Katakolon, the door to Olympia tourist information.
Katakolon port lies on the Greek coast along the Eastern Mediterranean and serves as the gateway to Olympia, the ancient site where the ancient Greeks flocked every four years for more than a millennium to celebrate the sacred games dedicated to Zeus, place where the Olympics were originally staged.
Katakolon (Κατάκολον) is a small, some would say sleepy, port town located about 15kms from Pirgos on the western coast of the Peloponnese. Its main claim to fame is a deepwater port suitable for the largest cruise ships you can imagine, along with the fact that it is only 35kms from Ancient Olympia. It is also where my wife´s family is from, so I have spent more than a few summer holidays sitting around Katakolon chatting with friends, watching the cruise ships come and go and exploring the surrounding areas.
Olympia Ruins
Olympia, the site of the original Olympic games, lies about 20 miles (32km) from Katakolon. The ruins are more easily reached as a shore excursion, as DIY transport options are poor (taxis – exorbitant fees, train – cheap but infrequent service, car rental – booking ahead). At the ruins don’t miss the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Zeus (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) and the huge Stadium. Recently the past was brought back to life where some of the events of the 2004 Greek Olympics were held here.