino and the Ionian Sea, Olazábal has inherited an incredible site to pen his designs at Navarino Hills. The unique location affords views of the sea, mountains and valleys, with the two courses measuring 6,366m and 6,280m in length respectively and featuring an average green size of 669m².

The new clubhouse located between the two courses is built using local stone materials aims to achieve class A+ in energy efficiency and features photovoltaic panels. The Navarino Hills golf facilities now also include a driving range with a capacity for 60 people and a 15,000m² short game area.

Now that we have your golf sorted, where should you rest your head for an evening you may ask. That’s an easy one as positioned in the heart of Costa Navarino, with its great facilities and location, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino is not just the perfect choice for your next golf and spa escape; it is also a superb option for a family holiday during school breaks. Depending on their personal preferences and budgets, guests can choose from a comfortable Deluxe Room to a Premium Infinity Suite with its own private infinity pool. The resort boasts a beachfront position in Messinia, so guests here are always just a stone’s throw away from one of the many stunning white sandy beaches that Greece is known so well for. With its picturesque beach location, all guests here are set to have an unbeatably idyllic golfing getaway. The resort continues this feel and is set out in small low-rise buildings across manicured gardens, with all of the great facilities in easy reach of its guests. The resort is also home to two swimming pools, an aquapark, a cycling tour activity school, and a unique spa centre that focuses on the use of locally grown olive oil.

So, if it is impeccable service, a huge range of facilities and luxury guest rooms, and great golf then this is the place for you and don’t just take our word for it as it really does come as no surprise that the Westin Resort Costa Navarino has been voted as one of the best resorts in Greece, as well as also being voted as a nominee for one of the Best Resorts in Europe by the Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards.

To find some of our amazing packages visit our website and the dedicated Costa Navarino pages, or give the team a call on 01342 811 777 and learn more about our Early Booking Discounts that could save you up to 20% on hotel and golf packages.

About the Author

Matt Standley

Role: Marketing Executive - Handicap: 15 - Home course: Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club - Favourite courses: Palmares, Aphrodite Hills, Quinta do Lago North, Monte Rei & La Manga Club South