Ancient Olympia on the Peloponnese Peninsula

In the northwest of the Peloponnese peninsula, in the Elis region, rises the Ancient Olympia a monument to humanity and its insatiable longing for glory and eternity. Today, travelers can walk in the footsteps of history and experience the majestic aura of this place where the gods once decided the fate of athletes.

“The Olympic Games, which rose like a phoenix from the ashes after 1500 years of abstinence, are closely linked to the discovery of ancient Olympia.”

In the vast grounds, antiquity seems to be carved in stone and the past rests in the shade of olive trees. In sacred olive grove, the Altis, the first Olympic flame was lit as early as the 8th century BC to ignite the hearts of athletes with the fire of competition.

The rays of the past also cast their light on the present, because since 1936 the fire for the Olympic Games of the modern era has always been lit here in Olympia. Since 1989, the ancient site of Olympia has even been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this article, we reveal all the details and tips for your Olympia trip:

#1 Arrival: How do I get to Olympia?

You can reach Ancient Olympia either by car or bus. From Patras it is about 115 km along the national road 9 (Patras – Pirgos) to ancient Olympia. The historic site is located on the outskirts of Archea Olympia, a modern village perfectly adapted to tourism with numerous hotels, taverns and souvenir shops.

How far is it to ancient Olympia?

Athens to Olympia: approx. 300 km, approx. 3.5 h driving time
Kalamata to Olympia: approx. 110 km, approx. 1.5 h driving time
Corinth to Olympia: approx. 200 km, approx. 2.5 h driving time
Patras to Olympia: approx. 115 km, approx. 1.5 h driving time
Thessaloniki to Olympia: approx. 600 km, approx. 7 h driving time

Is it worth renting a car for Olympia?

For all those who are already individually on the Peloponnese Peninsula are on the road, it is worth travelling by rental car to Olympia. The national road 9 from Patras is well developed and has only recently been renewed in sections. If you are driving from Athens to Olympia, take the A8 motorway to Corinth and then the A7 motorway to Tripoli. A little patience is required during the rush hour near Corinth.

You can rent your rental car before getting to Olympia online. You can find cheap offers from our partner Discover Cars*:

➲ To cheap car rental offers*

What is the parking situation on site?

There are several parking lots in the village of Archea Olympia, most of which are free. If you arrive early enough (see box visiting hours), you should still find a free place even in the high season. On the southeastern edge of Archea Olympia is the largest spot, called Olimpia car park. From here it is about a 10-minute walk past the Olympic Museum to the ancient excavation site.

Is there a bus to Ancient Olympia?

The archaeological site of Olympia can be reached by bus from Athens and other Greek cities. From the capital Athens once a day, an intercity bus (KTEL Ileias) leaves for Olympia in just under 4 hours.

From Patras KTEL Achaias operates via Pyrgos to Olympia in about 1.5 hours. The fare is about €10 per person. More information and bus timetables are available from the bus companies KTEL Ileias (website of Ktelileias) and KTEL Achaias (website of ktelachaias).

Alternatively, you can also take a look at a guided day tour to Olympia. The bus tours are available through our partner GetYourGuide* bookable:

➲ To the organized bus tours*

Arrival by Olympic train from Katakolo

A relaxed journey to Olympia is possible with the Olympic Train from the port city of Katakolo in the west of the Peloponnese. The railway line from Katakolo to Olympia has been revived in recent years for tourism and is mainly used by cruise tourists who dock in Katakolo with their ships.

The train ride to Olympia takes about 50 minutes, the earliest departure from Katakolo is around 8:30 am. The train station of Olympia is located a little north of the town centre and is a neoclassical building that is a real gem in the village of Archea Olympia. It was built in the 19th century by the German architect Ernst Ziller and has been extensively restored in recent years.

→ All details about the train connection Katakolo – Olympia, as well as departure times can be found at: HellenicTrain

#2 Opening hours of Ancient Olympia

Ancient Olympia is open 359 days a year, but with summer and winter opening hours. From April to October, the facility is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and from November to March from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. In Olympia there are toilets (including in the museum), access for wheelchair users and prams, a café and souvenir shops.

Ticket prices for the Olympics:

• Adult: 20 €
• Reduced ticket: 10 €
• Children, young people and students up to 25 years of age: free admission for EU citizens

In the low season (1 November to 31 March), the price of the Olympic ticket is reduced by 50% for all visitors.

