olympia greece day trip

THE 10 BEST Olympia Tours & Excursions

Olympia tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Walking Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 4-Day Classical Greece Tour: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora

2. 3-Day Classical Greece Tour: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Nafplion, Olympia, Delphi

3. Half Day Olympia Private Tour

4. Ancient Olympia full day private tour from Athens

5. Katakolon Shore Excursion: Premium Skip-the-Lines Olympia & Free Olive Oil Tasting Tour

6. Ancient Olympia Half-Day Tour from Katakolo Cruise Port

7. Private Katakolon Excursion to Ancient Olympia, Winery and Beach

8. Katakolon Shore Excursion: Ancient Olympia Plus Honey Farm & Olive Oil Tasting

9. Katakolon 7hour tour : Olympia-Honey Farm-Winery-Beach

10. Small group Katakolon to Olympia tour

11. Excursion to Olympia Archeological Site from Zante

12. Ancient Olympia full day private tour from Athens

13. Small Group Tour of Ancient Olympia and Local Food Tasting

14. Day tour to Ancient Olympia,Kaiadas,Temple of Apollo,Ancient Sparta and Mycenae

15. 4 hour Katakolon shore excursion (Olympia - Winery - Beach)

16. Olympia - Half day Tour

17. ANCIENT OLYMPIA : Private Day Trip with Luxury Car from Athens Up to 10 Hours

18. Ancient Olympia & Kourouta Beach - All Included Tour

19. 4-Day Greece Highlights Tour: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora

20. 4 Day Private Tour, Mycenae, Nafplio, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora

21. Private Ancient Olympia tour with a pickup

22. 2 Day Private Tour in Delphi, Ancient Olympia and Nafpaktos town

23. Ancient Olympia/ Ancient Corinth private tour from Athens/ Nafplio (up 12 hours)

24. Ancient Olympia: Archaeological Site and Museum Refundable Ticket

25. Ancient Olympia Shore Excursion with traditional lunch

26. Half-Day Ancient Olympia VR Audio Tour from Katakolo Cruise Port

27. 5-Day Best of Peloponnese Private Tour: Nafplio/Olympia/Mycenae/Epidaurus/more

28. 8 Days Peloponnese: Sightseeing, Historical & Tasting Private Tour from Athens

29. Ancient Olympia (birth place of Olympic Games) & Corinth Canal, Private Day Tour

30. 11 Day Private Tour in Zakynthos, Mykonos, Delos, Santorini

What travelers are saying.

• 4-Day Classical Greece Tour: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora
• Ancient Olympia Half-Day Tour from Katakolo Cruise Port
• 3-Day Classical Greece Tour: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Nafplion, Olympia, Delphi
• Half Day Olympia Private Tour
• Olympia - Half day Tour
• Olympic Day Tours by Niki Vlachou
• Olympia Guided Tours by Elena
• Katakolon Private Tours Olympia Shore Excursions by Mamousis
• Olympic Traveller
• Olympia Back In Time
• Katakolon Taxi
• Taxi Katakolo

How to visit Olympia Greece – Complete Guide

Steeped in the echoes of ancient glory, a visit to Ancient Olympia in Greece is a journey back in time, where the spirit of the Olympic Games first ignited.

Nestled in the verdant landscape of the Peloponnese, this archaeological marvel resonates with the footsteps of athletes and the enthusiasm of spectators from antiquity.

Revered as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the site exudes a profound sense of history and cultural significance.

As you walk through the sacred grounds, imagine the grandeur of the ancient stadium, where athletic prowess and camaraderie take center stage.

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Table of Contents

How to visit Olympia Greece

A short history — what is olympia best known for.

The 2020 Olympic Summer Games in Tokyo had an estimated viewership of 3.05 billion people, almost 40% of the world population. If you’d like to visit the place where it all started, you should definitely drop by Ancient Olympia.

Despite its name, Olympia is on the western side of the Peloponnese peninsula, far away from Mount Olympus. The tomb of King Pelops, the guy after which the peninsula was named (i.e., Pelops’ Island), forms a central part of Olympia’s founding myth.

What started as a focal point for the peninsula’s inhabitants developed into a Panhellenic center, a lighthouse of unity and shared identity for Greeks all over the ancient world.

The site’s history is way too long and complex to be covered in this short article, so I’ll share only a few highlights, enough to pique your interest in visiting it.

The first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC, and the last recorded competitions were in 393 AD, that is, until its modern resurrection in 1896 AD.

Unlike today’s competitions, the Games were held every four years in the same place, Olympia, and they became a point of reference for the people of the time. For example, someone would say they were born in the 1 st year of the 5 th Olympiad, an Olympiad representing the four-year period between two successive games.

