Planning one day in Olympia Greece from a cruise ship? If your itinerary includes Katakolon, you can spend the day exploring the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games, visiting the archaeological museum, or enjoying some of the nearby beaches and coastal towns.
We booked an excursion which combined Ancient Olympia with Greek food and traditional entertainment. If you’re planning an Olympia cruise port day, here’s what I’d recommend seeing, how to get there from Katakolon, and what I’d consider doing differently depending on your interests.
Cruise ships visiting Olympia dock in Katakolon (also called Katakolo), a small port town on the western Peloponnese.
Ancient Olympia isn’t directly at the port. It’s approximately 35–40 kilometers (22–25 miles) inland, and the drive generally takes around 35–45 minutes each way.
Katakolon itself has waterfront restaurants, cafés, and shops within walking distance of the cruise pier. If you don’t want to spend your port day exploring archaeological sites, you have several alternatives closer to the ship.
For most first-time visitors, I’d prioritize the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, then choose between the museum and a Greek food or cultural experience if your cruise schedule allows.
I’d allow approximately 4–6 hours for the overall outing, including the 35–45-minute drive each way, 1.5–2 hours exploring Ancient Olympia, and another 45–60 minutes if you want to visit the museum.
This is my suggested itinerary rather than the exact timing of our excursion.
I’d start with Ancient Olympia as early as your ship’s arrival and transportation arrangements allow, especially during the warmer months.
Because we booked through Viator, our transportation was already organized. We didn’t need to arrange a driver or figure out how to get back to the ship.
If you’re exploring independently, you can compare shore excursions, private transfers, taxis, and the local train. I’ll cover those transportation options below.
Ancient Olympia is where the original Olympic Games began in 776 BC, and the archaeological site contains the remains of temples, athletic facilities, and buildings associated with the ancient sanctuary.
Unlike the Acropolis in Athens, Olympia is spread across a large, relatively open archaeological complex. Much of what remains consists of stone foundations, columns, and ruins rather than completely preserved buildings.
We spent time walking among the ancient ruins and rows of standing columns. Even if you’re not particularly interested in history, it’s pretty fascinating to explore the site where the original Olympic Games were held thousands of years ago.
Here are three of the most important things to look for while exploring.
The Temple of Zeus was among the most important structures in Ancient Olympia.
It once housed a massive gold-and-ivory statue of Zeus, which was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The statue no longer exists, and the temple is largely in ruins. However, the remaining stonework and fallen columns help illustrate just how enormous the original structure was.
The ancient Olympic stadium is among the most interesting parts of Olympia because it’s where athletes competed in foot races thousands of years ago.
It looks completely different from the enormous stadiums we associate with the modern Olympics. Instead of towering grandstands, you’ll see an open athletic track surrounded by grassy embankments.
Seeing the original competition area gives you a much better understanding of what the ancient Games actually looked like.
The Temple of Hera is another important archaeological site, particularly because of its connection to the modern Olympic Games.
Today, the ceremonial lighting of the Olympic flame takes place at Ancient Olympia near the Temple of Hera before the Games.
WENDY’S TIP: If you’re a huge history person, I’d consider booking a guided tour. There are ruins spread throughout the complex, and having someone explain what you’re looking at can make the experience much more interesting than wandering around trying to figure everything out yourself.
If you’re visiting Athens during your Greece trip, I’ve also put together an Athens Ancient Sites Walking Guide: Acropolis Agora and More that covers several of the city’s major archaeological attractions.
If your cruise schedule allows, the Archaeological Museum of Olympia is a good addition to the archaeological site.
The museum houses sculptures, statues, and artifacts recovered from Olympia, including important works associated with the Temple of Zeus. It also helps explain what some of the ancient buildings originally looked like.
If I were planning a history-focused day today, I’d allow another 45–60 minutes for the museum. However, if I had limited time, I’d prioritize the outdoor archaeological site.
Our excursion wasn’t just about exploring Ancient Olympia. We specifically booked a Greek food and cultural experience. Our plate included orzo salad, lentil salad, toasted bread topped with chopped tomatoes and red onion, tzatziki, a beetroot yogurt dip, and a small serving of peas.
