The archaeological site of Olympia preserves temples and remains of sports facilities used during the Olympic Games. The Archaeological Museum of Olympia presents finds from the sanctuary of Zeus, as well as outstanding works of ancient art. The Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games officially opened on 24 March 2004. Together, these themes take you from the site of the Games, through archaeological finds, to their history.
Olympia and its historic landscape
The landscape is also part of Olympia’s character: the site lies in a valley formed by the confluence of the Alpheios and Kladeos rivers. For those interested in different ways of exploring history, Ancient Olympia is also home to the Archimedes Museum, a specialized science and technology museum. It offers a distinct focus alongside the archaeological collections.
Ancient Elis offers another historical perspective. It was located in the heart of Ilia and was the administrative center and most populous city of the ancient state of the Eleans. The Archaeological Museum of Elis has four exhibition halls displaying finds from excavations and collections within and around ancient Elis. Among the objects on display is a 3rd-century AD mosaic floor featuring symbols of the Muses and the deeds of Heracles. The mosaic floor connects a specific work of art with figures from ancient mythology; at the same time, the four halls provide a setting for finds from Elis and its surroundings.
Ancient architecture and practical information
At Bassai, the Temple of Apollo Epikourios stands in present-day Ilia. It is one of the best-preserved examples of classical Greek architecture and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. Getting there is especially important when planning your visit: the temple is currently accessible only by private transport, as there is no public transport connection to a transport hub. Check the route locally before your trip.
For Ancient Olympia, regional travel information lists train connections from Katakolo and Pyrgos, as well as travel by bus and private car. Check timetables separately before setting out. This makes it possible to distinguish travel planning for Olympia from travel to Bassai: private transport is required for the temple, while several modes of transport are listed for Ancient Olympia.
Forest, lake and regional contrasts
The Foloi Forest offers opportunities for hiking, cycling and gathering rare wild mushrooms; it is accessible by car. Conditions and permits may vary by season. Check these before taking part in an activity, especially if you plan to gather mushrooms. Hiking, cycling and gathering mushrooms appeal to different interests, but all share the same forest as their destination.
Lake Kaiafas and its thermal springs attract hundreds of visitors from all over Greece every year. Kaiafas also attracts visitors interested in water sports such as water skiing. If you plan to go water skiing, check current providers and conditions in advance. In Ilia, historic sites and collections sit alongside landscapes and activities, so not every trip needs to have the same focus.
Ilia combines a long coastline on the Ionian Sea with valleys, mountains and beaches. In the wider destination of Western Greece lies the Archaeological Site of Olympia, which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List; the Olympic ideal originated at this site. Western Greece also has 18 Blue Flag beaches. As beach awards can change from year to year, check the current status if it is important for your plans.
Discover more destinations: Douneika, Kakovatos, Aghios Ilias, Kastro, Pirgos, Katakolo, Archea Pissa, Mirtia, Amalias, Foloi, Olympia, Vartholomión, Korakochori, Manolas, Andritsena, Skafidia, Lygia, Platiana, Aghios Ilias, Zacharo, Arkoudi, Kourouta, Glifa, Theisoa, Ikaros, Kardamas, Krestena, Archea Olimpia, Loutrá Killínis, Trianta, Agios Andreas, Agia Anna, Kougeika and Leventochori.
For the wider travel overview: Western Greece.
