When most of us think of a getaway in Greece, a romantic escapade in Santorini or a week of beach parties in Mykonos are usually the first things that come to mind – but the culture and history of Greece dates way back before these coastal vacays, so it’s time to pull out those history books and explore these special landmarks that put this gorgeous getaway on the map.
Following right behind the Acropolis in Athens (note: if you’re a traveler that prefers a cocktail with culture on the side, click here), Olympia is the second most important archaeological site in Greece. As the birthplace of the Olympic games, planning a day trip to this ancient site to discover where the competition all began is definitely worth the visit.
Olympia is located on the western side of Peloponnese in mainland Greece. While I wouldn’t recommend a long stay in Olympia, it’s a great stopover after a visit to Athens (definitely check out the AthensWas hotel). Olympia is a 3.5 hour drive from Athens, and if you don’t rent a car on your journey, you can easily schedule a day trip with a local travel company.
While Olympia is a small town, you can pack in a lot of culture on an afternoon visit, so today I’m sharing everything you need to explore on a day trip to Olympia:
Explore The Archaeological Site of Olympia
The Archaeological Site of Olympia is the the venue of the ancient Olympic games that were celebrated every four years to honor the god of Zeus. While this was once home to the statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it was believed to have been destroyed in a fire and natural causes – but you can still explore the ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wear comfortable shoes and spend some time exploring the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, then head over to the ancient Ancient Stadium to experience the original site of the Olympic Games. We challenged each other for a race, and as cheesy as it sounds, it was a memorable experience!
Visit the Archeological Museum of Olympia
Known as one of the best museums in Greece, the Archeological Museum of Olympia features ancient statues and findings from Olympia, as well as other excavations of the area. Two of the must-see exhibits include the ancient statues of Hermes of Praxiteles and Nike Paionios.
Explore the Museum of Olympic Games
As home to the Olympic games, it’s no surprise this local museum features findings from the original Olympic games. Stop by the museum to learn all about the ancient games and what inspired one of the most exciting athletic celebrations we all continue to love today.
Enjoy Local Wine Tasting At Olympia Gi
After a day of roaming, head over to Olympia Gi for wine tasting and stunning views. Explore the vineyards and spend the afternoon taking in the serene landscapes from the mansion’s patio.
Where To Eat & Drink
One thing is for sure, you can’t go wrong with Greek food – so come hungry! Olympia is lined with fabulous restaurants from casual local cafes to dreamy garden settings. Some of our favorites are:
Taverna Orestis
Taverna The Garden
Zorbas – For an afternoon cocktail before heading back on your journey!
Whether you’re planning a day trip from Athens or adding a stop on your road trip through mainland Greece, Olympia is a small town packed with history and culture that you will not want to miss!
For more travel tips on Greece, check out our other guides:
Elia Beach: The Mykonos Beach You Need On Your Radar
Where To Stay In Santorini: Grace Santorini
Where To Stay In Athens, Greece: AthensWas Hotel
