For most Israelis travelling to Greece, the route is quite clear: Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Santorini, Zakynthos, Corfu, Mykonos or Lefkada. A plane lands, a ferry waits, and the holiday begins among crowded beaches and familiar souvenir shops.
But there is also a different Greece, on the mainland, much more accessible, still quietly preserved, no ferries, no onward flights and none of the island bustle. At the far southwest of the country, in the Peloponnese, Costa Navarino awaits, a gem that has not yet been worn down by tourist waves, linking breathtaking Greek beaches with modern comfort, all via a single flight.
The resort, which opened in 2010, feels like a small town in itself: well-maintained streets, gardens with olive and orange trees, walking paths leading to infinity pools and golden beaches. The Venetian‑style architecture adorned with stone arches and arched windows looks as though it has stepped out of an ancient tale; yet inside everything is modern, air‑conditioned and polished to the last detail.
For us, it is a destination to which we return again and again, four children at different ages, and each one found their own corner here: internationally designed golf courses, tennis, squash, basketball and soccer, a water park with colorful slides, bowling, bike rental, endless activities and a huge selection of restaurants.
It is not “all‑inclusive” (every activity is at an extra cost), but the meticulous upkeep and clientele, mostly Greek, with the rest German and British, create a calm atmosphere in which one can breathe. Unlike the Islands, there are no chaos and wild parties, but a different Greece for those seeking to relax.
There are two options to get here: fly into Athens, rent a car and drive about three and a half hours in a leisurely journey through green landscapes and small towns; or be among the lucky few who find a flight to Kalamata, the capital city of Messinia, which is only a 45‑minute drive away.
Messinia, one of seven regional units of the Peloponnese, is the most touristed part of the region, and not by accident: the weather here is surprising even in high summer, the winds from the sea cool the heat, the pool and sea waters are especially pleasant for bathing, and in the evenings, especially in the restaurants up on the hills, you may find yourself pulling on a light jacket.
Between the bays, the small towns and tavernas, there are also fascinating archaeological sites reminding you this area has been a cultural center for thousands of years.
Four hotels, four experiences
The holiday in Costa Navarino begins with choosing the hotel, and each tells a different story.
Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, which opened in August 2023, is the embodiment of luxury. With 99 suites and villas built on a hillside and overlooking Navarino Bay, every room here is a design showpiece. Natural stone, oak wood, soft fabrics in sand tones and local art combined with the Asian‑influenced philosophy associated with the hotel chain.
The spa is considered among the best in Europe, with treatment rooms overlooking the sea, thermal pools and a Greek hammam alongside traditional Asian treatments. Meals are served on wide terraces scented with orange blossoms.
The rates are not cheap: €800 to €1,200 per night (boutique‑hotel price in Israel). This hotel is designed for people seeking absolute peace, personalized service that identifies your favorite coffee by the second day of your stay and a view that is worth every euro.
W Costa Navarino, opened three years ago, is the opposite extreme: modern bright design with bold color touches, rounded furniture and beat‑driven music that accompanies you from the lobby to the party beach.
With 246 rooms and suites featuring floor‑to‑ceiling windows bringing the sea inside, and the chef Nikos Billis serving a contemporary Greek cuisine that isn’t afraid to play with Asian and Mexican flavors. In the evenings there are beach parties with international DJs and for those who wish the rooftop cocktail bar continues the night.
No children under age 12 are allowed, and the crowd is young, stylish and energetic. Rates: €350‑€600 per night.
The Westin Resort Costa Navarino is a unique escape for families. With 445 spacious rooms, most with sea-facing balconies, it features a kids club outfitted to rival an event hall, a water park with slides, basketball and soccer courts, and even an American-style diner with bowling lanes. Alongside all this are diverse restaurants, tranquil adult pools and a large golf course.
It’s a mix of luxury and convenience, priced accordingly at €300 to €500 per night.
The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort features 321 high-ceiling rooms, large balconies and dark wood furniture. The feel is simple yet refined classic Greek style, with the beach just a short walk away. It’s ideal for families who appreciate space, a variety of kids’ activities and easy access to everything the complex offers. Rates: €250 to €400 per night.
A beach for every mood
The beaches surrounding the resort are reason enough to visit here.
Voidokilia Beach, located 15 minutes' drive away, is shaped in a perfect semi-circle, with golden sand and crystal-blue water, bordered by sand dunes and a small lagoon that’s home to rare birds. A trail up the hill leads to a secluded cove that also serves as a nudist beach.
Romanos Beach, located within the resort, offers full amenities, lounge chairs, beach service and restaurants, perfect for families and water sports. A bit north is quiet Mati-Bouka Beach, while smaller Ammothines Beach is a gem for its clear waters, rocks to jump from, a standout restaurant for lunch or dinner at sunset, live Greek music in summer, and beachside waiter service.
Divari Beach, near the village of Gialova, has calm, clear waters, water sports like water skiing, jet skis and banana boats for kids, loungers and umbrellas for €10, and plenty of seaside tavernas. Just note that locals pack the area on weekends.
Culinary
The food here is everything you’d expect from Greece, with a twist. At the Mandarin Oriental, Oliviera offers a contemporary Greek dining experience using local ingredients, with panoramic views of Navarino Bay.
At the W hotel, Piqantro serves Mediterranean cuisine with international flair, while Parelia specializes in high-quality meats and classic Greek fare with a modern edge. Both sit right on the resort’s main beach.
Outside the resort, by the sea, in the village of Gialova, Elia, a taverna on the boardwalk, is an excellent place to sample some local dishes at reasonable prices.
Further west along the coast, in the fishing village of Marathopoli, Panorama, an open-view restaurant facing Proti Island, is highly recommended for sunset fish dinners.
Greek cooking class
Those seeking more experiences will find Greek cooking classes, wine tastings in local cellars, olive oil tours, beachfront yoga, scuba diving in clear waters, and golf on an 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., considered one of the most beautiful in Europe.
From the resort, it’s easy to visit key sites like the ruins of Messene, the legendary Palace of Nestor or the Venetian Methoni Castle.
Nature lovers can head to the Neda Waterfalls for a magical trail through dense greenery and cold natural pools.
The small, isolated island of Proti is a snorkeling and diving paradise, accessible via boat from Gialova or guided bike tours from the Costa Navarino cycling center.
And for those with energy to spare, the picturesque village of Kardamyli offers 33 climbing routes of varying difficulty, coastal caves that form natural pools and stunning beaches like Kalogria, Foneas and Delfinia.
Costa Navarino isn’t just another vacation spot; it’s a complete experience that blends deep-blue seas, living history, untouched beaches and world-class cuisine.
It’s a quieter, more luxurious and authentic Greece that delivers everything you love, without the tourist noise. A place to return to, again and again, before everyone else finds out.