The periodic events were so significant that wars stopped during the Games, so people could travel and participate unimpeded. Same as today, the different states used the competitions to instill a nationalistic fervor among their subjects—it was a less destructive way to soothe grievances.

Any free Greek male could participate in the Games, and successful athletes became stars, not unlike their contemporary peers.

Unsurprisingly, when money and politics mixed, skullduggery was inevitable. For instance, a famous athlete named Sodates won the competition as a representative of his native island of Crete. Next time, however, being bribed by the Ephesians, he participated and claimed victory for his new patrons; uproar followed the controversial deal. Eventually, Sodates was banished by his Cretan countrymen—I guess the bribe was large enough to afford him a lavish lifestyle elsewhere.

Over 1000 years of being the sporting and cultural center of the Greek world left its mark on the site. At its peak, there were circa 760 buildings and monuments, many ruins testifying to their former grandeur.

Follow in the footsteps of superstars of old and discover the magical archeological site of Ancient Olympia.

Is Olympia Greece worth visiting?

Definitely yes! The large archeological site is well-maintained, offering a window to one of human history’s most famous sporting venues.

How to get from Athens to Olympia?

Ancient Olympia is around 300 km southwest of Athens.

There are two options to get there: by car or bus ; either way, you are looking forward to a 4-hour long trip (8 hours round trip).

If you are planning to rent a car, do it ahead of time, especially when traveling in peak season.  Discover Cars  is a great aggregator that will help you find and book the best option for your trip, helping you  save up to 70% on your car rental . Get the best offer here!

If you choose to go by car, the drive is easy, mostly on highways (A8 and A7)—only the last 100km is on a national road (1-lane road).

While using national roads is free of charge, the highways are paid. You’ll pass through toll gates regularly, where you can pay by cash or debit/credit card—the total amount will add up to circa 12 euros for a one-way trip.

Read also : Driving in Greece – Your Complete Guide

Still, driving for 8 hours to get there and back can be tiresome, so you should consider spending the night in Olympia before returning to Athens—several hotels are available.

If you prefer to wrap up everything in one day, consider leaving Athens early so that you have time to enjoy Olympia before returning.

Alternatively, the more convenient option is to book a guided tour , including a bus trip. This way, you can rest on the journey, make the best of your Olympia visit, and still be back in Athens at the end of the day.

Book your ancient Olympia tour from Athens

Another great option is to book an excursion with a private taxi .

Where is Ancient Olympia

Address : Archaia Olympia 270 65, Greece on the western side of Peloponnese

How to get to Olympia from a port?

If you are visiting Greece on a cruise ship and want to go on a day trip to Ancient Olympia, the closest port will be the Katakolon Port .

You can either book a trip on the ship or book a Roundtrip Transfer to Ancient Olympia ahead of time.

The trip is around 40 minutes one-way, and the cost of the public bus ticket is very similar to the private transfers.

How do you spend a day in Olympia, Greece?

Simply put, you should visit three different places in Olympia: the modern town, the archeological museum, and the archeological site .

We visited by car, so after spending several hours in the car, the first thing we did was stroll through the streets of the modern town of Olympia, looking for a place to eat.

The main street is lined by tourist shops, restaurants, and cafes, so there is a large enough variety to choose from.

We decided on a traditional Greek place, having two large plates of tasty gyros.

Refreshed and energized, we were ready to explore the archeological site.

We acquired the entry tickets at the entrance, which were also valid for the museum. They cost 12 euros per adult and were free for the baby ; you can pay by cash or card.

Or you can book your ticket ahead of time . We recommend doing so especially if you travel during the peak season (May to early September). As we visited in late September there were no crowds, but there were still plenty of people.

Book your Archaeological Site & Museum E-Ticket & Audio Guide here!

Book Your Self-Guided Virtual Reality Tour of Olympia

Given its long history, the UNESCO World Heritage site contains ruins from different periods: Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman. I’ll try to list some of the more important ones.

The Prytaneion

In the northern part of the site, you’ll find the Prytaneion .

Typically, the prytaneion was the seat of the executive branch in Greek city-states, the equivalent of the White House in modern-day Washington or Whitehall in London.

However, in the case of Olympia, it was the building where the officials and the winners of the Games met.

The Philippeion

The Philippeion was a circular memorial monument dedicated to Philip II of Macedon’s family.

In ancient times, it contained ivory and gold statues of three generations of the Argead dynasty: King Amyntas and Queen Eurydice, their son, Philip, and his wife, Olympias, and their grandson, Alexander the Great.