Days with free admission to the Olympics:

• March 6 (in memory of Melina Mercouri)
• 18 April (International Heritage Day)
• 18 May (International Museum Day)
• last weekend in September (European Heritage Days)
• October 28 (National Holiday – Ochi Day)
• every first Sunday from November 1st to March 31st

Closing days of Ancient Olympia: 1 January, 25 March, Greek Easter (Good Friday: shortened opening hours from 12:00 – 17:00, Holy Saturday: shortened opening hours from 8:00 – 15:00, Easter Sunday: closed), 1 May, 25 December, 26 December

Olympia with its extensive grounds has been one of the most popular sights in Greece for decades. Whereas in the past only bus tours came from Athens, today cruise tourists also arrive from the port town of Katakolo, 30 km away. In the summer months, waiting times must be expected at the ticket offices. It is most relaxed in spring.

Via the official ticket website (HHTICKET) or via GetYourGuide* you can purchase an online ticket and avoid the waiting time at the entrance:

➲ Skip-the-line online ticket*

#3 Walking tour of Ancient Olympia

For a relaxed tour through Olympia you should plan at least two hours. The walk along the paths is like a journey through time, information boards (including in German) explain many connections. In the Archaeological Museum of Olympia you can also spend more hours surrounded by finds and lots of information.

History fans should definitely join a guided tour, either as a group or private tour, bookable online at GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the guided tours*

We start our tour optionally from the parking lot near the Restaurant Ambrosia or further south from the parking lot at the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games. We follow the signs (including Ancient Olympia) and cross the Kladeos River, which in antiquity was attributed divine properties, but today is usually completely dried up in summer.

After a few minutes we reach a botanical park (Olympic Botanical Garden) to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which marks the entrance to the site. The museum is one of the best of its kind in Greece and can be visited before or after the tour of the Olympic complex, depending on the number of visitors.

Selected buildings of Olympia

Ancient Grammar School

In the northern part is the ancient Gymnasium of Olympia, in which boys of the upper class received intellectual, physical and character training. The handling of weapons was also practiced here at a young age. Only sparse remains of the rooms remain, pillar stumps are scattered everywhere in the sacred olive grove.

Philippeion of Olympia

Just a few meters further on, you will reach the first monumental structure of the archaeological site, the Philippeion of Olympia. The name comes from the fact that it is a foundation building of the Macedonian King Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great.

Built in 338 BC, the striking rotunda is a real Eye-catcher in Olympia and commemorates the temple of Athena Pronaia in Delphi. Of the original 18 columns, some have been rebuilt. The entrance to the round temple was oriented to the east, in front of it stood statues of the ruling family of Alexander the Great.

Temple of Hera

The Temple of Hera is probably the oldest temple in Olympia, along with the sanctuary of Zeus. It was built around 600 BC, destroyed by an earthquake in 400 AD and not rebuilt. Originally, the temple columns were made of wood, but gradually individual stone drums were replaced. That’s why the pillars look so different today. Since 1936, the Olympic flame has been lit at the Hera Temple every year.

In ancient times, the victors received the Olympic wreaths, the Kotinos. Only after consulting the Oracle of Delphi have they been woven from olive branches since the 6th Olympic Games. The elongated structure measures 50.01 m × 18.76 m and had a ring hall with 6 by 16 columns. Today, only a few stumps remain, but if you have an Olympia ticket with 3D glasses, you can experiences the building in all its splendor:

➲ To the Virtual Reality Ticket (GetYourGuide)*

Palaestra of Olympia

To the west of the Temple of Hera and the Philippeion is the Paleastra, which means “ring square” in Greek. On the square area, originally covered with sand, the training of wrestlers and fist fighters was held. An imposing (once covered) colonnade surrounds the square.

Until the 5th century BC, this area was used purely for sports or partly for military purposes. Later, the Paleastra was attached to the grammar school and humanistic education was imparted here in addition to athletic training. The square complex with a side length of 66 m probably received its present form in the 3rd BC.

Workshop of Phidias

To the south is a field of ruins, which at first glance seems inconspicuous, with a large building, the so-called Workshop of Phidias. In antiquity, Phidias was considered the most important sculptor and architect of his time, to whom large parts of the decorations of the Parthenon Temple on the Acropolis of Athens are attributed today.

With the 13-metre-high Zeus Statue of Phidias, the ancient artist created one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The colossal image of the gods made of gold and ivory once stood at the altar of Zeus in Olympia. However, during excavations, only the huge base of the statue was found. For centuries, its whereabouts have been puzzled, from Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) to Rome, stories of its last sighting entwine entwined.

