Description
Sea, nature and ancient sports combined
Any visit to Olympia will leave visitors spellbound. This is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, which were honored the god Zeus. Like today, they took place every four years and attracted the greatest athletes from around the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond, representing an international event that was about competitive sports but also peace among nations.
Visit the ancient stadium where most of the games took place in ancient times and the Temple of Zeus built in the 5th century BC. Ancient ruins in Olympia also include the Temple of Hera from the 7th century BC, the Palestra from the 3rd century BC (used for wrestling, jumping, boxing) and the Philippeion, a rare circular building and a gem of ancient Greek architecture.
There are also three museums that reveal different aspects of the games and of ancient life during that time. The Museum of Ancient Olympic Games features important relics from the era, while the Archeological Museum on the site boasts statues of Hermes and Nike, both important figures in the sporting world of the ancients. Keeping in mind that sporting events had a high degree of mathematical accuracy and geometry built in, visitors to Olympia can also discover the Archimedes Museum, celebrating the works of the famous mathematician, physicist, astronomer, inventor and engineer.
Olympia is not far from the long golden beaches of the Western Peloponnese – mainly the bay of Kiparissia – with many hotels to stay in, from small family hotels to large five-star resorts. There are numerous activities and attractions in the area and a myriad of activities such as hiking and visits to wineries. Tell us about what your preferences are, and we'll be more than happy to suggest an itinerary that includes Olympia.
