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Olympia

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Landmark
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Olympia (Greece)

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Olympia, located in a fertile valley in the western Peloponnese, is one of the most historically significant sites in the world. It was here in 776 BC that the first Olympic Games were held in honor of Zeus, a tradition that continued for over a thousand years. The centerpiece of the sanctuary was the massive Temple of Zeus, which once housed the colossal gold-and-ivory statue of the god created by Phidias, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, the fallen giant columns of the temple still lie on the ground. Visitors can still enter the ancient stadium through the stone vaulted archway and stand on the original running track where athletes once competed for the olive wreath. The archaeological site also features the Palaestra (wrestling school), the Gymnasium, and the Temple of Hera. It is in front of the Heraion that the Olympic flame for the modern games is still lit today. Walking through the Altis (the sacred grove) under the shade of pine and olive trees evokes a sense of ancient serenity and competitive spirit. The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is, housing masterpieces like the Hermes of Praxiteles and the pedimental sculptures from the Temple of Zeus. A visit to the site should take at least 3-4 hours, ideally in the spring when the valley is lush and green. The modern town of Olympia gives various amenities, including hotels and traditional tavernas. This site remains a symbol of peace and human excellence, attracting travelers from all over the globe.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C131314162024262725221815
Rain mm112836534252616125778107119

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, is accessible as an archaeological site and museum. You can tour the sanctuary and the competition areas.
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Typical hours
Opening hours follow the typical Greek site pattern: summer roughly 8 am-8 pm, shorter in winter. The museum often has separate hours.
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Photography
Photography is generally allowed on the site and in the museum. Avoid flash indoors.
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Time needed
Plan at least 3-4 hours to explore the site and museum thoroughly. A full morning is well-suited.
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Combine with
Combine Olympia with a visit to the nearby Archaeological Museum of Olympia. The beaches of Kyllini or Zacharo are also not far.
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Getting there
By car via the motorway from Patras or Pyrgos. Public buses connect Olympia with Pyrgos and other towns.
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Insider tip
Visit the museum first to see the finds in context before exploring the site. Bring water and sun protection.

Geography

Population
11,153 (2026)
Coordinates
37.63833, 21.63000

Facts

  • Birthplace of the Olympic Games in 776 BC.
  • Site of the Temple of Zeus, one of the 7 Wonders.
  • The Olympic flame is still lit here today.
  • The ancient stadium could hold 45,000 people.
  • Archaeological Museum holds the Hermes of Praxiteles.
  • Located in the fertile valley of Alfeios River.
  • Philippeion was built by Philip II of Macedon.
  • Best visited in spring for lush greenery.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Alfeios RiverAlfeios River9 km · WExplore →
PyrgosPyrgos17 km · WExplore →
Neda RiverNeda River26 km · SExplore →
LeventochoriLeventochori27 km · WExplore →
KatakoloKatakolo28 km · WExplore →
KorakochoriKorakochori28 km · WExplore →
PyrgiPyrgi29 km · WExplore →
AmaliadaAmaliada30 km · NWExplore →

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 Olympia (4)

Leonidaion🏺 historical

The Leonidaion was a large ancient guest house, now in ruins, located in Olympia.

Greek Baths🏺 historical

The Greek Baths are ancient ruins of the historical bathing facilities in Olympia.

Thesauros L🏺 historical

Thesauros L is the treasury of the Metapontines in ancient Olympia.

Cronious hill🌿 nature

Cronious hill is a prominent peak in Olympia, historically named after the god Cronus.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What can you see in Ancient Olympia?
The original stadium, the Temple of Zeus, the Heraion, and an excellent museum.
What are the opening hours in summer?
Usually daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Is there a combo ticket?
Yes, the ticket for approx. 12 Euros includes both the archaeological site and the museum.
Can you walk around the ancient stadium?
Yes, visitors can enter the stadium and even run on the original track.
Is there shade on the grounds?
Only limited shade under some trees; sun protection and plenty of water are essential.
Olympia: where is it located?
Olympia is located in Greece.
Olympia: what is there to see?
Highlights include Leonidaion, Greek Baths, Thesauros L.
Olympia: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Olympia: why is it worth visiting?
Olympia, located in a fertile valley in the western Peloponnese, is one of the most historically significant sites in the world.
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Nearby cities