A painting of the statue is in the Museum of Olympia. In 1968, archaeologists found, in addition to remains of gold and ivory, a simple clay cup with the inscription “I am the property of Phidias”. The fact that the former workshop has been so well preserved is due to the early Christianization of the place of worship.

As early as the 5th century, the 32 m by 14.5 m building was converted into a Byzantine church and the former entrance was provided with a clearly recognizable apse. To the west of Phidias’ workshop are other buildings, including a bathhouse and inns from Roman times, including interesting floor mosaics.

Leonidaion and Bouleutrion

That Leonidaion is located just a little further south and is now considered the largest building (74.80 x 81.08 m) on the site of Ancient Olympia. Leonidas from Naxos is considered the founder and builder of the guest house, which was once surrounded by 138 outer columns and 44 columns in the inner courtyard. Presumably, about 150 athletes could be accommodated here.

An earthquake in Roman times destroyed the “Antike Sporthotel”, many components of the Leonidaion were used to build a protective wall. Also from the neighboring Bouleuterion, the former council hall of the Olympic Committee, only foundations, pillar stumps and other debris can be seen. In ancient times, athletes were registered here, penalties were handed out and match schedules were organised.

Temple of Zeus of Olympia

At the heart of the complex are the remains of the Temple of Zeus of Olympia. The Ringhallentempel with its former 6 by 13 columns has a floor area of 64 by 28 meters and is a prime example of ancient architecture. The power that once emanated from this building can be well imagined, despite the sparse ruins that exist today.

With a height of 20 meters, the temple, built around 457 BC, was considered the largest structure of its kind in ancient Greece. Inside the temple, the so-called Cella, once stood the imposing statue of Zeus. On the fifth day of each ancient Olympics, a solemn procession in honor of Zeus took place in and around the building.

The gable of the temple was once richly decorated with marble sculptures, some of which are exhibited in the museum (including Zeus with Pelops, the ruler of the Peloponnese). For the 2004 Olympic Games a column in original size (10.55 m) was erected. The best impression of the sanctuary is given by a virtual reality tour (View on GetYourGuide*).

Treasure houses and nymphaeum of Herodes Atticus

From the Temple of Zeus, the path continues north. Passing many small shrines and altars, you reach the Nymphaeum and the treasure house of the Skiyonians. The latter is considered the best preserved of the numerous treasure houses of Olympia. The nymphaeum was donated in 153 AD by the Roman patron Herodes Atticus and was once the source of an aqueduct.

Stadium of Olympia

Past numerous pillar stumps, the path thickens eastwards and leads through the arched gate to the Olympic Stadium. For many visitors, the Stadium of Olympia is the highlight of the place and Greece fans should definitely put this site on their bucket list. During our visit, we also couldn’t miss the opportunity to whizz along the 192.24-metre-long running track.

Almost every minute, visitors jog across the track and the Olympic idea is quickly awakened in young and old. Whether you are doing sports or just strolling through the imposing arena, when the wind blows, you can hear the murmurs and cheers of the audience from back then. After all, the Olympic Stadium has a capacity of 45,000.

The fact that the stadium is located directly below the striking Hill Kronos, named after the titans of Greek mythology and the father of the god Zeus, the site gives the place an additional mystical aura. Incidentally, the 213 m long stadium was restored in 1961 to the way it was during the heyday of Olympia in the 4th century BC.

#4 Guided tours to Olympia

In addition to the classic guided tours of Olympia there is also the opportunity to discover other sights in the Peloponnese in combination with the Olympia through organized excursions. This is especially useful for those who do not travel to Olympia by rental car. Some of the tours even start from Athens. More details about the Olympic excursions on GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the 3-day tour (incl. Epidaurus & Mycenae)*

➲ To the 4-day tour (incl. Delphi & Meteora)*

#5 Archaeological Museum of Olympia

That Archaeological Museum of Olympia is one of the most important museums in Greece. The first discoveries were exhibited as early as 1885. Until 1975, it was in the building where the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games . The abundance of finds made a new building necessary. The museum was last restored in 2003.

Today, the Olympic Museum has 12 rooms of different sizes, which present important periods, themes and buildings one after the other during a clockwise tour. The first room shows the prehistoric finds, the large hall in the heart of the museum (No. 5) is dedicated to the Temple of Zeus and the last room of modern history.