This family left its mark on the world, their larger-than-life exploits (and dysfunctions) being remembered to this day (e.g., the historically inaccurate but otherwise entertaining 2004 movie starring Colin Farell, Angelina Jolie, Val Kilmer, and Anthony Hopkins, among others).

To the south of the Philippeion— and beyond the treasuries of the various city-states—you’ll find the Metroon , an ancient Greek temple dedicated to a mother goddess.

The Echo Stoa

The Echo Stoa , a once-covered public walkway used as a sort of bazaar, lies to the east. Its name, echo , reflects its former acoustic qualities; it is said that one spoken word would echo seven times.

Further to the east lies the hippodrome and later stadium ; the site was a sporting venue, after all.

Another covered walkway was the South Stoa that passes by the remains of the Council Chamber, or bouleuterion .

The western part contains the wrestling grounds , the so-called palaestra .

Close by was the gymnasion , a training facility used by the athletes, hence the modern name of the gym. What few gym goers realize today is that the term gymnos means naked, for the ancients used to train without clothes on. So when you say, “I am going to the gym,” it literally means, “I am going to the (place with) naked people.”

All the participating athletes had to stay somewhere during the Games; that place was the Leonidaion , in the southwestern part of the site. One Leonidas of Naxos funded and designed it, hence the name.

Last but not least, ancient Olympia was known for housing one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Statue of Zeus .

The statue was lost and destroyed during the early Middle Ages under unclear circumstances, but we possess eyewitness accounts of its grandeur.

It was a giant seated figure made of ivory plates and gold panels mounted on a wooden structure. The statue was realized by Phidias around 435 BC in the workshop situated on the western side of the archeological site.

The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is near the archaeological site of Olympia, and it houses an extensive collection of works of art, weapons, pottery, and other interesting pieces covering 1000 years of history from the archaic times up to the late Roman period.

Opening Hours

High Season (April – Oct): Daily, 8:00 – 20:00 Low Season (Nov – March): Daily, 8:30 – 15:30 Last Admission: 15′ before closing time

1 January: closed 25 March: closed Good Friday: 12:00-17:00 Holy Saturday: 8:00-15:00 1 May: closed Easter Sunday: closed 25 December: closed 26 December: closed

Can you visit the Statue of Zeus at Olympia?

Unfortunately, the wondrous monument has not survived; it was probably destroyed in the 5 th or 6 th century AD.

According to one account, it was moved to Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire (a.k.a. the Byzantine Empire), where it was later destroyed during a fire or earthquake.

Alternatively, it was suggested that the ivory statue of Zeus was destroyed on the orders of Emperor Theodosius II in an effort to wipe out all traces of pre-Christian monuments.

When to visit

We visited in late September.

Despite being autumn, the weather was warm and we had to rest in the shade a few times, especially since I carried our little baby in one of those frontal bags.

I can only imagine the sweltering heat of July and August. Thus, the best time to visit is in late April to early June or late September to early October.

If, however, you choose to go during the peak season, make sure to bring a lot of water. You will need it!

What to bring

A fulfilling visit to Olympia would include a lot of walking under the open sky. So, make sure to wear comfy shoes, light-colored clothes, and a sun hat (or umbrella in case of cloudy weather).

In addition, you should pack a bottle of water since there are understandably no stores inside the archeological site.

Lastly, charge your phone or camera; you’ll encounter plenty of Instagramable spots.

Where to stay in Olympia, Greece

If you are traveling from Athens and choose to stay the night, here are our top 3 picks for staying in Ancient Olympia.

Hotel Europa Olympia – a top-rated hotel with a swimming pool, within walking distance of the city center. See more here!

Anesi Rooms To Rent – a nice family-run hotel located 750 metres from the Archaeological Site and Museum of Ancient Olympia. See availability and prices here!

Prytanio – cozy rooms within walking distance to the restaurants and archeological site. See more here!

PIN FOR LATER!

Ingrid & Alex

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Discover Olympia, Mycenae and Delphi on a 3-days tour, from 320€

READ NEXT: The Philippieion, a circular temple

The Philippieion, a circular temple

READ NEXT: The Stadium, where the Olympic Games used to take place

The Stadium, where the Olympic Games used to take place

Discover Olympia, Mycenae and Delphi on a 3-days tour, from 320€

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Find out everything about your trip in Olympia on our travel guide! Olympia is among the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Located on the western side of Peloponnese, this was the place where the first ancient Olympic Games took place. These games were held to honor the god Zeus and included a series of athletic competitions with representatives of all the Greek city-states. It was a great honor for a city-state to give birth to Olympic winners, whose only prize was an olive branch. Interesting sights in Olympia Greece are the Ancient Stadium, the temples of Zeus and Hera, the palaestra and the workshop of Phidias. During your holidays in Olympia, do not also miss a visit to the Archaeological Museum with impressive exhibits.

