There’s many things to do in Olympia Greece other than paying a visit to the Olympic stadium. Many tours run here when cruises dock for the day at Katakolon and a visit to the stadium is included however if you plan on staying longer here’s what to do in Olympia Greece.
For centuries, the Olympic games have been the greatest sports competition in the world. However not many know that it was at Olympia in Greece that these games originated.
Of the Greek sporting festivals, four were considered the ‘classical’ set: Olympia, Delphi, Nimia and Corinth. Of these, the Olympic games turned out to be the most famous over the years.
Olympia, located on the western side of Peloponnese, is the most famous venue of the ancient Olympic Games.
As part of celebrations for god Zeus, athletic events took place every four years.
Today, these archaeological sites remain as a host of ancient temples, the Archaeological Museum and a stadium.
With the tourist boom at the end of the 20th century, the summer season attracts tourists, locals and some of the largest cruise ships. And while it is a heaven for culture and history buffs, the town has something for all kinds of travellers.
Here’s a guide on what to do in Olympia, Greece if you plan on visiting.
Things to do in Olympia Greece
But first – Getting to Olympia and around
To get to Olympia, Greece, land at Athens International Airport. From there, there’s a couple of available options.
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By Bus: If you’re planning on taking the bus the journey takes about 5 hours. The Ktel Ileias leaves from Athens to Krestena. From Krestena you will have to take a taxi to get to Olympia for about 16-17 kms which takes about 30 minutes and costs about 15 Euros
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If you’re driving, take the Corinth-Patras-Pyrgos road, which covers 250 kilometres in about three and half hours. You could also take the Corinth-Nemea-Levidi road which takes about 20 minutes less
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Another exciting option is to hire a motorhome from a local owner, if you’re planning to explore Greece via a road trip for longer.
Where to stay in Olympia Greece
There’s numerous options irrespective of what you’re looking for.
LUXURY: The best option is the 4 star Hotel Europa, which is a 3-4 minute drive from the archaeological site. With spacious and comfortable rooms, the family-owned hotel has a beautiful pool and an outdoor restaurant that serves scrumptious food.
MID-RANGE: Pyrtanio is an excellent property that has some of the best views you’ll find in the area. Some rooms have access to a garden, some have a patio and others a terrace. There’s a bar and all rooms have air-conditioning. Loved by couples.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY: Leonidaion Guesthouse is a budget-friendly guesthouse quite close to the town centre and even offers an airport shuttle from Araxos Airport, if required. The museum is quite close, the rooms have wifi, garden views and the service is rated excellent
Here’s what to do in Olympia, Greece
Visit the temple of Zeus
The first item on things to do in Olympia, Greece is visit the ruined temple of Zeus. It was built when the ancient Olympic Games were at their peak to honour the chief of gods.
Spanning 15-acres of land, it took around 13 years to build after a war between the two neighbouring powers of the area, Elia and Pisa, according to experts.
The structure and monuments of the temple were constructed using limestone, stucco and Parian marble. The inside housed the ivory and gold sculpture of Zeus and the Roman Emperor Hadrian.
However, today a visit to one of the most magnificent temples in the history of Greece would require your imagination and guided tours.
This is because a significant part has been damaged due to natural calamities like earthquakes. Nevertheless, it remains a must-visit site during a tour of Olympia.
Do note that many structures are located within the Archaeological Site of Olympia and as such you can visit all of them with a single entry ticket and within the same vicinity.
DETAILS
Archaeological Site of Olympia
Address: Archaia Olympia 270 65, Greece
Ticket price: Full: €12, Reduced: €6
Free Admission days: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, The last weekend of September annually, 28 October, Every first Sunday from November 1st to March 31st
Timings: In summer from 8 AM to 8 PM and at other times of year from 8 AM to 6 PM. Latest timings and updates every year can be found here
Walk inside the temple of Hera
The temple of Hera was initially built to honour Zeus and his wife, Hera. However, when the construction of the temple of Zeus began nearby, it was solely dedicated to the wife.
One of the oldest sites in Olympia was constructed using materials like limestone, terracotta, wood and brick. This structure dates back to 650 B.C. and is believed to have remained for over a thousand years until the late 30 AD.
While many areas of the structure have been re-erected, the photographs and model of the complete site can be found at the museum.
The ancient Olympic stadium
The stadium site is where the Olympic games used to take place. With a seating capacity of over 20,000 spectators, the mud seats are still visible.
Additionally, spot the starting and ending line signified using two stone markers.
