Ilia: Olympia, Elis and Kaiafas

Ilia combines a long coastline on the Ionian Sea with valleys, mountains and beaches. Olympia is a notable historical focal point: the site lies in a valley formed by the confluence of the Alpheios and Kladeos rivers.

Olympia: archaeological site and museums

At the archaeological site of Olympia, temples and the remains of sports facilities used for the Olympic Games have been preserved. The Olympic idea originated here. The Archaeological Site of Olympia is located in the wider destination of Western Greece and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Archaeological Museum of Olympia presents finds from the Sanctuary of Zeus, as well as outstanding works of ancient art. The Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games officially began operating on 24 March 2004. The Archimedes Museum in Ancient Olympia has a different focus: it is a specialized museum of science and technology.

Ancient Elis and its collections

Ancient Elis lies in the heart of Ilia and was the administrative center and most populous city of the ancient state of the Eleans. The Archaeological Museum of Elis displays a mosaic floor from the 3rd century AD depicting symbols of the Muses and the Labors of Heracles. It also has four exhibition halls with finds from excavations and collections within and around ancient Elis. Olympia brings the Games and the Sanctuary of Zeus into focus, while Elis complements it with the historical role of an ancient city and its museum finds.

Foloi and Kaiafas: nature and activities

The Foloi Forest offers opportunities for hiking, cycling and gathering rare wild mushrooms; it is accessible by car. Conditions and permits may vary by season. If you plan to gather mushrooms, check seasonal conditions and applicable permits in advance.

Lake Kaiafas and its thermal springs attract hundreds of visitors from across Greece every year. Kaiafas also attracts visitors interested in water sports such as water skiing. If water skiing is important to your plans, check current conditions in advance.

Temple at Bassai and getting there

The Temple of Apollo Epikourios at Bassai in present-day Ilia is one of the best-preserved examples of classical Greek architecture and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. The temple is currently accessible only by private transport, as there is no public transport connection to a transport hub. Check local travel conditions before your visit.

Ancient Olympia is accessible from Katakolo and Pyrgos by train, bus and private car; check schedules in advance.

Discover more destinations: Kakovatos, Douneika, Aghios Ilias, Kastro, Pirgos, Katakolo, Archea Pissa, Mirtia, Amalias, Foloi, Olympia, Vartholomión, Korakochori, Manolas, Andritsena, Skafidia, Lygia, Platiana, Aghios Ilias, Zacharo, Arkoudi, Kourouta, Glifa, Theisoa, Ikaros, Kardamas, Krestena, Archea Olimpia, Loutrá Killínis, Trianta, Agios Andreas, Agia Anna, Kougeika, Leventochori

For the wider travel overview: Western Greece.