A visit to the museum is not only worthwhile for history buffs, especially since admission is included in the Olympic ticket. The complexity of the sanctuary of Olympia only becomes apparent through the many finds, the sculptural models of the individual temples and the extensive information in the museum.

Recommended are guided tours through the museum or on your own with the Olympia smartphone app or an audio guide, which can be booked via GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the museum ticket with audio guide*

Important exhibits in the Olympic Museum

Even in the first halls, one is overwhelmed by the abundance of bronze finds, especially bull figures. Long before the first ancient Olympic Games, offerings of all sizes were brought to the sanctuary of Zeus to pay homage to the god. Among them are numerous stone “toy figures” with some movable limbs.

In the fourth room you can see the Helm of Miltiades, an important general who won the Battle of Marathon (490 BC). In the same room is the drinking cup of Phidias, the gifted sculptor and creator of the legendary statue of Zeus at Olympia.

In the central hall, everything revolves around Zeus, the father of the gods. On display are the magnificent gable decorations of the former Temple of Zeus and many other marble reliefs that tell stories from Greek mythology. The variety of depictions makes the historian’s heart beat faster.

In a niche above Hall 4 stands the Nike des Paiones (420 BC), a 3 m high marble statue of the goddess of victory, which seems to float down from heaven. The statue originally stood in front of the Temple of Zeus on an 8 m high pedestal.

In the seventh room, you can see the Hermes of Praxiteles, also known as Hermes of Olympia, a marble group in honour of the messenger of the gods. In his arms he carries the god Dionysus as an infant. The magnificent statue was discovered in 1877 by the German archaeologist Gustav Hirschfeld and is still disputed among historians today as to whether it is a Greek original or a Roman copy.

Halls 10 and 11 are home to important marble sculptures from the Roman period, including depictions of generals, gods and mythological figures. The highlight is the marble bull torso from the Nymphaeum of Herodes Atticus from the 2nd century AD The sculpture bears a dedication inscription to Zeus by Annia Regilla, the wife of Herod.

Opening hours of the Museum of Olympia

The Olympia Museum, like the entire complex, is open 359 days a year and closed only on Easter, Christmas and national holidays. There are toilets and a museum café on the premises. Unfortunately, the prices for drinks and small snacks are very high, so we recommend going to a cozy café in the village of Olympia after the visit.

• Opening hours Olympia Museum: Same opening hours as Ancient Olympia
• Website of the Olympia Museum: Ancientolympiamuseum

#6 Interesting facts about Ancient Olympia

Ancient Olympia lay buried under a thick layer of mud from the Kladeos River for centuries. Until the 18th century, the important sanctuary was considered almost forgotten. Large-scale excavations did not begin until around 1880 and between 1906 and 1929, among others under the direction of German archaeologists like Wilhelm Dörpfeld and Ernst Curtius.

The valley of Olympia with the striking Kronos hill was probably built around 2000 BC as a Sanctuary in Elis and was only designated as the venue for the ancient Olympics much later. The Olympic Games were not about money, but about the immortal glory of the competitors, which amounted to hero status.

The construction of the place of worship in the Olympic spirit began in the 10th to 9th centuries BC. Most of the complex was built by the 4th century BC, extensions continued well into Roman times (see Olympia map). Unimaginable amounts of votive offerings and valuable treasures have accumulated in Olympia over the centuries.

According to the Greek historian Pausanias (2nd century AD), there are said to have been a total of about 70 temples and sanctuaries. By the way, the largest part of the Olympia facility was not the stadium, but the Hippodrome, a horse racing track on the neighboring Alfios River, which has not been completely excavated to this day.

Olympic Games in Antiquity

The first Olympic Games of antiquity, also known as the Elic Olympics, took place in 776 BC according to scientific findings. Although there are said to have been regional competitions before, mostly with a military and less with an athletic background, they were hardly event-related and did not take place periodically. In the 6th century BC, the games gained supra-regional importance.

In the ancient games, the Olympic Truce (Ekecheiria) which all participants undertook to comply with. In any case, Olympia as a sanctuary was never allowed to be entered with weapons. Through the homage to the gods, including offerings and extravagant ceremonies, the Olympic Games have always had a peaceful, strongly spiritual and partly religious character.

Early on, it was agreed that August would be the month of the Games and that the Games would take place every four years. The exact origin of the Olympic Games has not yet been clarified. According to Greek mythology, the hero Heracles or Pelops, king of the Peloponnese, is associated with the founding of the Games.

