Navarino Hills is a 36-hole development that forms part of the broader Costa Navarino resort development in southern Greece. The earlier Bays and Dunes courses at Costa Navarino were joined in 2022 with the opening of both the Hills Course and the International Olympic Academy Golf Course at Navarino Hills. Each of the new courses were designed by two-time Masters Champion José María Olazábal and his team of course designers.

Situated over 125 hectares, and overlooking the historic Bay of Navarino and Ionian Sea, the two new golf courses at Navarino Hills are set in a unique location affording views to the sea, mountains and valleys.

Measuring 6,366m, the International Olympic Academy Golf Course was first played in late 2021 when it hosted the fifth Messinia Pro-Am. The Hills Course is slightly shorter at 6,280m in length, with both courses featuring an average green size of 669m², a 60-bay driving range and a 15,000m² short game area.

Olazábal said: “Costa Navarino ranks among the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Over the past five years, we have worked hard to shape two courses that not only respect the stunning surroundings but that also fit as naturally as possible into the terrain.

“The two courses are distinct in character. Golfers will find the International Olympic Academy Golf Course to be more polished in style and full of spectacular views across the Bay of Navarino while the Hills Course offers more of a rural feel, where we take you out through the gently rolling hills.

“With the two new courses and the two existing ones, Costa Navarino has developed into a spectacular golf destination, and I invite everyone to come and experience it for themselves.”

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. To keep water consumption to a minimum, all fairways, greens, tees and rough areas have been seeded with a combination of hard-wearing grasses suitable to the local climate, while 52,000 indigenous forest plants, shrubs and seasonal local flowers and herbs have also been planted.

Opening alongside the two courses, the Hills Clubhouse was designed by acclaimed architect Lubomír Zeman and built using local stone materials. The 2,500m² clubhouse has been created with the aim of achieving class A+ in energy efficiency and features photovoltaic panels.

We look forward to publishing a full Planet Golf review of the golf course in the near future.