As the home of the original Olympics, it’s no surprise that Olympia holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Lovers of ruins will find crumbling majesty aplenty in this atmospheric valley, from the remnants of the ancient stadium and the gymnasium to the Temple of Hera, where young women light the Olympic flame every four years or so. Three on-site museums include the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, one of Greece’s most important museums. It houses priceless sculptures, including Praxiteles’ Hermes and the Infant Dionysos and relics from the Temple of Zeus.
As is the case with many ancient Greek attractions, Olympia shines its brightest during the shoulder seasons—late spring and early fall. The weather is warm and generally clear, but the summer peak hordes are nowhere to be seen. Late spring is particularly lovely, as wildflowers bloom among the ruins and the little town of Olympia near the site comes into blossom, too.
Ancient Olympia is not small. Expect to travel several miles when strolling (or rolling) from the bus or train station in the nearby town of Olympia. The site is at least a 3.5-hour drive from Athens and there are no direct buses, so many travelers opt to visit Olympia as part of a multi-day tour of the Peloponnese peninsula. Trains run from Katakolon, where cruise ships dock, in summer.
There’s a lot to see at Olympia, but don’t miss the quirky Archimedes Museum, dedicated to the great 3rd-century BC mathematician. The model of his hydraulic clock is an easy way to assess his genius. If you’re visiting over the summer peak, be sure to check out the Olympus Festival in July and August. Expect folkloric, ancient, and modern performances at sites including the Theater of Ancient Olympia (Floka Amphitheater), a newly built classical-style amphitheater.