Dreaming of visiting Olympia? Find out how to get there and some amazing photos !!

Sightseeing (10)

Things To Do (4)

Eat & Drink (6)

OUR TRAVEL SERVICES IN OLYMPIA

MORE ABOUT OLYMPIA GREECE

One of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, Olympia is located on the western side of Peloponnese. This was the place where the ancient Olympic Games were organized and this is why an entire sanctuary to god Zeus was constructed next to the athletic installations to honor the gods before the beginning of the games. The spirit of the ancient Olympic Games inspired their revival in modern times. Next to the ancient site is a traditional village with lush greenery and many tourist facilities.

One of the most important archaeological sites of Greece, Olympia is located on the western side of Peloponnese, in mainland Greece. This was the place that gave birth to the ancient Olympic Games, where all Greek city-states would send their representatives. The Olympic Games were suspended in 394 AD by the Byzantine emperor Theodosius as a pagan ritual. They started again many centuries later, in 1896, after the idea of the French baron Pierre de Coubertin. The most characteristic sights of Olympia Greece are the Ancient Stadium, the temples of Zeus and Hera and certainly the Archaeological Museum, with impressive exhibits and findings from excavations in the region. Things to do in the region include hiking and cycling.

PHOTOS OF OLYMPIA / SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Explore Olympia Greece through the lens of the talented members on Greeka community . Share your experience with us or tag us #greekacom on your favorite social media.

HIGHLIGHTS: BEST THINGS TO DO

Discover the best things to do in Olympia! From Olympia sightseeing to activities, we give you the best recommendations for the ultimate Olympia holidays experience!

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How to Go From Athens to Ancient Olympia On a Perfect Day Trip

• Last Updated on: Jan 19, 2024
• Read Time 7 mins
• Published: Aug 25, 2020

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A day trip from Athens to Ancient Olympia might not be one of the first activities that come to mind when visiting the Greek capital.

However, even though Ancient Olympia is undoubtedly a less popular destination among some international travelers, it really is a must for those that are intrigued by the rich history of ancient Greece and who want to witness one of the most extraordinary historical places.

Located on the western coast of the Peloponnese, Ancient Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the location where this tradition came to life nearly three thousand years ago.

Its historical significance and marvelous natural beauty will make a day trip from Athens to Olympia one to remember from your next vacation in Greece.

What Is Olympia Greece Famous For?

Olympia is most known for being the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the home of the famous stadium where this longstanding tradition made its first appearance.

The Olympic Games, however, were much more than an athletic competition. Ancient Olympia was one of the most important religious sanctuaries in the country.

In fact, the Olympic Games themselves were part of broader religious festivities that were held in honor of Zeus and Pelops – the mythical king of Olympia.

Pilgrims would visit ancient Olympia every four years to worship the Olympian Gods and watch the games. It is said that for the duration of the festivals, the wars and conflicts throughout Greece would cease to respect what was later named the Olympic peace.

Is It Worth Going to Olympia Greece for a Day Trip?

Olympia is a great option for those who want to delve into the country’s rich history by visiting one of the most significant locations of ancient Greece, the place where the Olympic Games used to take place.

It’s also great for those who want to spend time in peace and quiet while on holiday in Greece.

You can find a lot of destinations for a day trip from Athens, but a day trip to ancient Olympia is really unique because it combines ancient antiquities, fascinating ruins, charming little villages, sandy shores, and beautiful landscapes.

Best Day Trips From Athens To: Ancient Sites – Islands – Towns

The Peloponnese region is especially known for its natural beauty that combines mountainous landscapes with a long coastline and it’s an ideal place to get a feel of what life in rural Greece is like while escaping the more touristy destinations.

Getting to Ancient Olympia from Athens

The Peloponnese region generally is not very well connected with mainland Greece.

Nevertheless, this should not prevent you from planning an amazing day trip from Athens to Olympia.

Below, you will find all the information you need on how to get to Olympia and our recommendations for the best way to do it.

How Far Is Ancient Olympia From Athens?

The distance between the city center of Athens and the town of Olympia is approximately 300 kilometers (or about 186 miles ).

Getting from downtown Athens to ancient Olympia by car would take about 3,5 hours, depending on the traffic.

Athens to Olympia by Car

Whether you are planning to rent a car in Athens or drive your own car to reach Olympia, it is certainly the fastest way to get there. Besides, traveling by car will also allow you to visit some wonderful locations.

