Birthplace Of The Olympics- Olympia
Olympia is an ancient site on Greece's Peloponnese peninsula that hosted the original Olympic Games, founded in the 8th century B.C.
Katakolon, West Greece, Greece Sunday April 12, 2015
Katakolon is tiny fishing village in the region of Elis. It was the site of the first-ever Olympic Games, Katakolon has always been an important port city for this part of Greece. When you arrive at the Katakolon cruise port, you’ll be met by views of the bluer than blue Ionian Sea, romantic Greek vistas, and a beachy paradise. You can venture on to Olympia, where the first ever Olympic Games were held to honor the Greek gods, or stop in at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia for a closer look at ancient Greek art and history.
In tiny Katakolon, where the population is just a few hundred people, time will stop, and you’ll be transported to another time. During your stopover in Katakolon, don’t miss the chance to try local Greek wine at the Domaine Mercouri Winery, or enjoy a fresh plate of olives and feta at a seaside taverna. The fresh sea air and the sight of fishermen out on the horizon will remind you of a simpler life. In Greece, you can have an incredible day doing absolutely nothing on a beach, or spend an unforgettable afternoon seeing the ancient sites of Greece.
TOP SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS
ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF OLYMPIA
For fans of history and international art, there’s no better place to be than Greece. The Archaeological Museum of Olympia opened in 1882 and was the first museum erected in Greece outside of Athens. When you arrive, you’ll be in the presence of thousands of years of history, ancient sanctuaries of the Greek gods, and bronze statues.
OLYMPIA ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE
After taking a local bus to Olympia, you can’t leave Greece without seeing the birthplace of the one and only Olympic Games. At this ancient site, thousands of years ago, the games were held in honor of the Greek god, Zeus. Stroll the grounds, explore the ruins, and enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage site in its full glory.
MUSEUM OF ANCIENT GREEK TECHNOLOGY
If you’re looking for a peek into ancient Greek technology not far from the cruise port, then you have to check out the Museum of Greek Technology in Katakolon. There are recreations of inventions from thousands of years ago, which is sure to charm history buffs during a stopover in Katakolon.
DOMAINE MERCOURI WINERY
Take a 20-minute ride to the romantic Domaine Mercouri Winery, where you can sip and taste locally made Greek wines in style. The winery has been around for over 150 years. It’s open Monday through Saturday for tours.
SEE THE OLYMPIA OLD STADIUM
A short ride to Olympia Old Stadium is a must-see for any Greek island cruise. Magnificent temples and race tracks once stood here, and it’s where athletes from thousands of years ago proved their skill and talent. It’s yet another UNESCO World Heritage site for you to check off your Mediterranean bucket list.
TAKE THE KATAKOLON TOURIST TRAIN
For just six euros, you can hop on the Katakolon Tourist Train for a guided tour of the town, including its beautiful wine region and clear waters. It’s a quick way to see more of the landscape than you can on foot during your stop in Katakolon.
