Costa Navarino is a unique destination, but the Peloponnese in which it is located is also one of the most historic and beautiful areas of the Mediterranean. Here are seven excursions that often make visitors wish they had stayed an extra day.
1. Ancient Messina — 75 Minutes
Ancient Messina is arguably the most underrated archaeological site in Greece. Unlike Olympia or Mycenae, excavations here are still ongoing — meaning you’re walking through a living archaeological site. The stadium, theater, agora, and sacred spring are all impressively preserved.
Distance from Costa Navarino: 65 km, 75 minutes.
Visit time: 2.5–3 hours for the entire site.
Practical tip: Start early — by midday the place can be hot and packed with tour groups. Arriving at 09:00 gives you the ruins almost to yourself.
2. Mystras — 1.5 Hours
The Byzantine phantom city of Mystras hangs on a hillside near Sparta — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ruined palaces, frescoed churches and a Frankish castle at the top. The drive from Costa Navarino via the famous Langada is one of the great road trips in Greece in itself.
Distance from Costa Navarino: 100 km, 1.5 hours.
Visit time: 3–4 hours for the main attractions.
Don’t miss: Pantanassa Monastery contains the best-preserved frescoes in Mystras. The view from the courtyard overlooking the Evrotas Valley is unique.
3. Monemvasia — 3 Hours
Monemvasia is a Byzantine city built on a sea cliff, accessible only via a narrow passageway. The Lower Town contains the largest concentration of Byzantine churches and Venetian mansions in Greece — all inhabited.
Distance from Costa Navarino: 145 km, about 3 hours.
Visit time: A full day is well spent here.
The ideal program: Breakfast in the Lower Town, climb to the Upper Castle after lunch, Monemvasia Museum in the afternoon.
4. Ancient Olympia — 1.5 Hours
The birthplace of the Olympic Games needs no introduction — but the experience of visiting is often better than expected. The archaeological museum is one of the best in Greece, with statues from the pediments of the Temple of Zeus.
Distance from Costa Navarino: 95 km, 1.5 hours north.
Visit time: 4–5 hours for the archaeological site and museum.
Most moving point: The ancient stadium, where the starting positions are still in place.
5. Mani Peninsula — Half to Full Day
Mani is different from the rest of Greece. A wild, semi-arid peninsula between two mountain ranges, historically so independent that the Ottomans never fully conquered it. The landscape is dominated by stone towers, Byzantine churches and a rugged coastline.
Main stops: Kardamyli (most accessible and most beautiful town), Areopoli (capital of Vathia Mani), Gerolimenas.
Distance from Costa Navarino: Kardamyli is 90 km, about 2 hours. Vathia Mani (Gerolimenas) 220 km, 3 hours.
6. Nafplio — 2.5 Hours
The most elegant city in the Peloponnese, the first capital of modern Greece (1823–1834). The old town is beautiful and walkable, with the impressive Palamidi towering above.
Distance from Costa Navarino: 180 km, about 2.5 hours.
Visit time: 4–5 hours. Climb Palamidi (999 steps) in the morning, then the old town for lunch.
Combine with: Epidaurus (30 minutes from Nafplio) — the ancient theater with its excellent acoustics is one of the best preserved in Greece.
7. Pylos & Bay of Navarino — 25 Minutes
Often overlooked because it’s so close, Pylos deserves more attention. The town boasts one of the finest natural harbors in the Mediterranean — the Bay of Navarino, site of the 1827 naval battle that effectively secured Greek independence.
Distance from Costa Navarino: 15 km, 25 minutes.
Visit time: 2–3 hours for Niokastro castle, the beach area, and a leisurely lunch.
Don’t miss: The sunset from the ramparts of Niokastro overlooking the bay — one of the most atmospheric sights in Messinia.
Planning Your Trips
All of the above destinations are served by private transportation and guided tours. For archaeological sites such as Olympia and Mystras, we recommend booking a guide — the difference between understanding what you are seeing and simply photographing ruins is significant.
Half-hour programs (Ancient Messina, Pylos, Kardamyli) can be combined with breakfast on the beach.
Full-day programs (Monemvasia, Nafplio/Epidaurus, Mystras/Sparta) require an early departure from Costa Navarino.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we combine two sites in one tour?
Yes. Popular combinations: Mystras and Monemvasia (full day), Nafplio and Epidaurus.
What is included in booking a day trip?
All trips include resort pickup, comfort, driver waiting at each location and fixed pricing.
How early should we book?
In July and August, we recommend booking at least a week in advance. In the off-season (June, September), 2–3 days is usually enough.