Navarino Challenge outdoor activities for the whole family, October 21-23

ATHENS – The award-winning sports tourism event Navarino Challenge is celebrating its 10th year uniting people of all ages and abilities through sport. Amateur and professional athletes from Greece and abroad will visit Costa Navarino and Pylos, Messinia, from October 21 to 23.

Follow in the footsteps of Telemachus

Participants of the Navarino Challenge have the opportunity to run one of the best 21.1 km half-marathons in Greece, with Greek-American ultramarathon runner Dean Karnazes, and cross the beautiful beach of Voidokilia while retracing the history beneath their feet in King Nestor’s land. They will follow the trail traced in Homeric times by Telemachus, the son of Ulysses, trying to find his missing father. In addition, they can choose between the 10 km course or the fun 5 km course, which can even be supplemented with brisk walking. On the same day, the 1 km children’s course will take place in two groups, for children from 10 to 14 years old and children up to 9 years old.

Bike ride in Voidokilia at the Navarino Challenge. Photo by Elias Lefas / Navarino Challenge

Runners can act quickly and take advantage of pre-registration offers, valid until July 31, with over 50% off registrations. The children’s race takes place with free participation. The event, always having the participants as a top priority, offers a refund of their registration fees until September 1st. Registrations for the Navarino Challenge are underway and those interested can participate by filling out the form available via the following link: https://bit.ly/3yed3Wy.

The video of the outdoor activities of the Navarino Challenge 2022 is available on YouTube:

Sea Kayaking in Pylos Bay

Starting from the Poseidonia restaurant known for its traditional Greek cuisine and local specialties in the port of Pylos, on Saturday October 22, a sea kayaking excursion around the island of Sphacteria will take place, with the support of Explore Messinia. Participants will paddle out to Navarino Bay exploring the coastline of Sphacteria. For registration, send an e-mail to: welcome(at)exploremessinia.com

Take part in the beach volleyball tournament overlooking the Ionian Sea

Overlooking sand dunes and the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea, Dunes Beach in Navarino Dunes, Costa Navarino, will host the Navarino Challenge King of the Court Beach Volleyball Tournament. The Olympic sport of beach volleyball returns with former Greek international volleyball player and Greek national team record holder Michalis Triantafyllidis as its ambassador. On Saturday, October 22, the tournament will feature separate categories for men and women, while on Sunday, October 23, the tournament will be mixed. All beach volleyball activities are carried out with the support of Triantafyllidis Beach Arena. For registration and more information send an e-mail to: info(at)beacharena.gr

Tennis at the Mouratoglou Tennis Center Costa Navarino

Participants of the Navarino Challenge will have the opportunity to attend tennis clinics for children aged 6-9 and 10-13 and participate in the Round Robbin tennis tournaments for men and women, which will be held with the support of Mouratoglou Tennis Center Costa Navarino under the guidance of elite coaches. Costa Navarino is the first European location for a Mouratoglou Tennis Center, while the brand new state-of-the-art facilities include a total of 16 tennis courts at Navarino Dunes with stunning views of the Ionian Sea. For registration and more information, send an e-mail to: tennis(at)costanavarino.com

Athletics, Pilates, cycling, golf for all!

The Navarino Challenge program offers you the opportunity to get closer to the sport and its benefits, alongside top-level instructors. Specifically, you can participate in activities such as the beachathlon for parents and children aged 6 to 13 with Olympian and European champion Periklis Iakovakis, Pilates classes with the team of education instructors physical Mandy Persaki, a bike ride in Voidokilia with the support of Navarino Outdoors and golf lessons for two days, with the support of the Navarino Golf Academy.

Book your room now

Enjoy a weekend full of outdoor wellness activities for people of all ages. Book the event accommodation package which is packed with sporting activities and includes half board. Live the unique sporting and cultural experience that awaits you. For more information on accommodation packages at the Westin Resort Costa Navarino, email: booking(at)navarinochallenge.com or call Vita N Travel on +30 210 3249070. View accommodation packages online : https://bit.ly/3N7OKxJ.

Samsung Electronics Hellas supports the event for the 6th consecutive year as an official technology partner. Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are the Official Hospitality Sponsors. The event is assisted by Vita N Travel and Kayak.

The Navarino Challenge will take place under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, whose mission is the formulation of tourism policy and the executive planning of tourism development in Greece.