Ancient Olympia Half-Day Tour from Katakolo Cruise Port

Katakolo , Greece

Ancient Olympia Half-Day Tour from Katakolo Cruise Port

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About this experience

Drive through the scenic and beautiful landscape of the Peloponnese Peninsula to reach the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Admire the emblematic temples and athletic facilities and feel the era of the ancient classical period. Visit the modern Village of Olympia for shopping, traditional Greek food and refreshments.

Save time and money with our fast drive to Olympia. For your convenience and comfort departures just outside the cruise Terminal of Katakolo.

Available options

Ancient Olympia Half-Day Tour from Katakolo Cruise Port

What's included

English-speaking staff and drivers

Roundtrip transportation

Tolls and taxes

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Fresh of your cruise ship just 2 min away from the Katakolo cruise Terminal meet our multilingual staff and start your adventure to explore the birth place of the Olympic Games.

We need approx. 1 hour to reach Ancient Olympia

Olympia, a sanctuary of ancient Greece in Elis on the Peloponnese peninsula, is known for hosting the Olympic Games in classical times. Join us in reliving the wonder and thrill of the original Olympic Games, which were held from 776 BC. to 393 AD. as you explore the ruins of the great monuments.

Enter the famous archaeological site of Olympia and marvel at the Temple of Hera, in front of which burns the Olympic Flame during modern day Olympic Games. See the Temple of Zeus, which once housed the Golden and Ivory statue of Zeus (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) and the original Stadium and Bouleuterion, monuments unlike any other, where once competitors swore an oath to conform to the rules.

We stay at Ancient Olympia 3 hours when you can visit the Archeological Sites and the modern village of Olympia for shopping, souvenirs, lunch and snacks.

Stop 3 Pass by

Then we head back to Katakolo village ( 60-min ride back) where you can stroll around the picturesque little port, swim at the nearby beach, shop at the local shops or head directly back to the cruise ship.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Licensed tour guide in the monuments

Ancient Olympia

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

151 reviews

5★

100

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.1

76 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Greca Land Travel Agency and Port

Important notes

-Kindly find our office and starting point at Katakolo Port street : Ioanni Latsi 1 Katakolo Greece
Greca Land Travel Agency & Shop

- The departures can be adjusted depending on the times of arrival and departure of the cruise ships

About Katakolo

Katakolo is a charming coastal town in Western Greece, known for its picturesque harbor, beautiful beaches, and proximity to the ancient site of Olympia. This quaint town offers a mix of history, relaxation, and authentic Greek hospitality, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking a blend of culture and coastal beauty.

Top Attractions

Katakolo Harbor

The picturesque harbor of Katakolo is the heart of the town. It's a lively area with cafes, restaurants, and shops, offering stunning views of the sea and the surrounding mountains. The harbor is also a popular spot for watching the sunset.

Historical/Scenic 1-2 hours Free

Ancient Olympia

Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The archaeological site includes the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the ancient stadium, and the Gymnasium. The nearby Archaeological Museum of Olympia houses a rich collection of artifacts.

Historical Half-day to full-day €12 for the archaeological site, €8 for the museum

St. Andrew's Church

St. Andrew's Church is a beautiful Byzantine church located in the town center. It's known for its stunning architecture and historical significance. The church is a peaceful place to visit and offers a glimpse into the religious heritage of the area.

Religious 30 minutes Free

Katakolo Beach

Katakolo Beach is a beautiful sandy beach with clear blue waters. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The beach is well-maintained and offers facilities like sunbeds, umbrellas, and showers.

Beach Half-day to full-day Free, sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent

Katakolo Lighthouse

The Katakolo Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on a small peninsula near the harbor. It offers panoramic views of the town, the harbor, and the surrounding coastline. The lighthouse is a great spot for photography and enjoying the scenic beauty of the area.

Scenic 30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Grilled Octopus

A popular Greek dish made with fresh octopus, grilled to perfection and seasoned with olive oil, lemon, and herbs. It's often served with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables.

Dinner Gluten-free, low-carb

Moussaka

A traditional Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce, baked to perfection. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that's a must-try for any visitor to Greece.

Dinner Contains gluten and dairy

Souvlaki

Grilled skewers of marinated meat, usually pork or chicken, served with pita bread, tzatziki, and vegetables. It's a popular street food in Greece and a quick and delicious meal option.

Lunch/Snack Gluten-free if served without pita bread, contains meat

Baklava

A sweet dessert made with layers of filo pastry, nuts, and honey syrup. It's a popular treat in Greece and the perfect way to end a meal.

Dessert Contains gluten, nuts, and honey

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby mountains Water sports at Katakolo Beach Boat tours to nearby islands Sunbathing and swimming at Katakolo Beach Enjoying a leisurely meal at a waterfront restaurant Strolling along the harbor Visiting Ancient Olympia Exploring the Museum of School Life and Technology in Pyrgos

Best Time to Visit

June to August

The peak season offers warm weather, sunny days, and vibrant tourist activities. The town is bustling with visitors, and the beaches are at their best. However, it can be crowded, and prices for accommodation and dining may be higher.

25-35°C 77-95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Greek
Widely spoken: English, German, French
English: Moderately spoken, especially in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Katakolo is a generally safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or distractions
• Use licensed taxis or agree on a price before starting your journey

Getting there

By air

Zakynthos International Airport • 70 km
Araxos Airport • 50 km

By train

Katakolo Station

By bus

Katakolo Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The local bus service is affordable and convenient for getting around Katakolo. Buses are frequent and connect the town center with the harbor and nearby beaches.

Taxis

Available • Apps: No specific apps, taxis can be hailed on the street or found at designated stands

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Town Center Harbor Area Beach Area

Day trips

Ancient Olympia

10 km • Half-day to full-day

Ancient Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Games and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archaeological site includes the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the ancient stadium, and the Gymnasium. The nearby Archaeological Museum of Olympia houses a rich collection of artifacts.

Zakynthos Island

50 km by ferry • Full-day

Zakynthos is a beautiful island known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the famous Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach). The island offers a mix of relaxation, water sports, and exploration.

Pyrgos

20 km • Half-day

Pyrgos is a charming town known for its traditional architecture, local shops, and the Museum of School Life and Technology. The town offers a glimpse into the local culture and history of the region.

Festivals

Katakolo Festival • August Ancient Olympia Festival • June to August

Pro tips

Visit Ancient Olympia early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat
Try local seafood at the waterfront restaurants in the harbor area
Take a boat tour to nearby islands like Zakynthos or Kefalonia
Explore the town on foot to discover hidden gems and local shops
Learn a few basic Greek phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals