Olympia Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town • Unesco

Facts and practical information

Located in the Peloponnese region of Western Greece, Olympia is a historical gem that attracts thousands of tourists every year. Steeped in ancient Greek mythology, this stunning destination offers a captivating glimpse into the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the rich history of the region.

Nestled in a picturesque valley, Olympia was once a sanctuary dedicated to the worship of Zeus, the king of the gods. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the ancient Olympic Stadium, where athletes from all over Greece once competed for glory. The grandeur of the stadium is still palpable, with its towering columns and remnants of the starting blocks that once marked the beginning of the races.

The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Here, you can admire a vast collection of artifacts, including statues, vases, and ancient tools, which provide a fascinating insight into the lives of the ancient Greeks. One of the most famous exhibits is the Hermes of Praxiteles, a masterpiece of ancient Greek sculpture.

Beyond its historical significance, Olympia is also surrounded by natural beauty. The nearby Mount Kronos offers breathtaking hiking trails, where you can immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of the Peloponnese. As you explore the mountain, you will come across serene forests, crystal-clear springs, and panoramic viewpoints that will leave you in awe.

After a day of exploration, indulge in the local cuisine that Olympia has to offer. Traditional tavernas serve up mouthwatering dishes, such as souvlaki, moussaka, and fresh seafood caught from the Ionian Sea. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine, and savor the flavors of the region.

For those seeking a truly immersive experience, consider timing your visit to Olympia with the Olympic Flame Lighting Ceremony. Held every four years, this ancient ritual marks the beginning of the modern Olympic Games. Witnessing the lighting of the flame is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with a profound appreciation for the historical and cultural significance of Olympia.

Local name: Ολυμπία Unesco: from 1989Elevation: 151 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°38'37"N, 21°37'32"E

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Peloponnese, Western Greece and the Ionian IslandsGreece

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Olympia Top Attractions

Olympia Attractions - What to See and Explore

Olympia offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Stadium at Olympia, Archaeological Museum of Olympia, Temple of Hera, Treasuries at Olympia. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Ancient Greek architecture • Archaeological site
Stadium at Olympia
The Stadium at Olympia, nestled in the serene city of Olympia, Greece, is a historic sports venue that beckons visitors from around the world. As the original site of the ancient Olympic Games, this stadium is not just a tourist attraction, but a cradle of athletic...
Showcase for finds from ancient Olympia
Archaeological Museum of Olympia
The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is one of the principal museums of Greece, located in Olympia. It is overseen by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, and, as of 2009, is directed by Georgia Xatzi.
Ancient Greek architecture • Temple
Temple of Hera
The Temple of Hera, or Heraion, is an ancient Archaic Greek temple at Olympia, Greece, that was dedicated to Hera, queen of the Greek gods. It was the oldest temple at Olympia and one of the most venerable in all Greece. It was originally a joint temple of Hera and Zeus, chief of the gods, until a separate temple was built for him.

Archaeological site • Ancient Greek architecture
Treasuries at Olympia
The Treasuries at Olympia were a series of small temple-shaped buildings located to the north side of the Altis or sanctuary at the site of Olympia in Greece. All but two were erected by Greek colonies to store valuable votive offerings.
Ancient Greek architecture • Archaeological site
Philippeion
The Philippeion in the Altis of Olympia was an Ionic circular memorial in limestone and marble, a tholos, which contained chryselephantine statues of Philip's family: himself, Alexander the Great, Olympias, Amyntas III and Eurydice I.
Archaeological site • Ancient Greek architecture
Greek Baths
The Greek Baths in ancient Olympia are the earliest baths in the sanctuary and they are situated on the west side, outside the sacred enclosure of the Altis, near the bank of the river Kladeos. They were constructed during the 5th century B.C. and continued to develop throughout...
Monuments and statues
Zanes of Olympia
The Zanes were bronze statues of Zeus at ancient Olympia. The name Zanes was the plural of Zeus in the local dialect. These statues were dedicated to Zeus and they were erected with the money of fines imposed by the judges to those athletes did not respect or violated the rules of the Olympic Games.
Museum • Temple
Temple of Zeus
The Temple of Zeus at Olympia was an ancient Greek temple in Olympia, Greece, dedicated to the god Zeus. The temple, built in the second quarter of the fifth century BC, was the very model of the fully developed classical Greek temple of the Doric order.
37°38'18"N • 21°38'7"E
Hippodrome of Olympia
The Hippodrome of Olympia housed the equestrian contests of the Ancient Olympic Games. According to Pausanias, it was situated to the south of the Stadium and covered a large area about 600 meters long and 200 meters wide.
37°38'19"N • 21°37'43"E
Palaestra at Olympia
The palaestra at Olympia is the ground or grounds in ancient Olympia where πάλη, Doric πάλα, "wrestling," was taught and performed for training purposes; i.e...
37°38'18"N • 21°37'54"E
Echo Stoa
The Echo Stoa is located within the sanctuary of Zeus in Olympia, Greece. It is part of an ancient archaeological site excavated and preserved by the German Archaeological Institute at Athens. A stoa is a covered walkway or portico, typically colonnaded and open to the public.
37°38'17"N • 21°37'56"E
Villa of Nero
The Villa of Nero located south-east of the ancient site of Olympia, Greece is one of the ancient Roman villas built for the Roman emperor Nero in the 1st century AD.

Day trips

Olympia – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Olympia, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Aroania Mountain, Rio–Antirrio Bridge (Patra), Agia Lavra (Kalavryta).

38 milesNE
Winter sport, Ski area
Aroania Mountain
Aroania Mountain, also known as Chelmos, is a prominent peak located in the northern Peloponnese of Greece. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes, Aroania rises to an impressive altitude of 2,355 meters, making it one of the highest mountains...
47 milesN
Bridge
Rio–Antirrio Bridge, Patra
Spanning the Gulf of Corinth and connecting the towns of Rio and Antirrio in western Greece, the Rio–Antirrio Bridge stands as an engineering marvel and a significant architectural achievement. Officially named the Charilaos Trikoupis Bridge after the 19th-century...
36 milesNE
Church, Historical place, History museum
Agia Lavra, Kalavryta
Agia Lavra is a monastery near Kalavryta, Achaea, Greece. It was built in 961 AD, on Chelmos Mountain, at an altitude of 961 meters, and can be described as the symbolic birthplace of modern Greece.
45 milesE
Museum, Archaeological museum, Natural history museum
Archaeological Museum of Tegea
Nestled in the heart of the Peloponnese, the Archaeological Museum of Tegea stands as a testament to the rich history and culture of ancient Greece. Located in the town of Alea, near the ancient site of Tegea in Arcadia, this museum is a treasure trove of artifacts...
31 milesNW
Forts and castles
Chlemoutsi, Kyllini
Chlemoutsi, also known as Clermont, is a medieval castle in the northwest of the Elis regional unit in the Peloponnese peninsula of southern Greece, in the Kastro-Kyllini municipality.