ATHENS – Greece’s top sports tourism and wellness event, Navarino Challenge, returns for its 13th edition May 9-11 at Costa Navarino and Pylos, bringing together amateur and professional athletes alongside Olympians and world champions. Under the timeless message ‘sports unites people’, the event renews its schedule with more than 60 activities and 20 Olympic sports, designed for people of all ages and abilities. Activities will take place across The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, W Costa Navarino, and The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, offering an unforgettable sports and wellness experience.
As part of this year’s program, Miele welcomes acclaimed and multi-awarded chef Ettore Botrini, who will host two exclusive Ettore Botrini Masterclasses powered by Miele. Participants will have the unique opportunity to meet one of the most distinguished figures in modern Greek cuisine and enjoy a live, high-level culinary session.
Miele, the leading manufacturer of premium home appliances, celebrates 126 years of innovation and dedication to unmatched quality. Under the core message ‘Once Miele, Always Miele’, the brand supports local communities through culinary experiences and proudly joins Navarino Challenge 2025 as a Platinum Sponsor.
This year’s edition promises unique experiences for all ages, highlighting gastronomy as a means of connection, cultural exchange, and community giving. A special highlight will be the ‘Messinian Picnic by Miele: Traditional Flavors’, where Miele Chef Alexandros Syngkiridis will present traditional Messinian recipes, inviting participants on an authentic culinary journey celebrating local ingredients and flavors.
The culinary journey continues at the Pasta Bar powered by Miele, where both children and adults will create their own pasta salad, one day before the running races. Meanwhile, Fun Football Miele Kids & Parents, featuring Euro 2004 Legend Kostas Katsouranis, will bring families together through football and fun, promoting teamwork, joy in participation, and the value of family bonding.
Additionally, golf lessons powered by Miele will be available, offering expert instruction for both beginners and advanced players in a unique setting.
Adventure in Nature with a View of the Bay of Navarino
Navarino Challenge once again brings to the forefront unique outdoor experiences for those who love action and exploration. At the Navarino Bay Challenge powered by The North Face, participants will have the opportunity to go rappelling overlooking the historic bay of Navarino, in an exhilarating activity carried out with the support of the specialized team from Moraitis Outdoors. Access to the site is provided by Elite Boats, starting from Pylos and offering an unforgettable journey right from the boat ride.
At the same time, for those eager to get acquainted with the world of climbing, introductory lessons will be available for all experience levels. Backed by the quality guarantee of The North Face and the technical expertise of Moraitis Outdoors, this activity offers participants the chance to build their physical strength and endurance with complete safety and expert guidance.
Inspiring Navarino Challenge Talks: From Sports to Social Responsibility
A key part of this year’s schedule is the Navarino Challenge Talks powered by MOTODYNAMICS Group. Through a series of talks and discussions, attendees will explore exciting topics related to sports, leadership, and social responsibility. The session titled ‘Silent Battles: The Elite Athlete’s Journey from Injury to Recovery’ powered by Gazzetta, moderated by journalist Dimitris Konstantinidis, will feature a compelling conversation with European champion Kostas Katsouranis and physiotherapist Pavlos Gikas, discussing the personal and professional challenges athletes face in their path to recovery, and the importance of mental resilience and support during that process.
Audiences will also be inspired by a speech at Navarino Agora from legendary former basketball player Panagiotis Giannakis, who will share his experience and wisdom from the heights of international basketball. Finally, Panagiotis Panoutsos Talkowski, founder of EAGLE Sports Integrity Services, will analyze integrity in sports and the importance of transparency at every level of the sporting world.
Dimello, one of Greece’s top coffee brands, will accompany Navarino Challenge participants with high-quality blends, providing them with the energy needed for every route.
As part of Navarino Challenge, beloved instructor Mandy Persaki and her experienced team will deliver dynamic and revitalizing Pilates sessions powered by Melissa High Protein.
