Half-Day Private Tour from Katakolon to Olympia & Beach

Katakolo , Greece

Half-Day Private Tour from Katakolon to Olympia & Beach

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

When your cruise stops at the picturesque port of Katakolon, a visit to Ancient Olympia is a must. With a private driver, travel comfortably from the fishing village to the birthplace of the Olympic Games – the sacred grounds where athletes trained, honored the gods, and competed in events that inspired the world. In this five-hour tour, explore the archaeological site and its iconic monuments, including the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, and the ancient Olympic Stadium. Continue to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, where masterpieces such as the Hermes of Praxiteles, the Nike of Paionios, and the temple sculptures await. Afterwards, enjoy free time in the modern town of Olympia to shop, stroll the charming streets, or relax at our own centrally located restaurant and café bar. Before returning, stop at the idyllic beach of Agios Andreas for a refreshing swim or a moment by the sea. A unique blend of history, culture, and relaxation.

Available options

MiniBus(10-20pax)

MiniBus(10-20pax)<br/>Pickup included

Bus(20-50pax)

Bus(20-50pax)<br/>Pickup included

Van(5-10pax)

Van(5-10pax)<br/>Pickup included

Taxi (1-4pax)

Taxi (1-4pax)<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Wifi on the road

Transportation with clean and air-conditioned cars

Local guide book

Bottle of water per person during transportation

All the taxes

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Upon arrival at Katakolon Port, you will be picked up from the spot and at the time arranged. We will be there holding a sign with your name clearly written on it, so that it is easier for you to recognize us. Afterwards you will enjoy safe and comfortable transfer in our luxurious Mercedes vehicles. During your transfer you can enjoy a free wi-fi on board but we will also provide you with a local guide book with all the necessary information about the archaeological site & Museum of Ancient Olympia, free of charge. The duration of the transfer is about 30min.

Stop 2

After an approx. 30 min of enjoyable ride you will reach Ancient Olympia. We will drop you off just outside of the world-wide famous Archaeological Site of Ancient Olympia. Enjoy several hours of free time to explore the site and monuments at your own pace(*the professional licensed guide can be arranged for additional charge if requested). See the gymnasium and Palaestra, where athletes practiced leading up to competition, and feel millennia of energy as you enter the ancient stadium, where ancient Greece’s finest athletes strove to honor the gods through the Olympic ideal. Marvel at the Temple of Zeus, where the famous golden statue of the god—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—once stood. See the Leonidaion, a hotel built in 330 BC to host distinguished guests of the games, and delve even deeper into the history of the world's greatest athletic competition with displays and original artifacts at the Olympia Museum.

Stop 3

The Archaeological Museum of Olympia, one of the most important museums in Greece, presents the long history of the most celebrated sanctuary of antiquity, the sanctuary of Zeus, father of both gods and men, where the Olympic games were born. The museum's permanent exhibition contains finds from the excavations in the sacred precinct of the Altis dating from prehistoric times to the Early Christian period.

Enjoy almost 1 hrs of free time in modern town of Olympia. Visit market streets called also "agora" where you can find various souvenir shops with leathers and ceramis, fashion clothes shops as well as jewlery shops. Afterwards, enjoy Greek hospitality in local tavern or cafee.

On the way back to Katakolo, you will head for your last refreshing stop to Agios Andreas Beach. We will arrive at Agios Andreas after approx. 30 min of drive. Agios Andreas is a beautiful rocky beach, a place of outstanding natural beauty as it was the ancient harbour of Ileia. You will be given approx. 1hr of free time to spend at the beach where you can have coffee, lunch, take photos or have a swim.

Stop 6

After approx. 5 hrs is time to return back to Katakolon port. Make yourself comfortable at the seats of our luxurious vehicles and get back to your cruise ship full of unforgettable memories

What's not included

Service of licensed guide – can be added upon request for an extra charge

Entrance fees to Archaeological site & Museum of Ancient Olympia

Available languages

Written guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

18 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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