Costa Navarino Golf Resort is one of Europe’s most awarded and popular resorts, located on the stunning Greek coastline.
In just over a decade, Costa Navarino has established itself as Europe’s premier golf destination. Nestled in the unspoiled region of Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese, Greece, the resort has received international accolades few can match. It was named “World’s Best Golf Venue” at the 2024 World Golf Awards and ranked number one in Golf World’s 2024 list of the Top 100 Resorts in Continental Europe.
World-class golf courses at Costa Navarino
For German golfers, Costa Navarino has become one of the most attractive travel options – a place where championship golf, luxury accommodation, and authentic Mediterranean culture converge. Golf is central to its reputation, with four signature courses within just 13 kilometers offering variety and challenge. The Dunes Course, designed by Bernhard Langer, was the first to put Costa Navarino on the map, winding through olive groves and riverbanks with strategic layouts. The Bay Course by Robert Trent Jones Jr. hugs the Ionian coastline, delivering unforgettable sea views.
The latest additions, opened in 2022, are two José María Olazábal designs: the Hills Course and the International Olympic Academy Golf Course. Perched high above Navarino Bay, they feature wide fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and sweeping panoramas. All four courses are GEO Certified® and built to the highest environmental standards, reflecting the resort’s long-term commitment to sustainable tourism.
Supporting facilities are equally impressive. Each course offers driving ranges and short-game areas, and the resort’s golf team was named “Golf Operations Team of the Year” at the 2025 59club Europe Awards. The service is seamless, and the atmosphere is one of calm professionalism.
Beyond golf: sports, wellness and family fun
Costa Navarino is more than just a collection of golf courses – it’s a complete destination where golf naturally blends with sports, wellness, and culture. The Mouratoglou Tennis Centre, the first of its kind outside France, offers 17 courts for tennis, padel, and pickleball. The NBA Basketball School, FC Bayern Football Camps, and various sports academies cater to younger guests, while the Ionian Sea invites visitors to enjoy water sports from sailing to stand-up paddleboarding. The Anazoe Spa draws on ancient Greek rituals for treatments as relaxing as the surroundings.
Accommodation is another highlight. The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, offers discreet elegance. The recently renovated Westin Resort Costa Navarino remains a family favorite. W Costa Navarino is among the country’s most prestigious hotels, and the legendary Mandarin Oriental sits atop a hill with endless Mediterranean views. Each hotel has its own character, but all share the same pristine setting.
Mediterranean cuisine and easy access
Dining is a key part of the Costa Navarino experience. Over 40 restaurants celebrate Messinian flavors, global influences, and creative fine dining. Barbouni, the iconic open-air beach restaurant, offers fresh seafood, feet in the sand, and sunset cocktails. Olive oil tastings, wine masterclasses, and cooking lessons make gastronomy as compelling a reason to visit as golf itself.
Getting there is easy. Kalamata International Airport is just 45 minutes away and offers direct seasonal flights from Germany: Munich (Aegean Airlines and Discover Airlines), Frankfurt (Condor and Discover Airlines), and Düsseldorf (Eurowings). A long weekend is realistic – depart Thursday, tee off Friday morning.
Costa Navarino has achieved what many destinations aspire to: a world-class yet authentic identity. Its golf courses are elite, its hotels and restaurants rival Europe’s best, and at its heart lies the spirit of Messinia – its culture, products, and landscapes. For German golfers planning their next trip, few places offer so much in one destination.