Apart from the Olympic Games, the stadium also hosted the all-women Heraia Games. The games honoured Goddess Hera and took place every four years giving young girls an opportunity to participate in a footrace.
To witness the breathtaking views of the land, climb up the small hill of Mount Kronos. Tickets can be booked here in advance.
Sip wine at Olympiagi
Take a refreshing break from the ancient sites by visiting a family based-winery, Olympiagi. Located five minutes from the temples, it is renowned for producing premium-quality beverages, location and serene landscape.
Walk around the vineyards and learn about the different techniques and varieties of the wine during the tasting tours. After the tour, sample their homemade olive oils, wines and refreshments in the air-conditioned guest area.
DETAILS
Olympiagi
Address: Archaia Olympia, 1, Koskinas 270 65, Greece
Timings: 10 am to 2 pm
Get a taste of agritourism at Magna Grecia Farm
Magna Grecia Farm is a family-owned estate that houses over 2,000 olive groves with more yet to come. It was established in 2009.
The owners offer an overview of its production protocol their food sources and the area’s history during the tours. The highlight is the dancing and meal served at the end. The meals are authentic and prepared locally and served in their dining area. A truly memorable experience.
Dance and enjoy with one of the most hospitable families in the region.
DETAILS
Magna Grecia Farm
Address: Archaia Olympia 270 65, Greece
Timings: 24 hours
Archimedes Museum
With free entry, this museum was created by Mr Kotsanas, a great admirer of Ancient Greek technology. Spend 30 mins to an hour learning about the technology of the ancient world.
The exhibits are accompanied by interactive games that give a more hands-on and fun way of understanding the operations of ancient technology.
DETAILS
Archimedes Museum
Address: 9, Archea Olimpia 270 65, Greece
Timings: 9:30 am to 8:30 pm
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia
The Archaeological Museum of Olympia was founded in the 19th century and is the oldest museum. A five-minute walk from the archaeological sites, it houses the findings of the excavations uncovered in Olympia.
The exhibits are displayed in chronological order from Prehistoric dawn to Roman times.
It has a boatload of artefacts, plus bronzes, jewellery, sculptures, cauldrons and terracotta. The two most famous statues in the museum are the marble ones of Hermes of Praxiteles and the Nike (goddess of victory) of Paeonios. The former shows Hermes holding the infant Dionysus.
Furthermore, it is also home to pediments from the ancient temple of Zeus.
DETAILS
Archaeological Museum of Olympia
Address: Archaia Olympia 270 65, Greece
Timings: 8 am to 8 pm
Museum of the History of the Excavations in Olympia
This is a smaller museum that displays the excavations of Olympia from 1875 onwards.
Expect to see visual and photographic material including the first watercolour drawings and engravings showing how the area looked before the excavations. There are also images of the agreement between Germany and Greece for the excavations, the first maps of the sanctuary, rare archive documents and more.
DETAILS
Museum of the History of the Excavations in Olympia
Address: Archea Olimpia 270 65, Greece
Timings: 8 am to 3 pm
Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity
The games at Olympia are thought to have begun in 776 BC. The games honoured Zeus but were halted in 393 AD as all pagan festivals were banned. Then in 1896, the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece.
The last museum is things to do in Olympia, Greece houses a huge array of art, statues, paintings and more.
These materials depict the athletes and provide information on the history of games at Olympia. It also dictates stories of the fame and glory of Olympic champions, their prizes and sacrifices made to Zeus.
DETAILS
Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity
Address: 4, Archea Olimpia 270 65, Greece
Timings: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity
The games at Olympia are thought to have begun in 776 BC. The games honoured Zeus but were halted in 393 AD as all pagan festivals were banned. Then in 1896, the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece.
The last museum is things to do in Olympia, Greece houses a huge array of art, statues, paintings and more.
These materials depict the athletes and provide information on the history of games at Olympia. It also dictates stories of the fame and glory of Olympic champions, their prizes and sacrifices made to Zeus.
DETAILS
Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity
Address: 4, Archea Olimpia 270 65, Greece
Timings: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Safety briefing before the Gobbins Cliff Path
Before the walk begins, your guide will carefully explain safety instructions that you will need to follow on the Gobbins path and what you can expect. You will also receive a helmet which must be worn at all times to stay protected from falling debris.
Listen carefully to your guide and you will be all set for a thrill of a lifetime!
