Greece

Where to Get Wet and Wild on Greece’s Costa Navarino

by Rania Margari

Photograph by Rania Margari

A man kite surfing in costa navarino.

Try your skills at kitesurfing in Costa Navarino. (Photo: Marriott International)

The ultimate destination for luxury holidays in Greece, Costa Navarino in Messinia is located in an unspoiled Mediterranean setting in the southwest Peloponnese. The region’s pristine nature, sprawling coastline, secluded bays and sandy beaches raise the bar for water-based activities.

The area’s two high-end resorts, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Navarino, and The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino, focus on respecting the natural environment.

Here’s how to make a splash in the Costa Navarino.

A boat on the water in Costa Navarino.
Take to the water in a yacht. (Photo: Marriott International)

Yachting and Sunset Sails

Explore Costa Navarino’s dazzling coastline and soak in its amazing views while on board a luxurious yacht or a sail boat.

Organized by your resort, a full-day cruise could include visiting places such as Methoni village, with its impressive castle; Sapientza and Shiza islets; or Voidokilia Beach, with its golden sand and turquoise waters. You could also opt for a half-day morning or afternoon trip, or even a two-day cruise with an overnight stay in the colorful town of Koroni if you feel more adventurous.

The sunset and full-moon cruises, though, promise epic memories you’ll dream about forever.

Sea Kayaking

Paddling your single- or double-seated kayak in the spectacular bay in front of The Romanos, one of the best spots for kayaking in Greece, is an experience you don’t want to miss. Plot your own adventures or sign up for the organized excursions, both private and in a group, to explore the Navarino Bay and the landscape of Messinia.

Advanced kayakers can join tours to Gialova Lagoon, one of Europe’s most important wetlands; beginners and intermediate-level paddlers are also in for a treat with a tour to the famous Voidokilia beach, which is also available for kids aged 6 to 11. Ask at your hotel for more information.

The Dunes Beach, Costa Navarino.
You’ll want to dip your toes in the water. (Photo: Marriott International)

Kitesurfing

The powerful sense of freedom evoked by kitesurfing makes this high-adrenaline water sport addictive. The certified and experienced instructors at Navarino Sea by Surf Salad, offer a variety of lessons to choose from depending on your needs.

The spot, a sandy and quiet beach with a daily thermal wind, is ideal for a fun and safe introduction to kitesurfing.

SUP — Stand-Up Paddleboarding

In Costa Navarino, there are plenty of fantastic SUP locations to discover, such as Voidokilia Beach, where you’ll catch a glimpse of a paddler’s nirvana. Thanks to the Ionian Sea’s generally calm, turquoise waters, this spot is bliss for beginners.

Lessons (organized by your resort) begin with an introduction to the sport, safety instructions and proper handling of the equipment and then continue into the sea with the practice of turning and paddling techniques.

Apart from the lessons for newbies, there are SUP tours available for paddlers of all levels that last for about 2 to 4 hours. Whether you hope to ride waves, paddle downwind or prefer flat water, experienced guides will get you to the best location.

Aerial of the shore in Costa Navarino.
The shorelines are spectacular. (Photo: Marriott International)

Surfing

Greece has multiple surfing hot spots, and a few of them are located near Costa Navarino. If you’re a beginner, consider joining a surf camp or lesson organized by your resort that highlights the fundamentals of surfing and is designed to turn you into a proficient rider.

Following the necessary instructions and safety briefing, you will soon get into the waves with longboards or softboards and learn paddling techniques and the right positioning and timing to catch the waves, as well as how to strike the perfect balance.