A Hidden Gem in Greece: Messinia and the Epic of The Odyssey
Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film,The Odyssey, set to be released this summer, has put a spotlight on Messinia, a tranquil region in the southwestern corner of the Peloponnese peninsula in mainland Greece. Known for its stunning landscapes and rich historical heritage, Messinia offers a unique blend of ancient history and modern luxury that makes it an ideal destination for travelers seeking something beyond the usual tourist hotspots.
Unlike the bustling Acropolis of Athens or the crowded Ancient Olympia, Messinia provides a more serene and less congested experience. For instance, when visiting the Palace of Nestor, one of the best-preserved Mycenaean buildings in Greece and a key location from Homer’sOdyssey, visitors often find themselves with little company. This peaceful atmosphere is a stark contrast to the typical tourist crowds found elsewhere in Greece.
A short drive from the ancient city of Ancient Messini, which was once larger than Athens, the area boasts remarkable sites like the well-preserved ancient stadium. Despite its historical significance, the site remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, offering a rare opportunity to explore without the usual hustle and bustle.
On the way back to the hotel, travelers can take a detour to visit the Arcadian gates, a notable example of ancient Greek fortification. Today, these gates serve as a gateway for cars rather than the horse-drawn chariots of antiquity, yet they still hold a sense of historical grandeur.
The Global Spotlight on Messinia
With the release ofThe Odysseyin July, Messinia is set to become a global attraction. The film features a stellar cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Zendaya. Locals have been excited about the Hollywood presence, with many volunteering as extras and eagerly spotting the stars during their stay at the Costa Navarino resort.
When I visited last summer at the W Costa Navarino, one of four luxury hotels located at the same resort, I quickly realized how easy it would be to relax by the pool. However, unlike the islands, the Peloponnese offers a wealth of activities and sights that make it difficult to spend all your time lounging around.
Travelers can join the new Messinian Odyssey Trail, which takes them through six extraordinary ancient Greek sites within an hour’s drive of Costa Navarino. Alternatively, they can participate in a philosophy walk through the countryside led by a professor of Ancient Greek literature.
For those looking for adventure, the resort offers a wide range of sporting facilities, including a racquet center with tennis, padel, and pickleball courts, as well as a water sports center featuring diving, sailing, and kitesurfing. There’s also an NBA basketball school, along with yoga, pilates, and fitness classes. However, the four 18-hole golf courses seem to be the biggest draw, with high engagement levels recorded in the sport last year and into 2026.
Tom Holland, one of the stars ofThe Odyssey, was reportedly spotted playing all four courses at Costa Navarino. Inspired by this trend, I signed up for a golf lesson with Tino, a charming young pro who helped me transition from hacking at the grass with an eight iron to actually hitting the ball. I also enjoyed driving the electric buggy on The Dunes golf course, gliding over immaculately manicured fairways with the sea twinkling in the background.
Exploring the Beauty of Messinia
Early the next day, we embarked on a guided e-bike tour, snaking our way along the coastline through vineyards, olive groves, and working villages selling olive oil and honey. We then parked our bikes and took a steep hike up to the ancient acropolis of Paleokastro. The climb was hot work in the late morning sun, but the view of Voidokilia Beach—perfect arc of white sand and turquoise water—was worth the effort. We were told that this location was also used during filming.
As a Natura 2000 protected area, there are no buildings in sight, just hills, lagoons, Navarino Bay in the distance, and a handful of locals basking on that perfect beach.
After a refreshing swim, we e-biked back to the hotel for a late lunch of grilled fish, zucchini fries, and a glass of local blanc de gris wine, knowing that we had experienced the beauty of Messinia before it became a major tourist destination.
Getting There and Staying in Style
The nearest airport to Messinia is Kalamata, a 40-minute drive from the resort. EasyJet and British Airways offer direct flights with summer prices starting from £180 return. Alternatively, Messinia is a 3.5-hour drive from Athens. It is advisable to hire a car for sightseeing, which can be arranged directly from the airport or at the resort’s on-site Hertz depot.
For an A-list experience, travelers can stay at the Costa Navarino resort, which includes four five-star hotels. These include the adult-only W Costa Navarino, the Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino, family-friendly The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, and The Romanos. The resort hosted the cast and crew ofThe Odyssey, offering guests the chance to enjoy the same luxurious environment.
Prices start from £300 a night.