Pyrgos — Olympia (Greece)
Pyrgos
Pyrgos is the capital of Elis in Western Greece, an important agricultural and commercial center of the region.
Pyrgos — Olympia (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 — Olympia (Greece)
Aigio
A coastal town in the northern Peloponnese on the Gulf of Corinth, known for its port and history.
Amaliada — Olympia (Greece)
Amaliada
A vibrant town in the Peloponnese, close to ancient Elis and the sandy beaches of the Ionian Sea.
Etoliko — Olympia (Greece)
Etoliko
A charming island town in the Messolonghi lagoon, often referred to as the 'Little Venice of Greece'.
Anaktorio — Olympia (Greece)
Anaktorio
A historical area on the Ambracian Gulf, characterized by Byzantine heritage and peaceful nature.
Andravida and Kyllini — Olympia (Greece)
Andravida and Kyllini
A historical gateway to the Peloponnese with golden sandy beaches and healing thermal springs.
Elis — Olympia (Greece)
Elis
Elis, in the western Peloponnese, offers endless sandy beaches and historical treasures.
🗺️
Amphilohia
A picturesque town on the Ambracian Gulf, built amphitheatrically on the hillsides.
Leventochori — Olympia (Greece)
Leventochori
An idyllic village in the Peloponnese, known for its beautiful beaches and proximity to Ancient Olympia.
Katakolo — Olympia (Greece)
Katakolo
Katakolo is a charming coastal port in the Peloponnese, serving as the gateway to ancient Olympia with beautiful Ionian Sea views.
Korakochori — Olympia (Greece)
Korakochori
Korakochori is a tranquil coastal destination in the western Peloponnese, offering a relaxing Greek holiday experience.
Pyrgi — Olympia (Greece)
Pyrgi
A peaceful coastal village in the Peloponnese, known for its endless sandy beaches by the Ionian Sea and rural tranquility.
Kouroutas — Olympia (Greece)
Kouroutas
Kouroutas is a popular seaside destination in the Peloponnese, offering long sandy beaches and spectacular Ionian Sea sunsets.

History & landmarks

Chlemoutsi Castle — Olympia (Greece)
Chlemoutsi Castle
An impressive medieval fortress in the Peloponnese, built by the Crusaders.

Nature

Alfeios River — Olympia (Greece)
Alfeios River
The longest river in the Peloponnese peninsula, flowing through Arcadia and Elis.
Neda River — Olympia (Greece)
Neda River
One of the few rivers in Greece with a female name.
Mount Erymanthos — Olympia (Greece)
Mount Erymanthos
Mount Erymanthos is a mountain range in the northwestern Peloponnese reaching 2,224 meters.
Kotychi Lagoon — Olympia (Greece)
Kotychi Lagoon
This lagoon on the Peloponnese is the most significant brackish water ecosystem in western Greece.
Mount Chelmos (Aroania) — Olympia (Greece)
Mount Chelmos (Aroania)
Mount Chelmos, anciently known as Aroania, is a mountain massif in the northern Peloponnese reaching 2,355 meters.

More places

Mount Lykaion — Olympia (Greece)
Mount Lykaion
A mountain steeped in history in the Peloponnese with an elevation of 1,421 meters.
Temple of Apollo Epicurius — Olympia (Greece)
Temple of Apollo Epicurius
The remote temple in the mountains of Arcadia was designed by Ictinus, the architect of the Parthenon.
Lousios Gorge — Olympia (Greece)
Lousios Gorge
A deep gorge in Arcadia through which the Lousios River flows.
Mount Menalon — Olympia (Greece)
Mount Menalon
Mount Menalon is located in the heart of Arcadia on the Peloponnese.
Megalopolis Power Plant — Olympia (Greece)
Megalopolis Power Plant
The Megalopolis power plant in the Peloponnese uses local lignite deposits for electricity generation.
Mount Mainalo — Olympia (Greece)
Mount Mainalo
The highest mountain range in Arcadia, located in the central Peloponnese.
Ancient Messene — Olympia (Greece)
Ancient Messene
This extensive archaeological site in the Peloponnese is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Greece.
Strofylia Forest — Olympia (Greece)
Strofylia Forest
This coastal forest on the Peloponnese consists mainly of stone pines.