Costa Navarino: A one-of-a-kind destination for the international pickleball community.
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Premier Pickleball Destinations by LAURA GAINOR
Costa Navarino: A one-of-a-kind destination for the international pickleball community.
For those seeking the ultimate combination of accommodation and sports, Costa Navarino in Greece has emerged as a standout destination for active travelers. Located in the Messinia region of the southwestern Peloponnese, the destination blends Mediterranean beauty, world-class hospitality, and a growing lineup of racket sports, making it ideal for a premier pickleball vacation.
Costa Navarino is currently home to four 5-star premium resorts, each designed to showcase the region’ s natural beauty while offering exceptional experiences for guests. These include The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort; The Westin Resort Costa Navarino; Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino; and W Costa Navarino.
Together, they create a destination ecosystem where visitors can enjoy luxury accommodations, fine dining, wellness experiences, championship golf, and a wide range of other outdoor activities— all set along the scenic Ionian coastline.
For pickleball players, one of the highlights is the Mouratoglou Tennis Center at Navarino Dunes, a state-of-the-art racket sports facility overlooking the Ionian Sea. Designed to blend seamlessly into the classic Messinian landscape of olive trees and other native vegetation, the destination offers a spectacular setting where sport and nature intersect.
The tennis center includes an impressive collection of courts and training amenities, making it one of the most comprehensive racket sports hubs in southern Europe. Guests have access to 12 tennis courts, three padel courts, two pickleball courts, and one squash court, all maintained to international standards.
This facility is operated in partnership with renowned tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou, known globally for coaching Serena Williams and other top professionals. His training philosophy emphasizes technical precision,
tactical awareness, physical conditioning, and mental preparation, and it forms the foundation of the racket sport programs offered at Costa Navarino.
For pickleball enthusiasts, the environment provides a unique experience. The courts sit just steps from the Mediterranean coastline, allowing players to enjoy sea breezes while competing or practicing. The mild climate of the Peloponnese also makes the region an ideal year-round destination for outdoor sports, extending the playing season well beyond what many travelers experience in northern climates.
Guests can book private lessons, group sessions, or simply reserve court time for casual matches with friends and family. Equipment rentals are available, making it easy for beginners or travelers to join the action without bringing their own gear. The inclusive programming also means that players of all skill levels— from first-timers to seasoned competitors— can participate comfortably.
Beyond the courts, Costa Navarino offers a full destination experience that makes it particularly appealing for sports-focused vacations. Visitors can spend mornings playing pickleball, afternoons relaxing at the beach or spa, and evenings exploring more than 40 dining venues. Golfers will also appreciate the area’ s four signature 18-hole courses, while wellness seekers can unwind at the award-winning Anazoe Spa and others.
As pickleball continues to expand globally, destinations like Costa Navarino are beginning to incorporate the sport into luxury travel experiences. For players looking to combine competition, community, and adventure in one unforgettable setting, Costa Navarino delivers a rare blend of sport and lifestyle— making it one of Europe’ s most exciting emerging destinations for a premier pickleball getaway. For more information, visit costanavarino. com. •
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