Top Things to Do in Olympia

Few places in Greece carry as much history as Olympia. This sanctuary in the western Peloponnese was the home of the ancient Olympic Games, held in honour of Zeus for well over a thousand years. Today the ruins sit among shady pines and plane trees, and the modern town that serves them is small, relaxed and easy to explore on foot. Whether you have a single afternoon or a full day, these are the experiences worth planning around.

Walk through the sanctuary of Zeus

The heart of the visit is the archaeological site, the sanctuary that the ancient Greeks called the Altis. Wander among the remains of temples, treasuries, altars and workshops and you will get a clear sense of how a religious centre grew into a place of athletic and cultural competition. The scale of the complex is impressive, and it rewards a slow pace. Allow at least two to three hours to see the main areas properly, and bring water, a hat and comfortable shoes, as much of the site is exposed to the sun.

See the Temple of Zeus and the Temple of Hera

Two temples anchor the site. The Temple of Zeus was once home to a colossal gold and ivory statue of the god, counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Only its foundations and fallen column drums remain, but the sheer size of the ruins helps you imagine the original. Nearby, the Temple of Hera is one of the oldest Doric temples in Greece. Its surviving columns, some still standing and some restored, make it a favourite spot for photographs and for quiet reflection.

Advertisement

Stand in the ancient stadium

The ancient stadium is where the athletic events of the Games took place, and it is one of the most evocative parts of the site. Walk down the stone-lined track, stand at the starting line and consider that the first recorded Olympic victor is traditionally dated to 776 BC. Many visitors find this the most memorable moment of the day. Check locally whether the stadium is open for walking on the track at the time of your visit, as access arrangements can change.

Visit the Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum holds many of the finest finds excavated at the sanctuary. The undisputed star is the Hermes of Praxiteles, a marble statue of the messenger god carrying the infant Dionysus. It is widely admired for its graceful modelling and its fine surface detail. The museum also displays sculptures from the temple pediments, bronze figurines, pottery and athletic equipment, offering a richer picture of daily life and religious practice than the open-air site alone. Give it at least an hour.

Explore the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games

If you are interested in the modern Games as well as the ancient ones, the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games is well worth a visit. It traces the development of the Olympic movement from antiquity through to the modern revival, with exhibits on the ancient festival, the 19th-century efforts to restart the Games and the symbolism that has grown up around them. It makes a good companion to the archaeological site and helps put the ruins into a wider context.

Taste the wines of the region

The area around Olympia has a long tradition of winemaking, and several wineries in the surrounding countryside welcome visitors. Many offer tastings of local varieties and are an excellent way to unwind after a morning among the ruins. Opening arrangements and whether tastings need to be booked in advance vary, so check locally or contact the estate ahead of your trip. Driving? Plan for a designated driver or stick to a single tasting.

Enjoy the town and the local food

Modern Olympia is a pleasant, low-key town with tavernas serving straightforward Peloponnesian cooking. Look for grilled meats, fresh salads, local cheeses and seasonal vegetables, and ask what is cooked that day. Evenings are relaxed, and the town is a good base for a quiet dinner after the crowds from tour groups have dispersed.

How to get to Olympia

The most common route is from Athens. Athens International Airport (ATH) is the main gateway. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, and the drive via the modern highway network across the Rio-Antirrio bridge takes roughly three to four hours. Regional KTEL buses also connect Athens with the modern town of Olympia, which is a good option if you prefer not to drive. There is no direct ferry to Olympia, but if you arrive by sea at Patras, you can reach the site by car or bus in under two hours.

Practical tips

• Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and the busiest tour groups.
• Wear sun protection and carry water, especially in summer, as there is little shade in parts of the site.
• Combine the archaeological site and the museums on the same day, or split them across two visits if you are short on energy.
• Check locally for current opening hours, ticket options and any seasonal restrictions before you travel, as these can change.
• If you plan to tour the wineries, arrange transport in advance so that everyone in your group stays safe.