Despite all of the wonderful reasons to visit Greece (or maybe because of them?) there's not an overwhelming amount of golf to be played in Greece; however what there is, is very, very good indeed: a case of quality not quantity.
The only Greek golf resort of any significance is on the Greek mainland, in the Peloponnese region of Messinia to be precise. Just a few hours west of Athens is the beautiful, and historically significant, Navarino Bay - one of National Geographic's top 20 destinations worldwide. It is a remarkable stretch of coast and where you will find the best of Greek golf. The recently created Costa Navarino development makes the most of this intricate coastline and offers four excellent golf courses and a range of five-star resort hotels on the shores of the Ionian Sea.
Costa Navarino - Golf Courses
The Costa Navarino resort has four golf courses: Bay, Dunes, Hills and Olympic spread across the coastline and hillsides t othe North of the little old fishing port of Pylos. The courses have been designed with buggies in mind and everyone seems to use them, although you can walk if you prefer to take a little extra exercies (apart from the Bay course where buggies are compulsory).
The first two courses, constructed in 2010/11, were the Dunes and the Bay. Quite similar in style, it's their settings that set them apart: the Dunes roams around the sandy hills beside the Westin resort; the Bay floats around the famous, almost landlocked, bay of Navarino.
The two newer courses at Costa Navarino are the Hills and the Olympic. In truth, they are quite similar to the first two as all the land around Pylos is olive-clad hillside, so it's hard to create a different looking course! However, José-Maria Olázabal has created two courses both of which are a delight to play with the Olympic just edging our vote mainly due to the fabulous views that it offers.
Whichever courses you play during your stay in Messinia you won't be disappointed! All of the Costa Navarino layouts are a delight to play in the warm Greek sunshine that lasts nearly all year round. And post-golf, there are some rather inviting Clubhouses to enjoy!
Costa Navarino - Where to stay
The resort also has three high-class hotels: The Westin, The Romanos and The W, plus a Mandarin Oriental (for some serious spending!). At first sight, the Costa Navarino resort appears complicated and widespread, however once you are there it all falls into place and the short transfers to the golf courses in the resort shuttles are well organised and no hassle at all.
The main area for keen golfers is really Navarino Dunes where the course of the same name starts and finishes, the main practice area is to be found, as are the two principal hotels for golfers: The Westin and the Romanos (both five-star) gathered around a central 'Agora' of restaurants. Hotelwise, we recommend the Westin as the place to base yourselves; the neighbouring Romanos is ostensibly identical - just a lot more expensive!
There is another resort area developing at 'The Waterfront' around a new marina, the 'W' hotel and another raft of restaurants and shops. This complex is targeted more at general and aquatic tourism but will appeal to golfers who may be considering a day or two off-course during their holiday to investigate a little more of the charms that the Messinia region of the Pelopennese has to offer.
On the other hand, if you would like to stay somewhere a little more Greek than the large, international-style, resort hotels then there are some good little hotels in the old town of Pylos that pre-dates tourism by a fair few centuries. Here you can enjoy a taste of real Greece at the cafés and tavernas around the square and port, investigate it's sprawling castle and swim in the clear waters of Navarino Bay.
Costa Navarino - around and about
The Peloponnese coastline is stunningly beautiful and you could quite happily spend weeks touring this intricate landscape of bottle-green hills and azur seas, stark volcanic cliffs and quiet sandy bays - where you may even encounter the occasional turtle! North and south of the Costa Navarino resort are some remarkable beaches, the semi-circular cove of Voidokilias features on many a poster with its golden sands, clear waters and castles at both ends: well worth the taxi fare for an afternoon!
The closest town to the Costa Navarino resort is Pylos an old fishing village where the locals gaze in wonder at the sudden influx of tourists strolling their sleepy streets. Above the village is the enormous Pylos castle that for centuries guarded the entrance to Navarino Bay that harboured the Ottoman fleet until the fateful battle of 1827. An afternoon in Pylos investigating the castle followed by dinner around the port makes a great day out from Costa Navarino.
Heading north from Costa Navarino you will come to the tiny town of Marathopolis, seemingly just a collection of houses around a little point jutting into the Ionian Sea. Wander down to the seaside however and you will discover a row of rather nice restaurants cooking the freshest fish imaginable! It's a great spot for lunch or dinner beside the waves and we shall recommend some of our favourite restaurants for you to try.
The whole of Greece is littered with amazing archaeological remains dating back thousands of years since way before the Roman and Byzantine empires. Several of these sites are close enough to Costa Navarino for a day trip and we can arrange a visit or guided tour for you as part of your holiday should you be interested in delving into Greece's, particularly Messinia's, ancient history.
Greece - epicurean treats
While you are in Greece it would be a shame to miss out on some of the delicious delicacies on offer when it comes to lunch and dinner - or a honey-drenched Baklava with your morning coffee for that matter!
Being so close to the sea (as most of Greece is) fish and seafood rank highly on any self respecting taverna menu, normally simply grilled over open charcoal in front of your very eyes: often, that's all fish this fresh needs.
For the more gastronomically adventurous, there are plenty of rarer dishes to try such as sea-urchin (in season) or grilled octupus tentacle maybe?
All the Greek classics abound of course: Souvlaki (aka kebab) is everywhere, normally with chips; Feta cheese is used abundantly - not just on the traditional Greek salad but frequently used to adorn many a side dish as well; Dolmades (stuffed vine or cabbage leaves) make a delicious starter and carnivores will love the slow-cooked Kleftiko, wrapped in its paper-case.
Naturally, all of the above taste a lot better with a small glass of wine and Greece has some fine Whites, Reds and Rosés to choose from (the Agiorgitko Reds from Nemea are particularly good). Or, if beer is more your thing, there are at least a dozen Greek breweries producing rather refreshing lagers; we suggest starting with an Alpha before getting a Fix.
