Where to stay in Ancient Olympia , Town, Platanos-Miraka, Krestena & Katakolo

If you're looking for where to stay in Ancient Olympia, the most practical choice is the modern town of Olympia, just 500 metres from the archaeological site, offering the largest concentration of hotels, restaurants, and services in the area. Alternatively, the surrounding areas—Platanos and Miraka, Krestena, and seaside Katakolo—offer quieter stays or access to the sea, within a 15-35 minute drive. In this guide, you'll find a detailed presentation of each area, actual accommodations with verified booking links, and answers to the most frequently asked questions from visitors to the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Geography, Access, and History of Ancient Olympia

Ancient Olympia is located in the western Peloponnese, in the prefecture of Elis, at the confluence of the Alfeios and Kladeos rivers, within a valley lush with pine trees, olive groves, and plane trees. It is approximately 18 km from Krestena, 32 km from Pyrgos, and about 320 km from Athens via the Olympia Odos motorway and the Pyrgos-Olympia provincial road. Road access from Athens takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes, while from Patras the journey is about 1 hour and 20 minutes via Pyrgos. There is no longer a regular railway connection, so travel is mainly by car or KTEL bus from Pyrgos and Tripoli. Many visitors also arrive by cruise ship, as the port of Katakolo, 32 km to the west, is one of the most popular cruise ship destinations in the Mediterranean, precisely because of its proximity to the archaeological site.

Historically, Olympia was the most important Panhellenic sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, with continuous worship from the 10th century BC to the 4th century AD. The ancient Olympic Games were held there every four years, starting in 776 BC, a tradition that lasted over a thousand years before being abolished by Theodosius I in 393 AD. Today, the archaeological site includes the Temple of Zeus, which housed Pheidias' chryselephantine statue—one of the seven wonders of the ancient world—the Temple of Hera, the stadium where foot races were held, Pheidias' workshop, the Leonidaion, and the ancient gymnasium. Adjacent is the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, one of the most important in Greece, with exhibits such as Praxiteles' Hermes and the sculptures from the pediments of the Temple of Zeus. There is also the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity and the Museum of the Olympic Games. Modern Olympia also hosts the flame that is lit there before each modern Olympic Games, giving it international symbolic significance.

Beyond the archaeological site, a stroll through the modern village is worthwhile, with its main street full of gift shops and local products, as well as a visit to the nearby Pinios Dam or the Museum of Natural History. A little further afield, Katakolo combines a beach, fish tavernas, and visits to local wineries, while Krestena serves as a transport hub and a starting point for the archaeological site of Figaleia and the Temple of Epicurean Apollo at Bassae, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Finally, the area around Platanos and Miraka retains a strong rural character with olive groves and vineyards, ideal for those seeking tranquillity close to the sacred site.

Where to Stay: The Best Areas

Ancient Olympia (Town)

The town of Olympia is the obvious base for the majority of visitors, as the archaeological site and museum are less than a kilometre away, an easily walkable distance. Here you will find the widest variety of accommodation, from decades-old family hotels to more modern establishments with pools, as well as most of the area's restaurants, cafés, and shops. It is an ideal choice for those who want to walk to the archaeological site early in the morning, before the tour buses arrive, and have all amenities within easy reach.

Platanos and Miraka

The villages of Platanos and Miraka are located 6-8 km northeast of Olympia, amidst a lush landscape of olive trees, vineyards, and views towards the Alfeios valley. The area does not have extensive tourist infrastructure but offers an authentic agritourism experience, with farms and small rental room units operating mainly seasonally. It suits travellers with a car who desire peace and contact with nature, while keeping Olympia within a 10-minute drive.

Krestena

The town of Krestena is located approximately 18 km southeast of Olympia and serves as an important transport hub for southern Elis and Messinia. It is a practical choice for those seeking more affordable accommodation or planning to combine a visit to Olympia with excursions to Figaleia, the Temple of Epicurean Apollo at Bassae, and the Neda gorges. It offers basic services, tavernas, and a small number of reasonably priced accommodations.

Katakolo

Katakolo, 32 km west of Olympia, is the area's port and a popular cruise ship stop. It combines a fine sandy beach, fish tavernas along the waterfront, shops selling local products, and wineries in the surrounding area. It is the best option for those who want to combine a visit to Olympia with swimming and an evening stroll by the sea, while the archaeological site is about a 35-minute drive away.

Accommodation in Ancient Olympia and surrounding areas

In the town of Olympia

1. Amalia Hotel Olympia
A large hotel on a verdant plot at the entrance of the town, featuring a pool, restaurant, and spacious rooms. Suitable for families and groups seeking comfort and full services.

