Olympia

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Ideal duration: 1 - 2 days

Best Time: April to June and September to October Read More

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"Birthplace of the Olympic Games"

Olympia Tourism

Olympia, located in the western Peloponnese, is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is about 250 to 300 km from Athens. Olympia is famous as the place where the Olympic games started. These games were held every four year as celebrations for Zeus.

Ancient Olympia boasts an archaeological site with the remains of the ancient temples of Zeus and Hera, a stadium and archaeological museums. It also housed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a 13-metre-tall statue of Zeus, which is believed to have been destroyed in a fire. The archaeological site sits on an area of around 550 square kilometres and is home to some 70 important monumental ruins. A short walk from Ancient Olympia leads to the inhabited village of Olympia, where tourists can find accommodations, shops and restaurants.

Hiking is a popular activity in Olympia, especially in the regions around the river Alpheios. There are some mountain walks to various viewpoints in the village of Olympia. One can also tour Olympia land Winery (5 minute's walk from Ancient Olympia) to taste wine and enjoy the beautiful scenery with its extensive vineyards. Since there are limited things to do in Olympia, it is mostly visited as a day trip from Athens, which is 4 hours away.

Olympia was chosen in 776 BC to host the Olympic games. To alert people about the commencement of the games, a priest was sent through the country with a torch lit by the sacred flames in the temple of Zeus. Even today, the flame for each Olympiad is lit here the old-fashioned way to be carried to the respective venue of the Games.

Must Know Before You Travel to Olympia

  • Timings: April-October: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, November-March: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Entry Fees:  
    Entry fee for all the attractions in Ancient Olympia, collectively, is 12 Euros which is valid for the whole day. No separate tickets are sold for the attractions.
    Reduced tickets for EU senior citizens, disabled, and students (with valid IDs) are for 6 Euros.
    Tickets are sold at half price from 1 November to 31 March yearly. There are also some free entry days, including every first Sunday from 1 November to 31 March. 
  • Guided Tour: A guided tour of Olympia is both reasonable and time-saving. Some agencies also offer a private tour guided by a certified archaeologist. Booking a day tour from Athens in advance to avoid the last-minute hassle is ideal. 
  • In order to avoid crowds, it is advised to visit the site around 2 to 3 in the afternoon.
  • Getting Around: 
    The main Olympic site is a 20-minute walk away from the village
    No vehicles are permitted inside the ancient site. It is covered entirely on foot
  • Accommodation: Hotels, homestays, and lodges are available at a short walk from the archaeological site, shops, and restaurants
  • There are vending machines available outside the archaeological site for water and other beverages.
  • It is an open air site. Prepare for hot sun and tourist crowds, especially in the summer season.
  • There are clean washrooms in the museums and the archaeological site.

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Shopping in Olympia

Lush green village of ancient Olympia is known for its thyme honey and hence there are plenty of honey shops onsite. There are stores that sell local produce like tomatoes, olives and other citrus fruits along with dairy products such as cheese. The vineyards of Olympia produce sweet, aromatic white and red wines. There are several clothing stores onsite that sell clothes suitable for every season and activity. There are also some jewelry shops dealing in handmade items designed and crafted by greeks. Some souvenir shops sell ideal take away items like clothing, art work, leather goods, handicrafts, keychains, and much more. Most popular souvenirs tourists invest in Olympia are worry beads, olive oil and mati talisman for the evil eye.

Nightlife in Olympia

Olympia is not an ideal place to look for nightlife. There are just a handful of traditional taverns and cafes that serve at night. For a more hip experience one can visit the beach resort of Katakolon which is about a 30 minute drive from the village and offers a few all-night clubs and lounge bars with ecstatic music.

History of Olympia

The ancient Greek sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, ancient Olympia was the centre of sports where Pan-Hellenic Olympic games were held once every four years from 776 BCE to 393 CE. During the 5th century BCE, the sanctuary reached the epitome of prosperity. A huge temple of Zeus was constructed to accommodate the huge gold and ivory statue of the leader of Greek gods. There were other magnificent sculptures like the chariot race between Pelops and Oinomaos and the statue of Apollo, that were displayed on the pediment of the temple.

