Cruises through the Greek Islands often stop at the main land port of Katakolon as they round the Pelopennesus peninsula. With many
apologies to the locals this port does not really have much to offer but a few restaurants, a beach and handy access to a pharmacy and an ATM. The only site to see, and why would you need any other, is the archeological site of Olympia.
In the 10th century BC Olympia became the centre of worship for Zeus. It still supports the Doric columns of the Temple of Zeus constructed in the 5th century. In 776 BC Olympia became the site of the original Olympic Games, making it a “unique universal symbol of peace and competition”, according to the UNESCO Heritage site. Held every four years, the games gave rise to the ideals of physical and mental harmony and fair competition, which has continued into today’s modern Olympics.
Located 25 miles from the port itself, a visit to Olympia requires transportation. You can catch a local bus; it is inexpensive but unreliable, or a taxi. Most folks chose to take a ship or a private excursion. We used Katakolon Express for our visit. Check out their tour options at https://www.katakolon-express.com/katakolon/olympiaescortedtour.htm. A four (4) hour independent tour starts at €30 for adults in an air conditioned bus, or for a little more you can get a guided tour. The cost does not include the entry fee to the site itself of €6 per person. Your entry fee does allow you to visit the small but well displayed museum on the premises. Make sure to leave time to see the preserved relics, enjoy the air conditioning and make a stop at the WC.
What I found surprising about this archeological site is that the landscape is lush and green on this side of the peninsula. Trees, thus shade, abound so that you can enjoy a leisurely visit despite the heat. Wildfires plagued the region this summer (the cruise before us had to skip their stop here) but we were able to visit. Thankfully the fires missed this site altogether.
Be sure to walk under the portico that leads into the stadium and line up on the starting blocks of the course. I was impressed at the number of visitors that choose to run the distance, both young and old. Not me, in case you were wondering. A runner I am not. But I did experience the thrill of lining up and imagining I could, of knowing that I stood where so many had before me.
If you have already been to Olympia a second visit may be redundant for you. Instead you can spend your time on the beach, enjoy a local lunch, or consider this a sea day and relax on board. It’s true that the site will not change from year to year, but our appreciation of it may. I myself will look forward to returning again.