The Games of Olympia are considered to be the oldest Panhellenic sporting events. In addition, there were other games such as the Pythian Games in Delphi (in honor of the god Apollo, every 4 years), the Nemean Games at Argos (in honor of Zeus, every 2 years) or the Isthmian Games in Corinth (in honor of the god Poseidon, every 2 years). However, the greatest cultural and political significance was the Olympic Games, which lasted for centuries.

It is interesting that at that time, except for one woman, the high priestess of the Temple of Hera, only men were allowed as athletes and spectators. After the devastating Persian Wars in the 6th and 5th centuries BC and the fateful victory and the associated achievement of freedom, the quarreling Greek kingdoms saw in the games of Olympics a symbol of peace and cohesion.

In 393 AD they were officially held for the last time, because a year later they were officially held by the Roman Emperor Theodosius I as a pagan cult. As is still the case today in Greece, people did not think much of paternalism even then. Scientific studies have shown that the Olympic Games were probably continued on a small scale until the 6th century AD.

Constant incursions of the Slavs and Goths as well as severe earthquakes (see article: Greece Earthquake) destroyed the facility. The Kladeos River, with its annual floods, buried the sanctuary for centuries under a layer of mud up to 4 m thick. The Englishman Richard Chandler was the first scientist to visit Olympia in 1766 and discovered the remains of the Temple of Zeus.

In Greece, which was then under Ottoman rule, it took years before the first excavations could be carried out. It was not until the founding of the new Greek state in 1830 and under the direction of the German Archaeological Institute that the excavations were advanced. In 1896, the first flame of the Olympic Games of the modern era was lit.

#7 Hotels near Olympia

There are some solid hotels in Archea Olympia. In the immediate vicinity, further overnight accommodation has been built in recent years. The low price level of the accommodations, which is sometimes below the state average, is striking. However, most visitors only come for a day trip, and so it is quite cozy in the evening in the village.

Still, it’s worth staying one or more nights, as Olympia is also a good starting point for exploring the northwestern Peloponnese. By clicking on the links you can get more information about the hotel from our partner Booking.com*.

Our accommodation tips for Olympia

Great Escape Olympia (Drouvo)

Compact self-catering cottage with stunning views over the valley of the Alfios River. Lovingly furnished, two bedrooms offer space for 4 people, quiet location about 700 m outside Drouvo. Olympia is 6 minutes away by car.

➲ Book Great Escape Olympia*

Hotel Europa Olympia (Drouvo)

Somewhat outdated 4-star hotel, about 1 km west of ancient Olympia. Some rooms and suites have been recently renovated, it is best to ask when booking. Very good breakfast and courteous service, plus an inviting pool area in the well-kept garden.

➲ Book Hotel Europa Olympia*

Leonidaion Guesthouse (Archea Olympia)

Beautiful rooms and spacious apartments on the southern edge of the village, not far from the Taverna Orestis. The junior suite even has a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the surrounding area. Good breakfast, friendly staff and fair prices even in summer.

➲ Book Leonidaion Guesthouse*

Prytanio (Archea Olympia)

Small guesthouse at the northern entrance to the village. Modern, somewhat noisy rooms, good breakfast, helpful staff and very reasonable prices. Just a 7 minute walk from the ancient site.

➲ To book Prytanio*

Stadium Apartments (Archea Olympia)

The friendly owner Costas rents simple, functional studios in the heart of the village at unimaginable value for money. Perfect for those who want to spend a night in Olympia without big demands.

➲ To book Stadium Apartments*

Camping at Ancient Olympia

Camping Alfios (Drouvo)

Cosy campsite in Drouvo, the neighbouring village of Archea Olympia. Warm welcome and partly personal instruction by the boss. Pitches close to nature also for larger motorhomes, Greek home cooking on site and small pool for refreshment.

Camping Diana (Archea Olympia)

Solid campsite on the western outskirts of the village. Small pool, clean sanitary facilities, but a bit old. Sufficient for a stopover in Olympia. Due to the proximity to the village a bit louder in summer. Information and prices at: Campingdiana

Restaurant recommendations for Archea Olympia

Anesis: Modern diner-style barbecue tavern. In addition to tourist gyros plates, the best souvlaki of Olympia are grilled here, and there are good mezedes (appetizers) at reasonable prices. Family atmosphere and relaxed staff.