There are two ways you can reach Ancient Olympia from Athens by car.

• The highway connects Athens, Corinth, Patra, and Pyrgos. Olympia is located very close to Pyrgos and you will have no problems getting there by following the signs. This one is the fastest route. The highway is relatively well-maintained. The journey will take around 3,5 hours .
• The highway connects Athens, Corinth, Tripoli, and Arcadia. If you choose to take this route, make sure to follow the signs and exit the highway just before you reach the end. This option will take you on a longer journey (about 5 hours ) since the road is not great, but the scenic views you can witness along the way are definitely worth it. If you have the time, you can also stop at Epidaurus and Mycenae.

Athens to Olympia by Bus

You can also travel from Athens to Ancient Olympia by bus. Local buses (or KTELs as they are called in Greece) depart from the bus terminal named Kifissos.

Unfortunately, Kifissos is not very easy to reach. You must take a taxi or a bus from the city center. Read our detailed guide on how to get around Athens to learn more.

Buses between Athens and Olympia usually run twice a day (yet we advise that you check the schedules beforehand) and the trip lasts a little less than 6 hours .

Athens to Ancient Olympia With a Guided Tour

Booking a guided, small-group, or private tour is unquestionably the best and most comfortable way to get to Olympia without driving or riding the bus.

There are plenty of options for guided tours to Ancient Olympia.

In addition, your guide will provide you with historical and cultural insight into Olympia’s ancient sites and interesting tidbits about the locations you will see along the way, such as the famous Corinth Canal.

Things to Do and See in Ancient Olympia

A day trip from Athens to ancient Olympia is most definitely worth your time. It’s a unique place where history really comes to life.

Despite its small size, there are quite a few things to do and see in Olympia and some fascinating places nearby.

Here are our recommendations for the best things to do while on a day trip to Olympia:

See the original Olympic Stadium

Where else would you start? After all, seeing the stadium where the Olympic Games first started is probably one of the main reasons you visit Ancient Olympia.

Apart from marveling at the site that gave birth to a massive worldwide event, you can also try your luck at running on the tracks where the ancient Greeks used to run.

Explore the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games

This museum might not be getting the recognition it deserves but it’s an excellent choice for those that want to dig a bit deeper into the history of the Olympic Games.

It features many antiquities, paintings, and mosaics that narrate the event’s origins and its religious and cultural importance for ancient Greeks.

Visit the archaeological site of Olympia

Apart from the famous stadium, the archaeological site of Olympia has many other attractions. Here you will find the studio of Phidias, one of the most famous architects of ancient Greece, the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the gymnasium where athletes trained before the big event, and other important ancient ruins.

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia

This museum houses all the important artifacts and relics that were found on the archaeological site, including large parts of the Temple of Zeus that remain intact to this day.

The Archaeological Museum of Olympia ( check opening hours and price tickets ) is widely considered one of the country’s most fascinating museums.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Ancient Olympia?

Tourists visit Ancient Olympia throughout the year. However, we recommend planning your trip to Olympia in spring or summer.

This way, you will most probably avoid any chances of rain. The most famous attractions of ancient Olympia, like the stadium and the archaeological site, are outdoors.

Plus, traveling in good weather will make the trip much more enjoyable, as you can stop and enjoy the countryside of the Peloponnese along the way.

We are certain that a day trip from Athens to Olympia will be one of the highlights of your next vacation in Athens.

Your itinerary should not miss its magnificent views, ruins, and history.

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7 Best Things To Do Around Olympia, Birthplace Of The Olympic Games

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Aficionados of Greece will know that as well as containing many ancient and historically important sites, the country is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. They originated in Ancient Olympia from the 8 th century B.C. to the 4 th century A.D., held every 4 years before being banned by the Roman emperor Theodosius I in order to promote Christianity. It wasn’t until 1896 that they were reborn in Athens by Frenchman Baron Pierre de Coubertin.

The ancient Olympic sports included running, long jump, shot put, javelin, equestrian events, and boxing, and athletes competed naked as a tribute to Zeus to show their muscular physique and physical power. Women were not allowed to take part in the Olympics until as late as 1900.

Alas, earthquakes have taken their toll over the years, and not much remains of the actual site itself, but this destination on the Western Peloponnese mainland of the Greece peninsula is worth visiting to see what does remain such as the track itself where you can imagine the crowds cheering, the gymnasium, and Temple of Hera, among other points of interest.

The small town of Olympia itself has a long street laden with flags of most of the nations that now take part, along with many tourist shops and tavernas to choose from. Take some time to visit the site before exploring Olympia to discover what else there is to do in the wider area.

