Why Honeymoon in Messinia
Costa Navarino is the main reason many couples come. It has several large luxury hotels, including The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, W Costa Navarino and Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino. Many rooms and villas have private infinity pools. The resorts have spas, beach clubs, restaurants and golf on site.
But Messinia is more than a resort. The region is a working farm landscape, best known for Kalamata olives and olive oil. Villages are unhurried and tavernas serve dishes you rarely see on the islands. The coast is less built up than much of Greece.
The history is rich too. Nestor's Palace, linked with the Homeric king, sits above Navarino Bay. Ancient Messene is one of the most complete ancient cities in Greece, with a stadium and theater set in green hills. It suits couples who want comfort and culture in one trip.
When to Go
May, June, September and early October are the best months. The weather is warm, the sea is swimmable from late May and the countryside is green in spring. Golf is most comfortable in spring and fall.
July and August are hot, often in the 90s Fahrenheit. Greek families fill the beaches on weekends. Resorts are busy and prices peak. The Ionian coast has a gentler summer breeze than the Cyclades, so the sea is often calm.
The Costa Navarino resorts operate on a longer season than most island hotels. Some stay open much of the year. Winter is mild and green with some rain. It suits couples who want spa time, golf and empty archaeological sites. The olive harvest runs from roughly October to December, when farms and mills are busy and visitors can sometimes join in.
The Gialova Lagoon near Pylos is an important wetland for migrating birds in spring and autumn.
Where to Stay
Most couples choose between a full-service resort and a smaller base in a town.
- Costa Navarino: the resort has two areas: Navarino Dunes near the village of Romanos and Navarino Bay closer to Pylos. Choose for pools, spa, golf and beach access in one place. Villas with private pools are popular with honeymooners.
- Pylos: a pretty harbor town with arcaded squares, cafés and small hotels on Navarino Bay. Good for walking to dinner.
- Gialova: a small village by the lagoon, close to Voidokilia, with tavernas and guesthouses.
- Methoni and Koroni: quieter towns with castles and simple seaside stays.
- Kardamyli and Stoupa: in the Messinian Mani to the southeast, with stone towers, mountain trails and small boutique hotels.
Outside the resort, rent a car. Public transport in rural Messinia is limited.
Romantic Things to Do
Walk up from the parking area behind Voidokilia to the ruined Old Navarino Castle and Nestor's Cave for the classic view of the curved beach. The path is rocky, so wear sturdy shoes. Then swim in the calm lagoon side of the bay.
Visit Methoni Castle, a vast Venetian fortress with walls running out to a small octagonal tower on the sea. Late afternoon light is best.
Spend a morning at Ancient Messene, where you can walk through a stadium, theater and agora with few other visitors. Nestor's Palace is closer to Pylos and is protected by a modern roof.
Book a boat trip in Navarino Bay to the island of Sfaktiria, or a sunset cruise from Pylos. At Costa Navarino, golfers can play The Dunes Course, The Bay Course and other courses, while non-golfers can book the spa or a cooking class.
Visit an olive farm or mill for a tasting.
Getting There and Around
Fly into Athens (ATH), then rent a car and drive about three to three and a half hours. Kalamata International Airport (KLX) receives seasonal direct flights from many European cities in summer, so connecting through a European hub can save time.
The drive from Athens follows a modern toll highway through the Peloponnese. It is an easy road trip and can be broken with a stop at the Corinth Canal, Nafplio or Ancient Olympia, depending on your route.
Costa Navarino resorts can arrange airport transfers. Inside the resort area, shuttles connect the hotels, beaches and golf courses.
To explore Pylos, Methoni, Voidokilia and Ancient Messene, rent a car. Roads are generally good, with some narrow village sections. Drive carefully on rural roads at night, which are often unlit.
Food and Drink
Messinia's food is built on olive oil, some of the best in Greece. Kalamata olives, the dark almond-shaped olives sold worldwide, grow here, along with figs, citrus and honey.
In village tavernas, try lalagia, fried dough strips, plus sausages flavored with orange peel. Look for horta, slow-cooked goat and fresh fish in Pylos and Gialova. Pasteli, a bar of honey and sesame, is a local specialty.
The resorts have many restaurants, from casual beach grills to fine dining, but leave time for meals outside. Harbor tavernas in Pylos and Koroni are lovely at sunset.
The region also produces wine. Local wineries grow Greek and international grapes. Some offer tastings. Many couples visit an olive oil producer to taste fresh oil on bread with salt and oregano.
Honeymoon Tips
If you plan to spend most of your time at Costa Navarino, compare the hotels carefully. Each has a different style and the resort area is large, with family-friendly zones. Some couples prefer a villa or a hotel section aimed at couples for more privacy. Ask about kid-free pools and dining options when you book.
Leave the resort at least a few times. The region is quiet and safe. The best experiences are often small: a sunset walk at Methoni, a swim at Voidokilia or lunch in a village.
Voidokilia has no shade or facilities, so bring water, snacks and an umbrella. It is in a protected Natura 2000 area, so follow posted rules.
The US State Department rates Greece Level 1, its lowest advisory level. Prices at Costa Navarino are high in peak summer, while spring and fall rates are lower.
