If you’re looking for a new luxurious destination to play golf on your next holiday then Greece should be at the top of your list!
Costa Navarino, located in Messinia on the southwestern coast of the Peloponnese, has quickly become one of Europe’s premier golfing destinations. With breathtaking courses and world-class accommodations, it offers an unforgettable experience for every golf enthusiast.
In this guide to golf in Greece, we give you the lowdown on Costa Navarino Resort in Greece and provide our top travel tips to ensure you have the perfect golf break!
Key Information about Costa Navarino Resort
- Location: Costa Navarino is set near the charming coastal town of Pylos in the Messinia region of Greece.
- Nearest Airport: Kalamata International Airport (KLX) is just a convenient 40-minute drive from Costa Navarino.
- Flight Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes from the UK, depending on your departure location.
- Optimal Travel Season: The best golfing months are April to June and September to October, offering ideal conditions.
- Climate: From April to June, temperatures range between 18°C and 26°C. September warms up slightly to 24°C – 29°C, while October brings cooler days around 19°C to 24°C.
The Best Golf Courses in Greece
The Bay Course
As shown in the image above, The Bay Course is set along the coast with the majority of tees offering breathtaking views of The Ionian Sea. Opened in 2011, this 18-hole course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr., offers a par-71 challenge.
While slightly shorter than The Dunes Course (detailed below), The Bay Course stretches 5,614 meters from the back tees and takes players through three distinct landscapes: Seaside, Canyon, and Grove.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 71
- Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
- Opened: 2011
The Dunes Course
Designed by German golfing legend and former Ryder Cup Captain Bernhard Langer in association with European Golf Design, The Dunes Course was the first signature designed golf course in Greece.
This 18-hole, par-71 course spans 6,581 yards, featuring generous fairways and expansive greens, creating an enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. Along the coastline, players will encounter links-style elements, while the inland fairways are beautifully lined with olive and citrus groves.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 71
- Designer: Bernhard Langer & European Golf Design
- Opened: 2010
The Hills Course
Crafted by Spanish golf legend José Marίa Olazábal, this 18-hole, par-72 course spans an impressive 6,960 yards across 500 hectares.
The Hills Course is defined by its rolling terrain, lush fairways that wind through diverse hills and valleys, and abundant tree cover, creating a strikingly scenic backdrop for golfers seeking an unforgettable experience.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: José Marίa Olazábal
- Opened: 2022
The International Olympic Academy Golf Course
This 18-hole, par-72 course is another stunning creation by José Marίa Olazábal. Offering captivating coastal views and a harmonious blend with the natural landscape, this course promises an extraordinary golfing experience.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: José Marίa Olazábal
- Opened: 2022
Other things to do in Greece
- Relax on the Beaches: When you aren’t on the immaculate fairways of any of the four golf courses in Costa Navarino, hit the beach and soak up the Mediterranean sunshine and scenic coastal views!
- Immerse in Local History: Discover the ancient ruins of Messene, tour the historic Palace of Nestor, or simply stroll and explore.
- Explore the Outdoors: Rent a bike and explore the scenic trails winding through Costa Navarino, enjoy a game of tennis at the Mouratoglou Tennis Centre, go horseback riding through the verdant countryside, or set sail on a boat tour to discover the nearby islands!
- Wellness & Spa: Costa Navarino Resort excels in the quality of its spa and wellness facilities across all three of its hotels. Whichever one you choose to stay in, enjoy a relaxing massage or simply chill in the jacuzzi!
- Savour Traditional Greek Cuisine: There are an abundance of excellent restaurants and cafes at Costa Navarino where you can enjoy traditional dishes like moussaka, souvlaki and Greek salads. Don’t forget to sample the locally produced wines and ouzo as well!
Top 5 Travel Tips for Your Greece Golf Holiday
- Consider Playing a Round on Each Course: Costa Navarino is home to four fantastic courses, each with their own unique style. If you’re travelling for 5-7 nights, we recommend you request a round on each to get the full experience.
- Book Early for Prime Tee Times: Like any other resort, tee times here are booked on a ‘first come first serve’ basis – so if you want that prime 11am tee off, don’t leave it to the last minute.
- Buggy Rental: The warm temperatures in Greece can often make carrying a golf bag or pulling a trolley very hard work, so it’s worth considering a buggy for a more comfortable round of golf.
- Make time to Explore Costa Navarino: While the golf here is fantastic, the resort offers so much more beyond the fairways. Be sure to set aside some time to explore everything else it has to offer!
- Consider Car Hire: Shuttle services are available to transport guests from each hotel to all the golf courses throughout the resort, making it easy to stay and play. However, if you’d like to explore more of the region beyond the golf course, consider renting a car.
Top 3 Golf Holiday Deals Playing Greece’s Best Golf Courses
There are three five-star hotels at Costa Navarino, each of which offer packages with a range of golf courses included, as well as providing shuttle services to and from each course!
About Glencor Golf
With years of expertise in crafting bespoke luxury golf trips abroad, we’re here to create the journey of a lifetime—whether it’s a group getaway or a special holiday for two. Our outstanding client feedback has earned us Feefo’s recognition for ten consecutive years of five-star service.
If you’re dreaming of a stay at the luxurious Costa Navarino resort in Greece, give our friendly sales team a call at 01904 406550, and we’ll tailor the perfect golf break just for you!