1. See The Lighting Of The Olympic Flame

If there’s one reason to hold off your visit to Ancient Olympia until the year of the Olympic Games, the ancient torch-lighting ceremony is it. Several months before the games commence, wherever their location in the world, the Olympic Flame is lit during a ceremony at the Temple of Hera — Queen of the Greek Gods — at the Ancient Olympic site by 11 women dressed as Vestal Virgins using a special reflective mirror that generates the sun’s energy to eventually create a flame — as in ancient times.

The torch then travels around Greece by a runner — a great honor for this person — until it reaches the Olympic Stadium in Athens. From here the flame is relayed worldwide, culminating at the destination of the Olympic Games just in time to light the Olympic Cauldron, lit during the Opening Ceremony, burning throughout the Games, and extinguished at the Closing Ceremony.

To experience this unique piece of history is a must if you can time your visit to Greece just right, in an Olympic year.

2. Nemouta Falls

17 miles from ancient olympia.

About 17 miles from Ancient Olympia brings you to the small village of Nemouta. Unknown to many, about 30 waterfalls can be found in this forest of plain and fruit trees and dense foliage along the Erymanthos river. The river cuts through two regions of the Peloponnese — Ilia and Arcadia — and makes for stunning hiking scenery. Persist in trying to find the area as it’s worth it, especially as a day away from the heat of the Peloponnese beaches.

3. Temple Of Apollo Epicurius

39 miles from ancient olympia.

There’s more than one ancient site in the region of Ancient Olympia, although admittedly that may be the most popular. Head into the mountains of Arcadia near the Bassae region of the Peloponnese and you’ll come to the small village of Abeliona. Base yourself here at the unique Abelonia Retreat , a mountainous lodge with roaring log fires and any number of relaxation or strenuous activities on offer. Head out to explore the ageless village of the same name, untouched by time, as you wander the traditional cobbled streets and stone houses surrounded by a chestnut forest.

7 miles from the retreat — either a 2.5-hour hike or 15-minute car journey — sits another undiscovered ancient wonder: the UNESCO-protected Temple of Apollo Epicurius, otherwise referred to as the Parthenon of the Peloponnese. It is thought to have been designed by one of the architects of the Parthenon in Athens.

It’s dedicated to Apollo, God of Healing, as myth has it that during his time, he helped the residents of the region overcome a great plague, prefixing it with the name “Epicurius” which means “the one who helps or cures.” Some also speculate that the temple slides 50.2 seconds of a degree every year in order to constantly face the star Sirius, the birthplace of Apollo.

Either way, the location amongst the forest of this under-visited UNESCO site is beautiful and well worth visiting.

4. Thermal Baths And Lake Of Kaiafas

12 miles south of ancient olympia.

Another underrepresented destination in international tourism is the thermal baths and lake of Kaiafas. Greeks flock to this location in the western Peloponnese region known as Zacharo in the summer months to relax and kick back, and you should too.

The baths themselves are formed from a hot spring bubbling to the surface in a cave at the foot of Mount Lapitha, containing a significant amount of minerals and sulfur with healing properties. 

Aside from the spa, the area of Kaiafas has a glorious ecosystem at Lake Kaiafas.

Formed in the 6 th century A.D. after a series of extensive earthquakes, the lake spreads out over 400 acres and is approximately 6.5 feet deep. There’s a small island in the middle on which sits the church of St. Catherine — you could say that Lake Kaiafas is a smaller version of Lake Bled in Slovenia.

Mount Lapaitha sits dominates the eastern shore and forms vertical cliffs where you’ll also find two small caves to explore, plus the area is surrounded by pine forest, perfect for walking and hiking.

As it’s only a very short distance away from Olympia, be sure to make this a stop on your Ancient Olympia itinerary.

5. Wine Tour Of Ktima Bridziki Estate

In ancient olympia.

Although the lands around Ancient Olympia are very fertile, making for perfect wine-growing country, there aren’t nearly as many vineyards as there are, say, in the Peloponnese region of Nemea very near the old Greek capital of Nafplio .

Apparently, the reason is that to cultivate a vineyard for many years takes a lot of commitment, and with the economic crisis and the blessing of having such fertile lands, many people in this area of Greece with land chose to alternate their crops yearly to match the economic needs of the market — fruits, vegetables, etc. — with the added bonus of not needing nearly as much tending.

That’s why coming across and visiting the winery and vineyard of Ktima Bridziki is, indeed, a unique opportunity.

