Passive beach vacations are giving way to more active, purpose-driven travel experiences in 2026, as travelers increasingly seek vacations focused on movement, self-improvement and meaningful experiences.
Driven by the rapid rise of sports travel — a market valued at approximately €609 billion in 2025 according to Fortune Business Insights and expected to approach €700 billion in 2026 — the segment has become one of the tourism industry’s biggest growth trends.
The momentum is also highlighted in SmartFlyer’s 2026 travel trends report, which notes that sports such as tennis and golf are “stealing the spotlight” by fueling “a new wave of destination-centric itineraries,” where access to world-class sports facilities is becoming “just as important as the view from your suite.”
Against this backdrop, Costa Navarino is positioning itself as one of the Mediterranean’s pioneering sports travel destinations, combining high-level training opportunities with wellness, nature and cultural immersion.
Sports travel becomes the new vacation obsession
From intensive training camps and active retreats to learning new disciplines, sports are no longer just an add-on activity during a holiday — they are becoming the main reason to travel.
Costa Navarino responds to this growing demand with a rare European offering that combines premium sports infrastructure, expert coaching and a preserved natural setting.
Set between crystal-clear waters and rolling green hills in Greece’s Messinia region, the destination offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Through Moraitis Outdoors, guests can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, climbing and road cycling with premium equipment and guided routes.
At Navarino Bay, the watersports center provides opportunities for windsurfing, waterskiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and diving, allowing visitors to explore the coastline from a different perspective.
Signature sports experiences
Costa Navarino has strengthened its position through exclusive partnerships and sports programs. The Mouratoglou Tennis Center features Grand Slam-standard courts, including Greece’s only natural grass court, attracting both amateur and advanced players looking for elite-level training.
For the fourth consecutive year, the NBA Basketball School returns from June 8 to September 12, 2026, welcoming children aged 6 to 17. Led by former NBA player Michael Bradley, the program combines technical development, competitions and teamwork. Sessions range from three to six days, starting at €360.
A major new addition for summer 2026 is the Juventus Academy Resort Experience, running from June 29 to August 29. Open to children aged 6 to 15, the program allows young players to train with official Juventus coaches through sessions focused on ball control, passing, shooting and tactical awareness. Built around a holistic approach emphasizing personal development and wellbeing, the academy includes an official kit for every participant. Programs range from three to six days, starting at €250.
Golf also plays a central role at the resort, with four internationally renowned 18-hole golf courses spread across hundreds of acres.
Indoor facilities further extend the sports offering year-round.
Active vacations for children and families
Reflecting the growing demand for active family vacations, Costa Navarino has expanded its youth-focused programs for summer 2026.
Its multisports camps, running from June 29 to August 28, introduce children to 10 disciplines over five days, including tennis, padel, archery, soccer, climbing, basketball, swimming, water polo, bowling and golf. Programs are supervised by expert instructors and include personalized coaching. Prices start at €450 for five days.
Meanwhile, Junior Tennis Camps at the Mouratoglou Tennis Center, available from June 15 to August 30, allow children as young as five to improve their game using the academy’s internationally recognized training methods. Programs range from three to five days, starting at €270.
Discovering the destination through sport
At Costa Navarino, physical activity is designed to connect travelers more deeply with the destination itself.
Experiences extend beyond sports to include traditional cooking workshops in Messinian villages, olive oil tastings with local experts, biodiversity tours at Gialova Lagoon, astronomy evenings under protected dark skies and philosophical walking experiences inspired by Ancient Greece.
The approach blends activity, culture and environmental awareness into a single immersive travel experience.
As travelers increasingly seek balance, authenticity and meaningful experiences, Costa Navarino is positioning itself as a modern Mediterranean destination that combines sport, discovery and cultural immersion.
Located just 45 minutes from Kalamata International Airport — including direct access via carriers such as Transavia — the resort offers a contemporary vision of summer vacations: more active, more immersive and more experience-driven.
