Authentic Experiences | Costa Navarino

YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS

What better place for kids to enter the fascinating world of archaeology than Messinia? This fun learning experience is ideal for children aged 4-11. They will go on a dig and discover hidden artifacts, study the finds, uncover their secrets, and become archaeological detectives as they try to crack the code of an ancient script. They will also have the chance to create their own Linear B clay tablet, just like the ones found at the nearby Palace of Nestor. At the end, the kids will take one of their finds with them and receive a little archaeologist's certificate!

AUTHENTIC VILLAGE COOKING

Discover traditional Messinian cooking with the help of local women who will share authentic family recipes passed down from parent to kid. You will learn how to prepare a typical full Messinian menu, using regional techniques and fresh ingredients, followed by lunch and the opportunity to savor the food prepared.

ART TOUR

Discover original works of the 17th-19th centuries, along with the creations of contemporary Greek and international artists that form an integral part of the interior designs of the hotels, restaurants, The Dunes Clubhouse, Anazoe Spa and the House of Events, at Navarino Dunes.

CASTLES BY THE SEA

Explore Niokastro Castle in Pylos and learn about the Battle of Navarino Bay, which was key to Greek independence. Then, visit Methoni Castle on a rocky promontory by the Ionian Sea, where you can walk among medieval ruins, see Venetian emblems, and delve into the rich history of the site with a knowledgeable guide. Both locations offer a blend of historical significance and beautiful seascapes.

KING FOR A DAY

Join our "King for a Day" Quiz Tour at Nestor’s Palace in Pylos for an interactive adventure through the ancient Mycenaean site. Explore the throne room, admire frescoes, and uncover hidden treasures while solving riddles and answering questions about ancient Pylos. The tour features seven engaging stops and ends with the chance for one participant to be crowned "King or Queen for a Day." Ideal for families with children aged 9 and up, this educational and entertaining experience offers a unique glimpse into ancient history.

YOUNG GARDENERS

Blessed with fertile soil and an excellent climate, Messinia has for centuries produced agricultural products of the highest quality. The sacred olive tree has been cultivated here since the 12th century BC, yielding table olives and olive oil now famous the world over. This fun outdoor activity encourages children to discover nature at first hand so that they can better understand the connection between farm and fork. It is aimed at kids aged 4-11. They become little gardeners as they learn to plant seeds and gather seasonal fruits and Costa Navarino's chef will prepare traditional recipes on the spot. At the end, each child will be given a selection of local seeds to take and plant at home!

YOUNG PIRATES ACADEMY

Little adventurers aged 4-11 are in for an unforgettable experience. This is a creative adventure where we transform recycled sheets from our resorts into captivating pirate costumes, sparking the imaginations of our young participants. With these homemade ensembles, children will embark on thrilling pirate escapades, from engaging games to unraveling the mystery of hidden treasures through clever hints and brainteasers. Let's set sail on a voyage of excitement and discovery!

KALAMATA FOOD TOUR

Experience Kalamata’s culinary delights on our Kalamata Food Tour. Guided by an expert, explore the lively food market, sampling fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and traditional treats like lallagia and spoon sweets. Discover the rich flavors and stories behind Kalamata’s gastronomy in an unforgettable culinary adventure.

PHILOSOPHY WALK

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Greek thinkers on a ‘Philosophy Walk’ against the idyllic backdrop of the Messinian countryside.Led by classical scholars, these walks offer a unique opportunity to discuss important modern-day issues through the prism of ancient Greek philosophical thinking and find answers to contemporary problems by drawing on the wisdom of the past.

THE MESSINIAN HERO TREASURE HUNT

Embark on an exciting treasure hunt through ancient Messene, exploring key sites like the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the Theater, the Gymnasium, and the Stadium. Follow the quest of Epikrates, inspired by the general Epaminondas, as you solve riddles and play mini-games to uncover the secrets of his journey. The adventure culminates with the discovery that Epikrates was honored as a hero and buried in his family’s mausoleum. This immersive experience blends history, mythology, and interactive fun in the heart of Messene.

W CN VIRTUAL ART TOUR

Creating works of art for a new space is all about enhancing its identity and unfolding its vision. With surprising and often challenging viewpoints, contemporary art can be both revealing and refreshing. Art at W Costa Navarino is not simply decoration as it serves a deeper purpose; it is a medium to engage and delight our guests. In this virtual art tour guests can navigate through all pieces of art found in public spaces as well as rooms and villas of W Costa Navarino.

DISCOVER MORE

OLIVE HARVESTING

Costa Navarino embraces the age-old tradition of olive harvesting, an experience that can only be learned first-hand and which has been part of the daily lives of the people of Messinia for centuries. During the olive harvest months, learn all the steps of the process of olive harvesting by experiencing the traditional procedure of olives’ collection, visiting the local olive press and finally tasting the extra virgin olive oil which has just been produced in front of you. Learn the local varieties and the olive tree planting projects in the region and taste the famous olive oil of the region along with local delicacies.

ASTRONOMY NIGHTS

A stellar experience! With virtually no light pollution, Costa Navarino is the ideal spot to look through a telescope and investigate the cosmos. Each Astronomy Night begins when the stars come out and usually lasts a couple of hours, when planets glow brightly in the sky and starlight illuminates the night. Organized by Navarino Environmental Observatory and Navarino Natura Hall, trained observers will take you on a unique guided tour of the night sky.

OLIVE OIL TASTING

Join a unique olive oil tasting session and learn from local experts how to discern the subtle flavors of Messinia’s renowned extra virgin olive oil. You are in a region that produces excellent quality extra virgin olive oil, which has been an important part of people’s daily lives for centuries. The soil, the variety of olives and the process followed from tree to bottle, yields high quality results that have earned this olive oil its worldwide reputation.

WINE MASTER CLASS

Taste local and other Greek wines and become familiar with their distinctive colors, aromas and flavors. Wine experts will not only guide you through a unique tasting journey in the very place where the life of wine begins, but also help you choose the perfect food pairing for each wine you try.

EMBROIDERY

Embroidery was widely practiced in ancient Greece and Messinia was no exception. Among the amazing finds in a Bronze Age warrior's tomb dating back to around 1500 BC, near the Palace of Nestor at Pylos, was a sword with an ivory hilt overlaid with gold in a rare technique imitating embroidery! Discover this ancient craft – and the relaxation it brings – in a 90-minute, beginner-friendly class at the Kafenio. Learn about the local styles and techniques handed down over centuries, master the basics, and create a piece of traditional embroidery. At the end, participants will be given an instruction manual and the tools to continue pursuing their embroidery dreams at home.