A family estate established in 1994, Bridziki runs entirely with a zero footprint (e.g. using solar and geothermal energy to cultivate their land). Indigenous to the lands around Olympia is the Tinatorogos grape, old enough to be mentioned by Homer in the Iliad and which is used to make one of the many wines created here.

Bridziki’s signature wine is the Diapyros. There are only 2,400 bottles of this, cultivated from the grapes left over after a devastating fire in the region decimated most of the vines in 2007. Making the best of this, the Diapyros wine was invented with a unique handmade label of real gold. No two labels are the same, and each features a phoenix rising from the flames, intended to signify that it will never die — always rise.

This particular wine is not for sale, and you won’t find it listed on their website. It’s only sold by collectors, and the estate gifts it on occasion to dignitaries.

6. Rack Rail From Diakopto To Kalavryta

98 miles north of ancient olympia.

Moving a little further afield now and for a unique opportunity to explore the Peloponnese countryside without having to hike is to drive approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to the village of Dikopto. Whilst there’s not a lot in the actual village itself, it’s the embarkation point of the small “rack and rail” train journey that takes you through the Gorge of Vouraikos and the village of Zachlorou until you disembark in Kalavryta 14 miles later.

A rack and rail is a term used for a cog railway. As the incline can be very steep at times — climbing from sea level to 2,360 feet over a 17.5 percent gradient — the wheels of the train are made of cogs, meshing into the track to help it climb.

The journey time only takes about 1 hour through the spectacular Vouraikos Gorge with intermediate stops to enjoy the monastery — one of the oldest in Greece — and caves at Mega Spileo plus, of course, the village of Kalavryta at the end. It’s worthwhile visiting the old school of Kalavryta to learn about and see how it commemorates one of the worst WWII atrocities on Greek soil — where German troops rounded up 1,500 men aged 14 years and above into the school and set fire to it. All in all, for history and unique beauty, the “rack rail” is worth it.

7. Fishing Port Of Galaxidi

130 miles north of ancient olympia.

Moving further afield now, head to Patra in the northern Peloponnese, cross the world’s longest multi-span Rio Antirio bridge (an attraction in itself), and drive to the fishing port of Galaxidi, where the stunning mountainous landscape gives way to a port of colorful captains’ mansions and cobbled streets. This is Galaxidi which makes for a popular weekend destination for Athenians, and many have second homes here.

Aside from relaxing by the waterfront at one of the many tavernas, Galaxidi is famous for its flour wars held every Clean Monday — the first day of the 40 days of Lent in the Orthodox calendar before Easter. The flour wars have been going on since the mid-19 th century. The point of this rather bizarre “celebration” is rather similar to the English expression “paint the town red,” hence people come together to paint the village with colorful flour. It’s rooted in history during Ottoman rule when celebration was strictly forbidden, but the locals decided to risk their lives by using ash to definitely paint their faces, making them unrecognizable so they could celebrate in the streets.

Nowadays the celebration starts at midday when people bring sacks of colored flour and start throwing left, right, and center.

Enjoy your time in this unique region of Greece.

For more on Greece , explore these articles:

• 7 Things That Surprised Me On My First Trip To Greece
• 8 Reasons You’ll Fall In Love With Greece In The Fall
• My 8 Favorite Greek Desserts, And Where To Get Them

She writes for a variety of digital and print travel media including The Telegraph newspaper and various inflight airline magazines including features in European carriers such as Wizz Air and hotel and restaurant reviews for easyJet. Her debut novel, Girl Gone Greek — available from Amazon — has been made into a film script, winning Best Feature Fiction Script at the 2018 London Greek Film Festival and Best Feature Fiction Script at the 2020 Santorini Film Festival.

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Olympia Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Olympia. We've got 319 adventures going to Olympia, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 36 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the largest number of tour departures.

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250+ olympia tour packages with 7,617 reviews.

• Mountain Hikes

Peloponnese and Saronic Islands

• In-depth Cultural

Three Days Classical Tour from Athens: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi

Excellent tour. Our guide Christina had a degree in archaeology, and a ready answer to every question. Hotels and dinners were OK, but lunch stops were mediocre and overpriced.

• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

3 Day Private Tour in Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi with Foof Tasting in Olympia

We had a great time! The bus was comfortable, the driver was friendly and the tour guides (different in each site) were well organized and very informative. The sites are all must-see! The hotels, both in Arachova and Meteora, were clean and cozy. Overall the trip was excellent!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi Three Days Tour from Athens

This was a great tour with go tours. We saw heaps of ancient sites. Maria our guide was a wealth of information...thanks Maria. Costa was the best bus driver. The down side was when we left the main tour after and joined a one day tour on its way back to athes...the bus was unbearably hot at 51 degrees.. by the time we got to athens it had cooled to 37 I would recommend this tour accommodation excellent.

