Costa Navarino astronomy nights experiences in Messinia, Greece. – Photo courtesy of Costa Navarino
In Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” — inarguable the biggest summer blockbuster of 2026 — the atmospheric backdrop of Greece’s south-western Peloponnese region is as much a star as the film’s A-list talent.
Nolan’s pain-staking efforts to document real physicality, real waves, and yes, even real locations — sans any special effects — meant that bringing Homer’s adventure epic to life would require on-the-ground shoots at Greece’s most timeless locations. Among them: Messenia, a lavish coastal escape dominated by untouched caves, sprawling beaches, archaeological ruins, and olive trees aplenty.
While Messenia’s Homer-esque landscape is seeped in rich, mythological history, its luxury draw — Costa Navarino — encompasses sweeping, 5-star resorts with amenities that are fit for the Greek Gods. Or in this case, the actors who play them.
Ahead of “The Odyssey’s” premiere on Friday, July 17, we’re taking a closer look at Costa Navarino, the exquisite, sustainably-driven resort destination that hosted “The Odyssey” cast while they filmed in the region. And now, is primed to be 2026’s hottest travel destination — with themed experiences that are designed to help visitors step into the world of “The Odyssey” like never before (and are available to book online):
Where Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” came to life
The Castle of Methoni is a medieval fortification in the port town of Methoni, Messenia, in southwestern Greece. – Photo courtesy of Getty
Filming for Nolan’s “The Odyssey” was reportedly expansive, covering multiple destinations ranging from Iceland to Morocco and even Messenia, in the Greek Peloponnese region and around the Costa Navarino destination specifically.
Pylos, Almyrolakkos Beach in Yialova, Methoni Castle, and Nestor’s Cave at Voidokilia Beach are a few of the key Greek filming locations in “The Odyssey” that you can visit in real life — the latter three are especially important, as they served as scene backdrops featuring Cyclops Polyphemus within the film.
Discovering Costa Navarino
Costa Navarino might be a luxury resort destination, but it’s far bigger than your standard hotel or all-inclusive. The coastal escape encompasses four 5-star resorts, which were not only the reported accommodations of top “Odyssey” cast members while filming the blockbuster, but are also located mere minutes away from the film sets for “The Odyssey” — like Voidokilia Beach.
See what makes each property unique below and book your own accommodations:
The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort
Property amenity at The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Navarino. – Photo courtesy of Costa Navarino
Outdoor, coastal experiences combine with elevated amenities for an unmissable Greek sanctuary that features immaculate golf courses, tennis courts, and a full-service spa.
The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino
You’ll feel as if you’re transported back in time at this Costa Navarino garden oasis, comprised of a village-like resort setup and interconnected pools.
Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino
The Mandarin Oriental Villas at Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino. – Photo courtesy of Costa Navarino
Drenched in the most exquisite terracotta color palette, this Greek oasis is just a short drive from Gialova Beach, with sweeping ocean views straight from your room and endless culinary options that offer an authentic taste of the southwest Peloponnese.
W Costa Navarino
Sprawling, beachfront property is the biggest allure of this Greek resort, which epitomizes quiet luxury with merging pools and a full-service spa that offers ample relaxation.
How to relive “The Odyssey” in Costa Navarino
Penelope (Anne Hathaway, left) and Telemachus (Tom Holland) are left in charge of a crumbling castle as devious suitors wear their last nerves. – Photo courtesy of Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pictures
As TikTok’s “set-jetting” trend takes off, and more travelers look to focus their trips around TV and film set locations, Costa Navarino is choosing to embrace the expected influx of tourists to the region — by offering a collection of experiences inspired by Homer’s “Odyssey.”
Among them:
- Nestor’s Feast: A dining spectacle by W Costa Navarino designed to recreate the hospitality and traditions of ancient Greece via a seven-course meal.
- The Messinian Odyssey Trail: A six-stop journey across iconic Greek landmarks like the Palace of King Nestor, Nestor’s Cave, and the Pylos Archaeological Museum.
- Odyssean Journey spa ritual: A lavish spa ritual that taps into ancient Greek holistic practices and is offered across Costa Navarino’s luxury properties — including the Anazoe Spa at The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort and the AWAY Spa at W Costa Navarino.