It was a nice assortment of Greek-style appetizers and small dishes, and I love trying traditional dishes in each country so this was a great experience for the first time coming to Greece.
If trying local food is a priority during your cruise, you might also like my What to Eat in Greece: 25 Greek Foods You Have to Try. We ate some REALLY good food during our more recent Greece trip, and there are plenty of dishes I’d recommend looking for.
Because Ancient Olympia is inland, you’ll need transportation from the cruise port. There are several ways to make the trip, and I’d compare them based on cost, flexibility, and how much time you have in port.
This is what we did and it was convenient having transportation and the day’s activities arranged for us.
Depending on the excursion, your package may include a guide, admission tickets, and additional cultural experiences.
If you’re concerned about getting back to your cruise ship on time, Viator has a cruise-specific search feature that lets you find shore excursions based on your ship and sailing date.
A private tour gives you more flexibility over how long you spend exploring Ancient Olympia, visiting the museum, or stopping somewhere else.
Before booking, I’d confirm the pickup location, admission arrangements, total price, and return time.
You can compare independent shore excursions below to see what’s available for your port date.
Taxis may be available near Katakolon port, although availability can vary depending on how many cruise ships are visiting. If you decide to take a taxi, I’d agree on the full round-trip price and waiting arrangements before leaving Katakolon.
There is also a train connecting Katakolon and Ancient Olympia, with the journey taking approximately 45 minutes. According to Hellenic Train, the route operates Monday through Saturday, and the published round-trip fare is €10.
The train could be an economical way to visit independently, but I’d check the schedule for your exact port date before planning around it. Train departures are limited, and the return journey needs to fit comfortably within your ship’s schedule.
Check Katakolon–Olympia train information
If you’re visiting independently, you’ll need to arrange admission to the archaeological site.
According to the official Hellenic Heritage website, the standard adult ticket is currently €20, with a reduced ticket available for €10.
Admission includes:
Opening hours vary seasonally. During April through August, the archaeological site generally opens from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with progressively shorter hours in the fall. Winter hours are generally 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
There are also certain holidays when the site is closed.
I’d check the official website shortly before visiting, particularly if you’re traveling outside the summer cruise season.
Check Ancient Olympia tickets and opening hours
We visited during an August cruise, and it was HOT.
Parts of the archaeological site are very exposed, with limited shade, and you’ll spend quite a bit of time walking outdoors. I’d bring comfortable walking shoes or sandals with good traction, lightweight clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water. A small day backpack is helpful for carrying everything, especially if your excursion includes several stops.
I’d also bring a portable charger since you’ll probably be using your phone for pictures throughout the day.
For more recommendations, you can read my Greece Packing List: Everything You Need for Athens and the Greek Islands.
For the main archaeological site, I’d plan on approximately 1.5–2 hours, with another 45–60 minutes if you want to visit the museum. The bigger consideration for cruise passengers is how much time you have in port.
If your cruise also stops in Santorini, I’ve put together One Day in Santorini From a Cruise Ship: The Best Itinerary with recommendations for making the most of that port day.
Not particularly interested in ancient ruins? You don’t have to visit Olympia just because your cruise itinerary lists it as the main attraction.
There are several beaches and other activities near Katakolon that could be a better fit, especially if you’ve already visited a lot of archaeological sites during your cruise.
These are alternatives I’d consider for my next visit.
Agios Andreas Beach is a short drive from Katakolon, approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the port.
It has clear water, rocky areas, and nearby restaurants.
I’d consider this if I wanted a beach stop without traveling too far from the cruise ship.
If you’re looking for a more traditional beach day, Kourouta Beach has a long stretch of sand, swimming, and beachfront restaurants.
It’s farther from Katakolon, generally around 25–35 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
I’d consider Kourouta if I wanted to spend most of my port day at the beach rather than combine several different activities.
If you’re more interested in wineries and countryside scenery, Mercouri Estate offers another option near Katakolon.
The estate is known for its winemaking history and vineyards, and it could be an alternative for travelers who prefer a food-and-wine experience over archaeological sightseeing.