Prehistoric Tour of Greece - 3 days

The tour guide seemed to have significant difficulty explaining the various sites and their history in English. Her phraseology became a joke amongst the tour group.

• Wine tasting

Paradisial Peloponnese (All Inclusive & Guided In-Depth Tour)

Owner and guide were great. Knowledgeable, helpful, experienced.

Greece Historical Tour with Nauplion - 4 Days

This was an excellent tour, bus, drivers and guide (Andronicus) were great, the guide was the best we've had. We went the 'first class' accomodation and it was. The way the tour was organised was really good, plenty of time at attractions in the morning and travel in afternoon was really appreciated in the summer heat. would recommend this tour (and the 5 day inc Meteora) for anyone who wants a good appreciation of Greece.

Spotlight on Greece (4 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Radiant Peloponnese

3 Day Tour in Ancient Peloponnese, Messene, Epikourios Apollon, Olympia

Greece Classic Tour

We really enjoyed our 4 day tour. Our tour guide Thomas was very knowledgeable with Greek history. Our bus driver was very experienced also. The food was wonderful, hotels were exceptional. The one thing we were disappointed, we heard a lot about Greek mythology, being American Christians, we were hoping to hear more about Bible times.

Highlights of Greece

• Food & Culinary

Peloponnese Wine Roads - 4 Days Private/guided/history/culinary

Classic Greece

We were a family of six. My 3 sons whose ages ranged from 17 to 22, my mum 73, my husband and me in a wheelchair. You would think that's a tricky bunch to please. But everyone on the team, Effie, Cassandra and our driver went out of their way to make our six day tour of Greece memorable, informative and lots of fun. Thanks for everything we will treasure the memories.

• Coach / Bus

Best of Greece (Base, Summer, 8 Days)

Our driver (Theo) managed our 48 seater coach extremely well. We are not critical of his driving at all. However, being such a large coach with not a great deal of legroom would not be our choice for style of transportation. Our guide (Athanasia) was outstanding and a font of information both generally and as the local expert guide. We were pleased to have only the one guide throughout the tour as she could draw similarities or differences between locations and historical figures. We would recommend this tour to anyone interested in Greek history.

What people love about Olympia Tours

Tour guide Mr Dimitrious is so well verse in explaining the historical point of the places we visited as if we are there as the events unfolded.

Our driver George made all the difference in the success of the tour.

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Nafplion: Ancient Olympia Tour

The grandeur of the ancient Greek culture unfolds in this corner of the Peloponnese, Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Here you will have the chance to experience the honour, glory and wisdom of the ancient civilization that wooed the world.

To start our tour we will transfer you in a private air-conditioned car to Olympia from Nafplion, for a day trip to one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.

Here you will see the ancient stadium where the Olympic Games took place. The Sanctuary of Zeus, which housed one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, a 13.5-meter golden statue of the god, made by Phidias. The archaeological museum, with outstanding findings and you will see the amazing Hermes of Praxiteles

Continuing on the tour in the surrounding area, you will see buildings and temples that depict the beauty, harmony and balance of ancient Greek art. Olympia is an inexhaustible source of culture and spirit, an experience that really deserves to live in Greece.

At the end of the tour, we will have free time to enjoy a coffee or a meal at the nearby local cafes and restaurants.

Highlights 

• Feel the energy of the ancient stadium where the first Olympic games took place
• Admire the famous and amazing statue of Hermes of Praxiteles
• Relax enjoying a coffee or a meal at the nearby local cafes and restaurants
• Enjoy a luxurious and safe transfer

Includes  

• Return private transportation from Nafplion
• Pick up from your hotel or our meeting point
• Meet a professional licensed guide at the archaeological sites upon request with an extra cost

**Full refund or change of date in case of adverse weather conditions**

RELATED TOURS :

Transfer Athens Airport El.Venizelos to or from Nafplion or Tolo

Nafplion: City Tour

Nafplion: Mycenae - Ancient Corinth and Canal - Epidavros Tour

Nafplion: Sparta - Mystras

Nafplion: Winetasting Tour Nemea

Transfer from Nafplion to Monemvasia and return

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation 10 days before your tour date will be accepted free of charge. If you cancel 10 to 4 days prior to your tour date, you will be charged a cancellation fee of 30% of the total tour price booked. If you cancel 3 days before your tour date or if you are not present at the starting point, you will be charged with a 100% cancellation fee and the entire amount of your tour price booked will be withheld.

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