Klio’s honey farm
In Ancient Olympia, Klio’s honey farm is a calm place that offers the hospitality of authentic Greek people. Walk in their cool garden that is adorned with trees and vegetables.
A guide on this farm explains the importance of bees and the secrets of honey production and other products. The tour ends with tasting the products from the farm and the traditional honey that is prepared right in front of the visitors.
DETAILS
Klio’s honey farm
Address: Ancient Olympia 270 65, Greece
Timings: 10:30 am to 6 pm
Gymnasium and Palestra
The first buildings encountered upon entering the site of Olympia are the Gymnasium and the Palestra.
Built in the third century BC, this area served as a gymnasium for wrestling, boxing and jumping where athletes trained here before competing. It has a square perimeter and a courtyard with columns and arcades.
Philippeion
The only circular building inside the Atlist, Philippeion is a great example of ancient Greek architecture. It is located west of the temple of Hera.
A monument to the Macedonian royal dynasty, it was dedicated by Philip II of Macedon. However, it was completed by Alexander the Great, after his father was assassinated in 336 BC.
Things to see around Olympia, Greece
Galaxidi
A historic fishing village, Galaxidi is located below the oracle of Mount Parnassus and Delphi. It is one of the most picturesque villages as the natural beauty has been preserved despite the passage of time.
This village still houses the marble decorations and facades of the palatial house that were owned by the wealthiest captains of the olden times. Leave worries behind as the smell of salt and sea envelops the visitors.
Delphi
A small village, Delphi is located on the southern side of Mount Parnassus. It has various tourist attractions and provides spectacular views of the sea and the valley. Enjoy a postcard view of the village through the different viewpoints found at various hotels and restaurants.
Explore the village and shop at the local stalls to find handicrafts and other souvenirs for the trip.
Corinth
Corinth is known worldwide for its canal, which is a 6-kilometre-long waterway that connected the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea.
It is the closest Peloponnesian city to the mainland. Corinth houses the Temple of Apollo in the archaeological area of the city that was built in 550 BC.
You can opt for a 30-45 minute cruise through the canal to experience this marvel that also serves lunch and drinks depending on the time of the cruise.
Tickets for a group tour from Athens can be booked here. If you’re looking for a private tour, this tour includes a private cruise if you’re not keen on just looking at the canal from a viewpoint.
Katakolon
One of the main ports in the Peloponnese, Katakolon is where most cruise ships will dock for the day on a Mediterranean cruise. Olympia is located about a hour away from here.
If you’re staying in the area or do not wish to visit Olympia there’s many things to do here in Katakolon. There’s stunning beaches like Plakes and the Agios Andreas beach, take a walk down the promenade and enjoy some seafood at one of the many bars by the sea.
In short, have a relaxing time here; worth it if its peak summer and you’d rather not walk for a couple of hours at Olympia.
A visit to Olympia might seem like a historical tour. But it is much more than that coupled with the beauty of the countryside.
Alongwith Corinth and the Peloponnese area, this is quite an offbeat getaway enjoyable for all ages with archaeological sites, landscapes and food.
FAQs for Things to do in Olympia
What to bring to Olympia Greece?
Carry a bottle of water, hat, sunscreen and a packet of tissues, as many sites do not have shade. Remember to wear comfortable pair of shoes, as there will be a lot of walking.
Are there beaches in Olympia Greece?
No there are no beaches in Olympia however Katakolon is located about an hour away from Olympia and has beautiful beaches such as Kourouta beach and Plakes beach.
What is the ticket price for the archaeological sites and museums?
The full ticket price is 12 €, which includes the Archaeological Site of Olympia, Archaeological Museum of Olympia, Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity and Museum of the History of the Excavations in Olympia.
Where to eat in Olympia, Greece?
Traditional Greek cuisine is delicious owing to the high-quality ingredients that are traditional to the Mediterranean diet. Try these recipes at Taverna The Garden, Symposio Taverna, Taverna Orestis and Ambrosia Garden.
Award-winning Analyst, multi-nominated digital content creator and photographer Lavina Dsouza's words capture stories about culture and tradition mainly through its food and people. She has written and contributed to publications such as The Washington Post, Lonely Planet and Matador Network, to name a few. She is the editor of UntraditionalHumans.com, a non-profit created to share inspiring stories from women of colour who break free from traditions and choose happiness.
She's also a speaker passionate about DEI and champions solo travel. She has collaborated with numerous renowned brands such as Intrepid Travel, TripAdvisor, Travel and Leisure and Adobe, to name a few.
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