Your essential guide to Costa Navarino

BASK

On a looping swathe of sandy coastline lapped by mirror-clear waters, Costa Navarino is paradise for beach-lovers. Most famous of all is Voidokilia, where a striking semi-circle of golden sand frames the azure sea. From here, stroll to nearby Nestor’s Cave where, according to myth, Hermes once hid Apollo’s cattle.

PLAY

When it’s time to tee off, the resort really delivers, with four signature 18-hole golf courses. Hit the 18-hole Bay Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, with its water’s-edge greens, stirring sea views and modern clubhouse. Looking to improve your handicap? Navarino Golf Academy can help.

SIP

Messenia – this part of the Peloponnese – is full of vineyards. Cabernet sauvignon predominates, producing cherry-scented, ruby-hued reds, while chardonnay also thrives here. Look out, too, for native grapes such as filéri and moschofilero, used to make aromatic, elegant white wines. Intrigued? Sign up for a wine masterclass, arranged by the hotel.

DINE

There are seven fine restaurants and bars at Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, serving everything from poolside pizzas to Levantine-inspired mezze. Oliviera adds a contemporary twist to classic Greek dishes and, for front-row views of the chefs, has its own polished private dining space.

TIME TRAVEL

Drive the coast road to mediaeval Methoni Castle, standing on a wave-lapped promontory. Built by the Byzantines, it was later occupied by the Venetians, who carved a winged lion (Venice’s symbol) into its craggy walls. Alternatively, explore Nestor’s Palace – immortalised in Homer’s Odyssey – or head inland and hike thyme-scented trails up to the 13th-century Palaiokastro castle.

PLAY

Days here revolve around the sea, with yachts to charter and all kinds of water sports on offer, from scuba diving and snorkelling to sailing and kite-surfing. Looking for something a little more meditative? Try stand-up paddleboarding on the bay’s calm waters or a yoga session on the sand.

LUNCH

By the sea, in the village of Gialova, Elia is an excellent place to sample some local dishes. Claim a sea-view table on the terrace and survey its menu, which runs from baked sfela cheese to saffron-laced seafood orzo. Afterwards, head to nearby Solo Gelato for a scoop of pistachio ice cream.

EXPLORE

A column-flanked meeting place and market where citizens could gather, the agora can be traced back to ancient Greece. By the hotel, the Navarino Agora keeps the tradition alive. Edged with cafés and boutiques, it’s home to an open-air cinema and a wealth of cultural events, from concerts to olive oil tastings.

EXPLORE

Behind the beach at Voidokilia, the beautiful Gialova Lagoon is one of Europe’s most important wetlands. Migrating birds flock to its fresh- and saltwater lagoons, from white-winged terns to photogenic pink flamingos. Spot them on a catch-and-release fishing trip with a local fisherman.

SEE

Spend an afternoon wandering the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, just under two hours’ drive from the hotel. Its treasures include finds from the excavated Sanctuary of Zeus, including the iconic Nike of Paionios. Elsewhere you’ll find monsters, mythical creatures, weapons and musclebound gods.

COOK

Built around seasonal produce, Messenian cuisine is exceptionally delicious, from lalagia (deep-fried dough twists) to gournopoula (thyme-spiked, slow-roasted pork). Ask the Guest Experience team for details of village cooking experiences hosted by locals. You’ll be making authentic Messenian recipes, passed down through generations, then feasting on the spoils for lunch.

EXPLORE

As the capital of Messenia, Kalamáta is well worth a detour. Its name is synonymous with olives, of course, which you’ll find everywhere: smooth, purple-hued and delicious. Buy some as you wander the old town’s cobbled streets, or sample them at Kafeneon Ellas, a friendly all-day eatery near the port.

The Ionian Sea is dotted with pristine islets, which are ideal for day trips. On Proti, you’lll find the ruins of an ancient acropolis, along with a beautiful beach and a shipwreck for curious divers. In front of the resort, meanwhile, the rocky island of Sfaktiria has a small hidden harbour with mesmerising starfish and seafish. Set on an ancient maritime route, Sapienza is home to a 19th-century lighthouse, along with wild goats, a rare arbutus forest and alluring Ammos beach, famed for its turquoise waters.

- The Guest Experience team at Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino.