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Experience the best of Olympia

Olympia is a quiet village in the western Peloponnese, grown around the ancient sanctuary of Zeus where the first Olympic Games were held.

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Olympia lies in a green valley where the rivers Alfeios and Kladeos meet, in the western Peloponnese. For well over a thousand years, beginning in the eighth century BC, the sanctuary hosted games in honour of Zeus every four years. The ruins include the Temple of Zeus, once home to a gold-and-ivory statue of the god by Phidias, famed across the classical world; the Temple of Hera; and the original stadium, entered through a vaulted tunnel.

The Archaeological Museum holds the finest finds, among them the pedimental sculptures of the Temple of Zeus and Praxiteles' marble Hermes. A separate museum covers the history of the ancient Games. Nearby, wooded Kronos Hill overlooks the site. The Ionian coast, with long beaches, lies a short drive west, and the temple of Apollo at Bassae, high in the hills of Arcadia, is a longer trip south-east.

Local honey, olive oil, grilled meats and village cheese appear in the tavernas along the main street, which fill with diners in the evening. Spring, when wildflowers cover the ruins, and early autumn are the comfortable seasons; summer days are very hot.

  • 9 skip-the-line tickets
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  • 4.7 across the top 13

Top experiences in Olympia

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14

Landmarks and attractions in Olympia

11

Guided tours in Olympia

22

Shore excursions from Olympia

15

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