Dunes Beach/Costa Navarino

The Dunes Beach, is a magnificent sandy stretch that extends over 1 km, washed by the clear blue waters of the Ionian Sea in Messinia, Greece.

It is characterized a “Special Area of Conservation” (SAC) on account of the well-developed sand dunes with significant formations of Juniperus phoenicea, and also because it is a nesting ground for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta).

With respect to the unspoiled environment and nature, part of the beach provide beach facilities to visitors such sun-beds and parasols, refreshments and snacks.  

The facilities are not open after sunset because of the Caretta caretta protection program that Costa Navarino implement in cooperation with “Archelon”, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece.

Any lights would deter the turtles from leaving the sea to build their nests on the beach, as they have been doing uninterruptedly for thousands of years, and would also disorient hatchlings as they attempt to reach the sea for the first time. For the same reason, the lighting near the beach facilities has been purpose designed, with the use of special shields and vegetation to ensure that the lights are not visible from the beach.