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Elis

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City
—°9
Elis (Greece)
ℹ️

Practical info — Elis

▾

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Explore the ancient site of Elis early in the morning to avoid the heat.
  • Renting a car is recommended to reach the more secluded beaches of the western Peloponnese.
  • If exploring the countryside, look out for small signs pointing to local wineries for a tasting.
  • Enjoy the beaches in the late afternoon when the midday sun has settled.

🍽 Food

🍽
Local wine

Try regional Peloponnesian wines at tavernas near the coast.

🍽
Fresh seafood

Enjoy grilled fish at a seaside taverna in the coastal villages.

🍽
Olive oil dishes

Taste traditional Greek meze prepared with local extra virgin olive oil.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Local olive oil

Buy extra virgin olive oil directly from producers or local markets.

🛍
Regional wine

Pick up a bottle of local wine from a wine shop in the nearby towns.

🧘
Kourouta Beach

Walk along the long sandy shore outside peak hours for a peaceful stroll.

🧘
Ancient Elis site

The archaeological park is vast and features a quiet atmosphere among the ruins.

The region of Elis (Ilia) on the western coast of the Peloponnese is famous for its miles of sandy beaches washed by the Ionian Sea. The diverse landscape ranges from pine-covered hills to vast coastal plains, creating a relaxed atmosphere for vacationers. In addition to its impressive nature, Elis is of great historical importance as the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. For beach lovers, Elis provides fantastic options. Paralia Kourouta is one of the most popular beaches in the area, known for its golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Slightly quieter but equally beautiful is Paralia Marathias, which is often surrounded by untouched nature. Agia Marina Beach also attracts visitors with its photogenic surroundings and inviting atmosphere. The local gastronomy is characterized by fresh seafood, high-quality local olive oil, and excellent wines from the region. Traditional tavernas in the small coastal villages serve authentic Greek dishes. Elis is easily accessible by road and features a great combination of a relaxing beach holiday and fascinating excursions into antiquity.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C111113162025282825211713
Rain mm106796336252116135579104121

Geography

Population
1,466
Coordinates
37.88309, 21.38478

Facts

  • Located in the Peloponnese
  • Coastline on the Ionian Sea
  • Known for long sandy beaches
  • Birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games
  • Wonderful Mediterranean climate
  • Popular beach: Paralia Kourouta
  • Quieter coast: Paralia Marathias
  • Agia Marina Beach for relaxation

Explore nearby

Notable places around

AmaliadaAmaliada10 km · SExplore →
Andravida and KylliniAndravida and Kyllini12 km · NWExplore →
KouroutasKouroutas15 km · SWExplore →
Kotychi LagoonKotychi Lagoon16 km · NWExplore →
BriniaBrinia18 km · NExplore →
PyrgiPyrgi19 km · SExplore →
SkafidiaSkafidia21 km · SExplore →
Chlemoutsi CastleChlemoutsi Castle21 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Elis (9)

City of Elis🏺 historical

The archaeological site of the City of Elis preserves the remains of the ancient settlement.

sanctuaries🏺 historical

The sanctuaries in Elis form an important archaeological site containing ancient religious structures.

Ancient Elis📍 landmark

Ancient Elis is an attraction that served as the center for organizing the ancient Olympic Games.

🕒 Tu-Sa 08:00-15:00; PH off🆓

Theatro Elidas🎭 culture

The ancient Greek theatre of Elis, built in the 4th century BC, excavated in the 19th century.

♿

Amphitheater of Ancient Elis📍 landmark

The Amphitheater of Ancient Elis is a historical attraction showcasing classical public architecture.

Archaelogical Museum of Elis🏛 museum

The Archaelogical Museum of Elis exhibits artifacts recovered from the ancient city state.