You don’t necessarily have to book an excursion at all.
Katakolon has a waterfront area with restaurants, cafés, and shops within walking distance of the cruise port.
If you have a shorter port call or just want a more relaxed day, you could spend some time walking around town, shopping, and enjoying lunch overlooking the water.
Plakes Beach, also called Renata Beach, is another option near the cruise port if you’re looking for a quick swim.
It’s convenient because you don’t need to travel far, although the shoreline can have a mixture of sand, pebbles, and rocky areas.
I’d consider this if I wanted to stay close to the ship rather than commit to a longer beach excursion.
WENDY’S TIP: If you have a short port day, I’d probably stay closer to Katakolon rather than spend a large part of it traveling inland. You can still enjoy the Greek coastline without having to arrange a full-day excursion.
I think Ancient Olympia is worth visiting, particularly if you’re interested in Greek history or the Olympic Games. It’s completely different from the beaches and whitewashed island villages many people picture when they think about Greece.
But would I personally want to spend an entire port day exploring ancient ruins? Probably not. Ha!
That’s why I liked the excursion we booked. We got to see where the ancient Olympic Games began, enjoy some Greek food, and experience traditional entertainment without spending the entire day on history.
If it were my first time to Katakolon, I’d probably book something similar. I still think it’s pretty cool that we got to stand where the original Olympic Games were held.
But if history really isn’t your thing? I’d have no problem recommending a beach day instead.
If you end up booking anything for your trip, using my affiliate links helps support my blog at no extra cost to you. I spend a lot of time researching and writing these guides, so I really appreciate the support.
If you aren’t booking directly through your cruise line, you can compare Katakolon shore excursions on Viator or browse GetYourGuide for additional tour options.
If you’re planning to spend more time in Greece before or after your cruise, these guides can help:
For an August visit to Ancient Olympia, I’d prioritize sun protection, water, and comfortable shoes. My Coola Spray Sunscreen and Brita Water Bottle are two useful options for sightseeing days.
If I could go back to one of the beaches in Hydra, Greece, it would be Avlaki. 🇬🇷
Of the two swimming spots I visited, this one was my favorite because it felt quieter, more private, and had the perfect spot for cliff jumping. It was a little rockier getting into the water, so water shoes are worth bringing, but it was such a fun way to spend part of the day.
If you’re visiting Hydra, add Avlaki Beach to your list!
I don’t even like seafood but @sunsethydra surprised me!
The panko-crusted feta with prickly pear chutney and pistachios was one of my favorites, and the Sunset Salad with fresh oranges and homemade orange-ginger dressing was so good. Even the bread and olive oil stood out!
Brad ordered the fresh catch of the day, sea bass, and loved it. And yes, even I enjoyed a bite!
Comment whether or not you’re a big seafood fan! 👇
Taking a day trip from Athens to Hydra? Here are 3 things to know before you book!
Book a high-speed ferry from Piraeus. Our ride took just 1 hour and 15 minutes each way, giving us almost 7 hours to explore.
Check your ferry options. We took Alpha Lines to Hydra and Magic Sea Ferries back. I personally preferred Alpha Lines for its open outdoor deck!
Plan to explore on foot. Hydra is car-free, and the ferry drops you right at the heart of town, making it easy to explore the harbor, shops, and waterfront restaurants as soon as you arrive.
Hydra ended up being one of my favorite days in Greece! Head to the blog for my full ferry guide, booking tips, and everything I wish I’d known before going.
I had less than 7 hours to spend in Hydra, Greece, and here is how I made the most of it.
From waterfront lunch to swimming at two beautiful beaches, this day trip was one of my favorite parts of Greece.
Read my full Hydra itinerary on the blog and save this for your trip!
This is what I mean by lunch with a view. 🇬🇷
Sunset Restaurant on one side, the Aegean Sea on the other.
And even as someone who doesn’t usually go for seafood, this spot in Hydra surprised me. Between the fresh sea bass, panko-crusted feta, and waterfront setting, it was a meal worth remembering.
Save this for your next trip to Greece!
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
