Olympia (Greek: Ολυμπία Olympía) is a town and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Peloponnese, Greece. This was the site of the original Olympic Games from 776 BC. The flame for each modern Olympic Games is still lit in the town, by a reflection of sunlight in a parabolic mirror, and carried by torch to the place where the games are to be held. The marathon is said to trace its origins to a messenger who ran from Olympia to Athens to inform the Athenians of their victory.
Get in
Take the train or KTEL buses from Patras via Pyrgos which takes around two hours. Since all the station signs are in Greek, pick up a translation card at any train station. You can also travel to Olympia from the port of Kyllini using KTEL buses.
Get around
See
Do
- Olympia Land Estate, Koskina, Ancient Olympia (1,5 km from Olympia city.), ☏ +30 2624023021. The Olympia Land winery has unique wines from local varieties in a modern tasting room.
Buy
Eat
It can be possible to help yourself to citrus fruit from trees around the town however it would be advisable to gain the landowner's permission if the tree in question is on private land.
Drink
- Face Nightclub
- Kalypso Nightclub. Closes at midnight. Popular with a young tourist crowd.
Sleep
- Hotel Kronio (Easy walk to the museums and ancient sites), ☏ +30 26240 22188.
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