🕒 Tu-Sa 08:00-15:00; PH off♿💶

Agora of Elis

Archaeological site

Archaeological Collection🏛 museum

Museum

🆓

Stoa of the Hellanodikai🏺 historical

Ruins

Frequently asked questions

What was Ancient Elis?
The capital of the Elis region and the organizer of the ancient Olympic Games.
Can you visit the archaeological site?
Yes, there are excavations of the theater, the agora, and an interesting museum.
Where is modern Elis located?
It is located in the northwestern Peloponnese, near Amaliada.
Are there beaches there?
Kourouta is the most famous beach in the area, very lively in summer.
What is the local symbol?
The olive branch, as a symbol of peace and the Olympic Games.
Elis: where is it located?
Elis is located in Greece.
Elis: what is there to see?
Highlights include City of Elis, sanctuaries, Ancient Elis.
Elis: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Elis: why is it worth visiting?
The region of Elis (Ilia) on the western coast of the Peloponnese is famous for its miles of sandy beaches washed by the Ionian Sea.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Pyrgos — Elis (Greece)
Pyrgos
Pyrgos is the capital of Elis in Western Greece, an important agricultural and commercial center of the region.
Pyrgos — Elis (Greece)
Pyrgos
The capital of Elis in the Peloponnese, serving as a gateway to ancient Olympia and the vast coastlines of the Ionian Sea.
🗺️
Aegio
A historic coastal town on the Corinthian Gulf, known for its picturesque harbor and traditional raisin production.
Aigio — Elis (Greece)
Aigio
A coastal town in the northern Peloponnese on the Gulf of Corinth, known for its port and history.
Amaliada — Elis (Greece)
Amaliada
A vibrant town in the Peloponnese, close to ancient Elis and the sandy beaches of the Ionian Sea.
Etoliko — Elis (Greece)
Etoliko
A charming island town in the Messolonghi lagoon, often referred to as the 'Little Venice of Greece'.
Anaktorio — Elis (Greece)
Anaktorio
A historical area on the Ambracian Gulf, characterized by Byzantine heritage and peaceful nature.
Andravida and Kyllini — Elis (Greece)
Andravida and Kyllini
A historical gateway to the Peloponnese with golden sandy beaches and healing thermal springs.
🗺️
Amphilohia
A picturesque town on the Ambracian Gulf, built amphitheatrically on the hillsides.
Kouroutas — Elis (Greece)
Kouroutas
Kouroutas is a popular seaside destination in the Peloponnese, offering long sandy beaches and spectacular Ionian Sea sunsets.
🗺️
Brinia
Brinia is a charming coastal village in western Greece, offering beautiful beaches and an authentic Greek atmosphere.
Pyrgi — Elis (Greece)
Pyrgi
A peaceful coastal village in the Peloponnese, known for its endless sandy beaches by the Ionian Sea and rural tranquility.
Skafidia — Elis (Greece)
Skafidia
Skafidia is a peaceful coastal village in the Peloponnese, known for its golden sandy beaches along the Ionian Sea.
Killini — Elis (Greece)
Killini
Killini is a port town on the Ionian Sea in Greece, famous for its long sandy beaches and as a gateway to the islands.
Korakochori — Elis (Greece)
Korakochori
Korakochori is a tranquil coastal destination in the western Peloponnese, offering a relaxing Greek holiday experience.

History & landmarks

Olympia — Elis (Greece)
Olympia
The birthplace of the Olympic Games and one of the most significant sanctuaries of ancient Greece.
Chlemoutsi Castle — Elis (Greece)
Chlemoutsi Castle
An impressive medieval fortress in the Peloponnese, built by the Crusaders.

Nature

Kotychi Lagoon — Elis (Greece)
Kotychi Lagoon
This lagoon on the Peloponnese is the most significant brackish water ecosystem in western Greece.
Alfeios River — Elis (Greece)
Alfeios River
The longest river in the Peloponnese peninsula, flowing through Arcadia and Elis.
Mount Erymanthos — Elis (Greece)
Mount Erymanthos
Mount Erymanthos is a mountain range in the northwestern Peloponnese reaching 2,224 meters.
Messolonghi Lagoon — Elis (Greece)
Messolonghi Lagoon
The largest lagoon system in Greece is a haven for waterbirds and famous for its traditional fisherman's huts on stilts, called 'pelades'.

More places

Strofylia Forest — Elis (Greece)
Strofylia Forest
This coastal forest on the Peloponnese consists mainly of stone pines.
Zakynthos Marine Park — Elis (Greece)
Zakynthos Marine Park
Encompassing Laganas Bay, this park protects the most important nesting beaches for the Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in the Me…
Port of Patras — Elis (Greece)
Port of Patras
Patras is Greece's western gateway to Italy and Western Europe.
Patras — Elis (Greece)
Patras
Patras is the third-largest city in Greece and a major port on the Gulf of Patras.