A history and culture dating back thousands of years, mouth-watering gastronomy, breathtaking landscapes, miles of sandy beaches and endless sunny skies, there are so many things to recommend on a holiday to Greece.

The seemingly limitless array of attractions has made this particular part of Europe a popular choice for so many travellers over the last five decades.

Golf has been added to that list in recent years, with a growing number of players choosing to head to Greece to discover the outstanding golf and lifestyle experiences that can be enjoyed on and off the fairways.

At the forefront of the country’s golf tourism drive has been Costa Navarino, with the venue’s combination of signature 18-hole golf courses, five-star accommodation and numerous other leisure and amenities proving increasingly irresistible to resist for players from all over the continent.

And the Mediterranean’s prime sustainable destination has raised the bar to new heights this spring with the official opening of Costa Navarino’s new 36-hole Navarino Hills golf development

The world’s first International Olympic Academy Golf Course and the neighbouring Hills Course were unveiled to the golfing world last month alongside the new Hills Clubhouse – marking a new era for the venue and the arrival of Europe’s newest golf destination.

Designed by two-time Masters champion José María Olazábal, the two layouts provide the ideal complement to Costa Navarino’s two existing signature golf courses – The Dunes Course (designed by Bernhard Langer in association with European Golf Design) and The Bay Course (created by Robert Trent Jones II).

Costa Navarino’s guests can now enjoy the challenge of four signature golf courses within a 13km maximum distance.

Olazábal said: “Costa Navarino is already well known around the world but what the two new courses will do is to lift Costa Navarino from the status of a golf resort to being a full golf destination.

“With four golf courses, Costa Navarino will appeal to the global golf-travel market and I’m sure will be successful in attracting many new guests.

“We are spoiled as golfers because there are so many great places to go, but Costa Navarino is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. It is more than just the golf offering there, it is the whole experience that is exceptional – from the nature, the culture and the people with their amazing hospitality to the food, the beach and so many activities to choose from.”

Situated in Greece’s southwest Peloponnese and a short and scenic drive from Kalamata airport, Costa Navarino opened in 2010 – fulfilling a lifelong ambition of its founder, shipping magnate and keen environmentalist Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos, to create a sustainable tourism development in his home region of Messinia – and has quickly established itself among Europe’s elite golfing destinations.

Situated over 125 hectares overlooking the historic Bay of Navarino and the Ionian Sea, Olazábal created the Navarino Hills courses in a unique location affording views to the sea, mountains and valleys.

Measuring 6,366m, the par-72 International Olympic Academy Golf Course received widespread acclaim from competitors when it was played for the first time at the fifth Messinia Pro-Am last November. The Hills Course is slightly shorter at 6,280m in length, with both courses featuring an average green size of 669m².

In line with Costa Navarino’s commitment to sustainable development, a water reservoir with a capacity of 485,000m³ has been built to meet the irrigation needs of both courses, while 52,000 indigenous forest plants, shrubs and seasonal local flowers and herbs have been planted.

In addition, the new Navarino Hills golf facilities also feature a 60-bay driving range and a 15,000m² short game area, with the new clubhouse at Navarino Hills also opening at the same time.

Designed by acclaimed architect Lubomír Zeman and built using local stone materials, it has been created with the aim of achieving class A+ in energy efficiency and features photovoltaic panels.

Nuno Sepulveda, general manager of Costa Navarino Golf, said: “This is a fantastic moment for Costa Navarino and the culmination of four years of hard work from everyone involved in the project.

“From a personal perspective, it’s been a privilege for me to work with José Maria and his team and to see his vision and dream become a reality in such an idyllic setting.

“The two new courses are very different in feel and character, with each offering their own individual set of challenges that must be overcome.

“When added to the two other signature courses and paired with the wide array of other premium sports, leisure and hospitality facilities available, Costa Navarino stands alone as Europe’s brightest and most vibrant new golfing destination.”

As you would expect from a venue of such high standing, the quality of Costa Navarino’s golf courses are matched by the high standard of its leisure and lifestyle facilities, and further exciting developments are on the way with the opening of two more luxury resorts by spring 2023.

Opening this summer and situated at Navarino Waterfront, W Costa Navarino will be the first venue in Greece to debut Marriott’s W Hotels brand. The 13-hectare beachfront destination is set to feature 246 stylish rooms, suites, and villas, as well as five dining venues including a destination beach club overlooking the Bay of Navarino.

It will be adjacent to the ‘Navarino Agora’ – a new open marketplace that will be open to the public with retail, street food, open-air cinema and exciting all-day programming.

In addition, the destination will continue its expansion next year with the scheduled unveiling of the first Mandarin Oriental property in Greece.

Set amidst a breathtaking 140-hectare natural landscape and overlooking the historic Bay of Navarino, the beachfront luxury resort will feature 99 guest rooms, including 48 spacious earth-sheltered pool villas, all with outdoor terraces and stunning sea views, along with five restaurants and bars.

With an abundance of leisure, sports and wellness, as well as dining and authentic local experiences, Costa Navarino is now more than ever – a truly all-encompassing golf destination, paying homage to its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Costa Navarino truly has all bases covered but don’t take my word for it. Take a trip for yourself, it’s a decision you won’t regret.