Greece / The Peloponnese / Ancient OlympiaAncient Olympia
Where the Olympic Games Began
The sanctuary of Zeus in the western Peloponnese where the ancient Games were held for over a thousand years: the stadium with its original starting line, the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera where the Olympic flame is lit, the workshop of Pheidias, and an excellent museum with the Hermes of Praxiteles. A small village built for visitors; half a day covers it. About 3.5 hours from Athens by car, longer by KTEL coach via Pyrgos. Kyllini, the port for Zakynthos and Kefalonia, is an hour away.
Highlights
- Run the ancient stadium
- Temple of Zeus
- Temple of Hera and the flame altar
- Hermes of Praxiteles in the museum
- Workshop of Pheidias
Things to do
- Archaeological site: stadium, temples and palaestraMorning · 3h
- Archaeological Museum of OlympiaAfternoon · 2h
- Olive oil and wine tasting nearbyAfternoon · 2h
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: April – June, September – October
Heads up
Summer Heat
July and August bring heatwaves of 35-40 °C and more to the mainland and the big islands. See ancient sites at opening time (they have little shade, and can close at midday in extreme heat), rest in the afternoon, carry water, and book rooms with air-conditioning.
Worth knowing
Wildfire Season
From July to September hot, dry winds spread wildfires in Attica, the Peloponnese, Halkidiki and the islands; in 2023 thousands of tourists were evacuated from resorts on Rhodes. Follow the 112 emergency text alerts (sent in English), obey road closures and evacuation orders, never light a fire or barbecue outdoors, and check the fire-risk map before hiking. Travel insurance should cover cancellations.
- Orthodox Easter (Pascha) — Greece's biggest festival: candlelit Good Friday processions, the midnight Resurrection service on Saturday with fireworks and church bells, and lamb roasts on Sunday. Corfu's is the most famous, with clay pots thrown from balconies on Holy Saturday morning. Greeks travel home, so ferries, flights and hotels fill, and shops, museums and sites close or shorten hours from Good Friday to Easter Monday. Book well ahead.