Greece Travel Guide: Explore the Beaches of Costa Navarino, Paros, and Naxos
off the beaten path in greece
Greece is known for its iconic islands—Mykonos and Santorini—but just beyond the tourist trails lie coastal gems that blend understated luxury, authentic Greek charm, and breathtaking natural beauty. I recently had the pleasure of participating in a familiarization trip that allowed me to explore new parts of the country, visit amazing luxury properties, learn new customs, and try new foods. While I’ve planned luxury trips to Greece for many years at this point, I do feel much better positioned to offer my clients lesser known, albeit amazing options for their next Gretian getaway.
Let’s dive into three off-the-beaten-path havens that I explored during this recent adventure: Costa Navarino, Paros, and Naxos. Whether you’re craving secluded beaches, five-star wellness resorts, or authentic village tavernas, these destinations offer the perfect escape.
Costa Navarino: Greece’s Best-Kept Coastal Secret
Why Visit: Located in the Peloponnese region, Costa Navarino offers a rare blend of ancient history, quiet beaches, and sustainable luxury. It’s ideal for travelers seeking world-class golf, wellness spas, and exclusive experiences with fewer crowds..
How to Get There:
You have two main options for getting to Costa Navarino:
Fly into Kalamata International Airport (1 hour drive) - Note flights into this airport are limited; there are some direct from major European airports, and from Crete if you’re island hopping.
Fly into Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (4 hour drive) - This is a scenic drive with options to stop for wine and olive oil tastings.
Where to Stay:
I had the pleasure of touring the following properties, each of which has a different flavor of luxury to meet a wide variety of travelers’ tastes and preferences.
The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort – Lavish suites with infinity pools and Ionian Sea views. Perfect for multi-generational getaways.
The Westin Resort Costa Navarino – Family-friendly with a wellness-forward design and golf courses.
W Costa Navarino – A newer adults-only option with contemporary design and beachfront cabanas. Ideal for the couple looking for a luxury beach getaway.
What to See & Do:
Costa Navarino has a little something for everyone. Whether you’re an avid golfer, a foodie and oenophile, history buff, spa enthusiast, or simply looking for amazing beaches, you can find it all in this beautiful region of Greece. Here are a few options you’ll want to keep on your list of possible things to do and see:
Voidokilia Beach – Omega-shaped paradise known for calm, turquoise waters
Palace of Nestor – Mycenaean-era ruins and archaeology
Gialova Lagoon – Birdwatching haven and natural wonder
Golf at Navarino Dunes or Bay Course
Olive oil and wine tastings at local farms
Spa rituals at Anazoe Spa
Private yacht cruises to Voidokilia Beach
What to Eat & How to Relax in the Evenings:
For food, expect rich Messinian cuisine—extra virgin olive oil, sfela cheese, sun-dried figs, and fresh-caught fish. Some of the top restaurants in the area include:
Kooc Taverna Secrets (at The Romanos) – Modern Greek gastronomy under the stars
Barbouni – Beachfront seafood with minimalist luxury
Kookoonari Beach Bar – Chic and casual with mezze and cocktails
Paros: Bohemian Luxury Meets Cycladic Simplicity
Why Visit: Paros is the Cycladic island for travelers in the know - less flashy than Mykonos but with just as much style. It’s beloved for its whitewashed towns, crystal waters, and creative culinary scene.
How to Get There:
You have a number of options for getting to Paros:
There are ferries from Athens (Piraeus) (~4 hrs) or Mykonos/Naxos (~30 min) - I found the ferries to be comfortable and reliable.
Paros Airport accommodates quick domestic flights on and off the island.
Where to Stay:
Paros offers a number of well-appointed properties that will meet the needs of the discerning traveler. From my time on the island I can enthusiastically recommend Summer Senses Luxury Resort. The property’s infinity pools, Aegean panoramas, and warm hospitality hit on all marks to give you that true feeling of being in paradise on a Greek island.
What to See & Do:
Paros offers a nice variety of unique villages, scenic nature, and opportunities for more active adventure. Depending on your tastes and travel partners, you might find the following of interest:
Naoussa – Chic harbor village with boutiques and bars
Lefkes – Hilltop village with Venetian charm and stone alleys
Kolymbithres Beach – Natural granite rock formations and shallow coves
Butterfly Valley (Petaloudes) – Peaceful nature reserve in the summer
Windsurfing at Golden Beach
Boat tour to Antiparos caves and beaches
Hiking from Lefkes to Prodromos
Sunset yoga sessions overlooking the sea
What to Eat & How to Relax in the Evenings:
Paros cuisine includes revithada (chickpea stew), grilled octopus, local cheeses, and pasteli (sesame-honey bars). Island-grown herbs and Parian wine are staples. You may want to check out these spots during your next stay on the island:
Statheros Meze Place – Traditional sharing plates in Naoussa
Siparos Seaside Restaurant – Fine dining with a sunset backdrop
Yemeni Wine Restaurant – Tucked-away favorite with a vast wine list
Linardo Club (Naoussa) – Cycladic-chic party spot
Sante Cocktail Bar – Garden ambiance and craft drinks
The Dubliner – Legendary island nightspot open late
Naxos: Untouched Beaches and Village Charm
Why Visit: Naxos is the largest Cycladic island, perfect for a blend of cultural exploration and relaxing beach days. It’s still under the radar for many international travelers, offering authenticity with a sprinkle of luxury.
How to Get There:
You have a few reliable options to get to and from Naxos, including:
Naxos Airport (domestic) offers daily flights from Athens
Ferry from Athens (~5 hrs), Paros (~1 hr), or Mykonos
Where to Stay:
I had the pleasure of staying at the Laguna Coast Resort, a new luxury property that just opened in May.
What to See & Do:
Like so many of the Greek islands, Naxos offers a great mix of active adventures, culinary excursions, and historic villages to explore. Depending on your interests, you may consider the following while visiting the island:
Portara (Apollo Temple Gate) – Sunset magnet with panoramic views
Chora Old Town – Venetian fortress and cobbled labyrinth
Halki Village – Neoclassical charm with galleries and distilleries
Mount Zas Hike – Mythical peak said to be Zeus’ childhood home
Kitesurfing and windsurfing at Mikri Vigla
Explore ancient olive presses and hiking trails in the interior
Visit Kitron distilleries and local farms
Cooking classes in the villages
What to Eat & How to Relax in the Evenings:
Naxos is famed for its potatoes, arseniko cheese, mountain herbs, and citrus liqueur Kitron. Meats and produce are mostly locally sourced. Some of the island’s top restaurants and nightlife spots include the following:
Axiotissa – Farm-to-table dining in the countryside
Meze2 – Sophisticated seafood in Chora
Nissaki Restaurant – Mediterranean fusion with a beachfront setting
520 Cocktail Bar – Stylish seaside drinks
Swing Cocktail Bar – Trendy music and mixology
Ocean Club – Where locals and travelers dance late into the night
If you’re craving a more authentic side of Greece without sacrificing comfort or style, Costa Navarino, Paros, and Naxos each offer their own version of barefoot luxury. Whether it's sipping wine on a quiet beach, wandering whitewashed alleys, or dining at a seaside taverna with zero pretense, these destinations prove that the best of Greece is often found just off the beaten path. When you’re ready to plan your next adventure to one of these beautiful destinations, Perspectives Travel is here to partner with you and ensure you get a truly authentic Greek experience with experiences and luxury accommodation that meet your specific needs and interests.