During Navarino Challenge, young participants will enjoy Baby Swimming sessions under the guidance of expert instructors from Red Swim Academy and Swim O’ Clock. These lessons, ideal for infants and toddlers up to 3 years old, aim to build the child’s confidence in water while enhancing mobility and coordination. Parents and children will share a fun and safe experience through games and playful activities that support children’s physical development.
In collaboration with leading physical education instructor Dimitris Moros and FitnessArt, Navarino Challenge will once again offer High Intensity Training sessions powered by KORRES, focusing on strengthening participants’ muscles. This year’s event will provide workouts that boost intensity and improve overall physical condition, powered by the expertise of KORRES.
For the first time at Navarino Challenge, the KORRES Athenian Grooming pop-up corner invites visitors to a true men’s grooming experience. Innovation meets tradition as KORRES revives the authentic essence of the classic Athenian barbershop, presenting its complete men’s skincare line, KORRES Athenian Grooming.
Participants will also have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing yoga session at the Sunset Beach Yoga powered by Messinian Spa with Angelic Yoga Arts, on the Dunes Beach in front of Navarino Dunes. As the sunset creates an atmosphere of tranquility, the experience combines physical flexibility and mental rejuvenation. In this enchanting setting, it’s the perfect opportunity for those who wish to connect with nature, while their body and soul are revitalized and relaxed.
Grey Goose Super Premium Vodka continues to stand out with its elegance and taste, bringing the premium experience of top international tournaments – such as the U.S. Open and the Australian Open – to this year’s Navarino Challenge.
A special activity dedicated to injury prevention and recovery enriches this year’s Navarino Challenge program. The Sports Injuries Course – Mobility powered by SIXT, supported by Joint Athens, offers a comprehensive mobility seminar, specifically designed for athletes and exercise enthusiasts.
A unique adventure awaits all participants on the island of Sphacteria, where kayaking combines exercise and contact with nature. With the support of Moraitis Watersports, this experience offers the opportunity to explore the crystal-clear waters around Sphacteria, discovering the endless beauties of the landscape.
The Navarino Challenge schedule offers running routes for every level and age, including the 21.1 km race powered by The North Face, 10 km race powered by Dimello Coffee, 5 km race powered by Miele, and free children’s races of 1 km (for children aged 10-14 and up to 9 years), powered by Vikos. A special place in the schedule is held by the 1 km race ‘Run for All’, powered by MOTODYNAMICS Group with the support of the DiaforoZO association for people with disabilities, reinforcing the message of equality and acceptance. Register online: https://shorturl.at/j6MtT.
Enjoy a weekend full of outdoor sports activities for all ages.. For more information about accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, W Costa Navarino, and The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, email: booking(at)navarinochallenge.com or call Vita N Travel at +30 210 3249070. See the packages online: https://shorturl.at/fmRg9
Navarino Challenge continues the Sharing is Caring initiative, proving in practice that sports can be a vehicle for giving. Unique items are up for auction, with the valuable help of Sports Memorabilia Partner Trace ‘n Chase, the event sponsors, and top Greek athletes. Thus, the largest sports memorabilia auction in Greece has begun, in collaboration with the Charity Idols platform. The first phase of the auction is taking place now via the Charity Idols, while the second phase will take place in November.
This year, as Navarino Challenge celebrates 13 years, it enhances its social footprint by supporting a total of 13 nonprofit organizations that offer meaningful work on social and environmental levels. Specifically, the event stands beside Choose Life, DiaforoZO, Dogs’ Voice, Free Movement Skateboarding, HOPEgenesis, Humanity Greece, Karkinaki, Library4All, Médecins Sans Frontières, π³ = Plastic Pollution Prevention, Save Your Hood, The Love Van and Virtus Center for Medical Research. Through collaboration with these organizations, Navarino Challenge reaffirms that sports and social contribution can coexist, enhancing awareness and action on significant social issues.
Navarino Challenge is held under the Auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Greek National Tourism Organization, and the Region of the Peloponnese, while the organization and sports production is managed by ActiveMedia Group.
More information about the program will be announced in the coming days.
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