While some mythological accounts indicate Zeus starting the games to celebrate his victory over Kronos, some credit Pelops for starting them in honour of Oinomaos. The first ever Olympic games were held in 776 BCE, and the first and only game that was listed in the games was the Stadion foot race. The games then continued to expand with time, and plenty of games were added to the list, like chariot racing, javelin, longer foot races, boxing, and wrestling. There was even an important event held at Olympia every four years in honour of the goddess Hera that was named Heraia Games for women. Under the rule of Emperor Theodosius I, the games saw a decline in the end of 393 CE due to the prohibition on pagan festivals.

Suggested Itinerary for Olympia

Spend half a day exploring the Archaeological museum and site of ancient Olympia. Explore the peaceful town of modern Olympia in the remaining time.

With one extra day, explore the Venetian town of Nafplio, Homer’s Mycenae and the sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus. Alternatively, visit the lakes of Polylimnio, Navarino, and Ancient Messene.

Best Time to Visit Olympia

How to Reach Olympia

How to Reach Overview

To reach Olympia from Athens, travelers can choose from various modes of transportation, each offering a unique experience. One can reach olympia from Athens by train, by road, or by water. The most common and efficient way is by taking a train. Greece has a well-developed railway system, and the train journey from Athens to Olympia provides picturesque views of the countryside.

How to reach Olympia by road

To reach Olympia from Athens by cab or car, embark on a scenic journey that takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, covering a distance of around 330 kilometers. Opting for a taxi offers the convenience of a direct, door-to-door transfer. Taxis are readily available in Athens, and you can negotiate a fare with the driver or ensure the meter is used. Alternatively, renting a car provides flexibility, allowing you to explore en route. The route involves taking the A8 highway towards Patras and then connecting to the E65 towards Pyrgos. Along the way, enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Peloponnese region. Taxi fares can vary, but the approximate cost for a one-way trip from Athens to Olympia by cab ranges between €250 to €300. It is advisable to confirm the current rates and factor in any tolls or additional charges for a seamless and comfortable journey.

How to reach Olympia by train

The Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE) operates the train services, with comfortable options available. Begin your adventure at Athens' main railway station, Larissa Station, which serves as a transportation hub for various destinations. Board a train heading towards Pyrgos, the closest town to Olympia with a railway connection. The journey typically takes around three to four hours, allowing you to relax and enjoy the unfolding countryside views. Upon reaching Pyrgos, which is approximately 40 kilometers from Olympia, consider taking a local bus or a taxi to complete the final leg of your trip.

How to reach Olympia by bus

Traveling from Athens to Olympia by bus is a convenient and scenic option for those seeking to explore the ancient site. Several intercity bus services, notably KTEL, operate on this route. Start by checking the bus schedules at the Athens KTEL Bus Terminal, typically located at Kifissou Street. Buses departing from this terminal offer comfortable journeys with a range of departure times. The journey to Olympia takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, providing passengers with picturesque views of the Greek countryside. Ticket costs may vary, but as of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the average one-way fare was around €20 to €25.

How to reach Olympia by waterways

To reach Olympia from Athens by waterways, one can embark on a scenic journey that involves ferry travel. Begin your voyage at the bustling Piraeus Port in Athens, where ferries regularly depart for various Greek islands and mainland destinations. Choose a ferry route that includes a stop at the nearby port of Kyllini, which serves as the gateway to Olympia. The ferry ride offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, making the journey a delightful part of the adventure. Once you arrive in Kyllini, ground transportation options, such as buses or taxis, are available to take you to the ancient site of Olympia.

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Olympia
Stadium at Olympia,Olympa,Greece
Temple of Zeus, Olympia, Greece
Temple of Hera, Olympia, Greece

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