The Peloponnese Trails, encompassing over 2,000kms of hiking routes across the Peloponnese region, has opened up one of Greece’s most spectacular and least-explored regions for exploration by foot. Unveiled in time for Europe’s autumn hiking season, restored historic footpaths and mule tracks have been connected to create the new the Peloponnese Trail Network, including The Messinian Trail, which follows in the footsteps of the legendary King Nestor, the ruler of Pylos who appears in Homer’s Odyssey, while taking in landmarks including Methoni Castle and the iconic omega-shaped Voidokilia Beach – both featured in Christopher Nolan’s new movie Odyssey, launched earlier this month.
The Messinian Trail, is a 260 km trail connecting Natura 2000 sites and archaeological and cultural landmarks passing through traditional stone villages, Kalamata olive groves, wetlands rich in birdlife and along the wild coastline. Located within easy reach of key access points along the Messinian Trail, the sustainably-driven destination of Costa Navarino provides a comfortable base from which to experience selected sections of the route, with transfers allowing guests to walk between some of its most scenic stages before returning to one of three resorts in Costa Navarino each evening.
Highlights accessible from Costa Navarino include:
- The preserved archaeological site of ancient Messini to the the harbour town of Pylos – 55 kilometres
- Pylos to the crescent shaped Voidokilia beach – 12 kilometres
- Ancient Messini to Chora in the foothills of Mt Aigeleo passing the Palace of Nestor – 32 kilometres
- Chora to Voidokilia beach – 18 kilometres
- The protected Gialova Lagoon to Pylos passing Old Navarino Castle – 8 kilometres
Autumn means cooler temperatures so is the perfect time to experience the region at a slower pace, following paths that have connected villages and landscapes for centuries. Costa Navarino can provide maps, arrange pre and post hiking spa treatments, private transfers to and from the hiking route and an immersion into Messinian food and wine at restaurants throughout the destination. Walkers can also join in the traditional olive oil harvest and an olive oil tasting experience.
Guests can choose to stay at W Costa Navarino in Navarino Bay, which is exclusively for adults and young adults over 12 years old. With a distinctive design inspired by the region’s architecture, W Costa Navarino has stylish swim-up rooms, one and two-bedroom suites with their own pools, and beachfront villas with their private pools. The resorts’ AWAY Spa offers a new Activate, Recover and Reset programme, designed to move the body, restore circulation and support post‑activity recovery.
Alternatively, for families, The Westin Costa Navarino features family suites and connecting rooms, an aqua park with six water slides and a play pool with more than 10 water games, as well as a lap pool for adults. The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort features a unique selection of beachfront villas and suites ensuring complete privacy and a range of curated benefits tailored to each guest. Both are served by the 4,500 sqm Anazoe Spa, which offers healing traditions inspired by ancient Greek practices. The spa’s signature Oleotherapy® rituals feature among others, outdoor olive grove massages with locally produced olive oil, alongside herbal rituals rooted in centuries-old practices.
Costa Navarino offers a multitude of sporting activities from world-class golf at the destination’s four signature golf courses, cycling, climbing, watersports and tennis, padel and pickleball at the 12 court Mouratoglou Tennis Centre.
Costa Navarino is located 45 minutes’ drive from Kalamata International Airport, served by British Airways, Easyjet, Jet2 and Ryanair.
For more information on Costa Navarino, visit: www.costanavarino.com