Dimitra Restaurant & Wine (ΔΗΜΗΤΡΑ): Very good restaurant right at the main parking lot of Olympia. Nice ambience and very tasty and original dishes. The high quality corresponds to the slightly higher price.

Roda Cafe: From coffee and ice cream to fresh juices and crepes to wine and pizza, there is everything from small snacks to large meals. Despite the direct proximity to the entrance of ancient Olympia, still fair prices. Also highly recommended for breakfast!

Taverna Orestis: Typical Greek tavern with good home cooking at fair prices. Friendly welcome and helpful staff, quaint décor, open all year round.

Zeus: Modern resto-bar on the large promenade, where the locals also like to stop for a bite to eat. Delicious coffee, good cocktails and decent food.

#8 Places of interest in the area

In addition to the ancient site and the Olympia Museum, Archea Olympia offers other highlights, which are especially interesting for history lovers. If you stay longer in the village or have enough time, a visit to Alexandros in the Smili art workshop on the northwestern edge of the village. Here you will get insights into pottery and marble processing.

Archimedes Museum in Archea Olympia

That Archimedes Museum is located in the southern part of the Praxiteli Kondyli promenade and shows technical inventions and craftsmanship achievements of antiquity. On display are an ancient organ, various military equipment such as catapults or battering rams and a variety of models, e.g. replicas of Greek ships.

The museum is dedicated to the engineer Archimedes of Syracuse, who is considered the greatest mathematician of antiquity. Most of the replicas are recreated with the materials of the time. A large part of the exhibits can even be seen in action. The exhibition is impressive for young and old and also free of charge, donations and purchases in the adjoining shop are welcome.

→ Further information and Opening hours of the Archimedes Museum under: archimedesmuseum.gr

Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games

The Olympic Games History Museum is located west of the excavation site and, as the name suggests, is dedicated to the historical development of the Competitive Games from their beginnings in antiquity to their revival in modern times. Numerous exhibits and representations illustrate the importance of the Olympics for humanity.

Only the tour of the museum completes the visit to Olympia. All explanations are in Greek, English, French and German. Entry into the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games is already included in the ticket to Ancient Olympia. Here, too, you should plan at least 1-2 hours of stay.

→ Further information and opening hours of the Olympic History Museumunder: ancientolympicsmuseum.com

Temple of Apollo near Bassae

The Temple of Apollo of Bassae is located about 60 km south of Olympia and is one of the most important sanctuaries of the Peloponnese. Since 1986, the imposing temple near the village of Skliros has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to the god Apollo Epikourios, the temple was built between 400 and 450 BC at an altitude of 1,131 m.

Already on the way there is a curiosity: The temple is hidden under a huge tent. On the advice of UNESCO, it has been covered with a weatherproof tarpaulin since 1987, but is to be uncovered again after the excavations are completed. Inside the tent, however, you can admire the amazingly well-preserved temple in all its glory.

English archaeologists began extensive excavations at the beginning of the 19th century. Important finds from the Temple of Apollo are therefore now in the British Museum in London, including the impressive Bassae Frieze, a marble high relief sculpture in 23 panels with a total length of 31 meters.

• Bassae Temple Opening Hours: Open all year round, summer times 1 April – 31 October from 08:00 – 20:00, admission 10 €, closing days analogous to Ancient Olympia

Oak forest of Foloi

The Forest of Foloi (Το Δάσος Φολόη) may sound unspectacular to Central Europeans, but it is a unique ecosystem in the Balkans. Nature lovers should definitely make a detour to this enchanted place. With almost 42,000 hectares, the oak forest is one of the largest and oldest in southern Europe.

At an altitude of 600 meters, the forest complex is home to numerous animal and plant species. Short-toed eagles and golden eagles, Eleonora’s falcons, eagle owls and short-haired owls can be observed. But mammals such as wild boars, roe deer and deer, foxes and jackals, even Greek tortoises and a variety of snakes such as vipers, adders or the Balkan snake also live here.

According to Greek mythology, the forest owes its name to the centaur Folos, who lived here and hosted the hero Heracles, who searched for the Erymanthian boar on his travels. The Foloi Forest is located about 30 km northeast of Olympia and offers pleasant coolness in the summer months. In autumn, foliage colouring is a highlight in Greece.

→ More articles and numerous Peloponnese travel tips can be found at:

• Mani Peloponnese
• Peloponnese Holidays – 11 tips for your trip

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