• Average cost: 110-160€ per night

2. Hotel Hercules
Located in the heart of the town, a few minutes' walk from the archaeological site. A simple, well-maintained hotel with friendly service, ideal for couples and solo travellers.

• Average cost: 70-100€ per night

3. Hotel Hermes
A family-run hotel on Praxitelous Kondyli Street, in the town centre, with comfortable rooms and breakfast. A good choice for those seeking economical accommodation without moving away from the shops and restaurants.

• Average cost: 55-85€ per night

4. Neda Hotel
A hotel with a pool and hill views, on Karamanli Street, known for its very high location rating. Suitable for couples looking for quiet accommodation with comfort.

• Average cost: 75-110€ per night

5. Hotel Pelops
A small, well-kept hotel on Varela Street, with personal service from the managing family. Suitable for couples and small families who appreciate hospitality on a human scale.

• Average cost: 70-100€ per night

6. Olympic Village Hotel & SPA
A more luxurious option in the area, with a spa, indoor pool, and spacious rooms, located in a quiet spot near the town. Suitable for those seeking upgraded accommodation with relaxation services after visiting the archaeological site.

• Average cost: 130-190€ per night

7. Bacchus
Guesthouse with a pool and garden, known for its excellent location rating and warm atmosphere. A good choice for couples looking for something more personal than a typical hotel.

• Average cost: 80-120€ per night

In Krestena

8. Athina Hotel
A simple, economical hotel in the centre of Krestena, suitable as a base for those exploring southern Elis, Figaleia, and Bassae, while maintaining easy access to Olympia.

• Average cost: 45-65€ per night

In Katakolo

9. Arethousa Hotel
A small hotel directly on Katakolo's waterfront, with a very high location rating. Ideal for those wanting to combine a visit to Olympia with an evening swim and a stroll in the port.

• Average cost: 85-120€ per night

10. Beach House for up to 9 people near Olympia
A spacious beachfront house in Katakolo, suitable for large groups or families who want a self-contained space with a kitchen, close to the beach and a short distance from Olympia.

• Average cost: 150-220€ per night (for the entire property)

Practical Tips for Your Stay

High season in Ancient Olympia coincides with May to September, when temperatures rise considerably and the archaeological site fills with organised groups, especially when a cruise ship is in port. If you want to avoid crowds, prefer to visit early in the morning, immediately after opening, or late in the afternoon. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures and lower accommodation prices. If you're travelling without a car, basing yourself in the town of Olympia is almost essential, as public transport to the surrounding villages is limited. Those with a car can easily combine a stay in Katakolo or Krestena with day trips to the archaeological site, as the distances are short for an inland area.

Finally, if you plan to visit during the summer months, book well in advance, as the available accommodations in the town of Olympia are relatively few and quickly sell out due to the high number of visitors to the archaeological site, especially on days when cruise ships dock in Katakolo and organised group excursions to Olympia are arranged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to stay to visit Ancient Olympia?

The town of Olympia is the most convenient base, as it is just a few minutes' walk from the archaeological site and museum, and offers the widest variety of accommodation, restaurants, and services in the area.

How far is Ancient Olympia from Athens and Patras?

From Athens, the distance is approximately 320 km, and the journey takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes via the Olympia Odos motorway. From Patras, the distance is much shorter, about 1 hour and 20 minutes via Pyrgos.

Is it worth staying in Katakolo instead of Olympia?

If you want to combine your visit to the archaeological site with a beach and an evening stroll by the sea, Katakolo is an excellent choice, with a journey of about 35 minutes to Olympia.

How much time is needed to visit the archaeological site and museum?

Allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours for the archaeological site and another 1.5 hours for the Archaeological Museum, so a full visit usually takes an entire morning or afternoon.

What is the best time to visit Ancient Olympia?

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation prices compared to summer.

Do I need a car to stay in Krestena or Platanos?

Yes, as public transport to the smaller villages in the area is limited, a car gives you the flexibility to easily travel to Olympia and the surrounding attractions.

For more accommodation ideas in the Peloponnese, also see our guides Where to stay in Nafplio, Where to stay in Kalamata, Where to stay in Pylos, Where to stay in Loutraki and Where to stay in Kalavryta.

Finally, if you plan to visit during the summer months, book well in advance, as the available accommodations in the town of Olympia are relatively few and quickly sell out due to the high number of visitors to the archaeological site, especially on days when cruise ships dock in Katakolo and organised group excursions to Olympia are arranged.