Explore the Land of Ancient Olympia

Located in the western part of Peloponnese, Ilia (also spelled Helia or Ileia) is an area of great historic value and amazing charms. Although it is best known for the site of Ancient Olympia, where the first Olympics took place, this marvellous destination is a treasure trove of both history and natural beauty, offering much more to explore. Spectacular hills, beaches, rivers, lakes, picturesque villages, they all form a magnetic destination for travellers in pursuit of quality and multi-thematic experiences.

The capital of Ilia is Pyrgos. Its chief landmarks are the two exquisite neoclassical buildings designed by Schiller, the municipal market and the Apollo Municipal theatre. In the evenings the residents congregate in the paved main square lined by cafes, pastry shops and small taverns that serve local delicacies. Amaliada is a second great city of the province, with fairytale beaches in the west (Kourouta, Palouki, Savalia, Douneika) and verdant wooded hills in the east, offering opportunities for nature and history excursions. Zacharo and Lechena are two other major towns, whereas Kyllini is a lively town since it is the port that connects the mainland with the Ionian islands.

The wonderful coastline landscape in the west of Ilia features long and beautiful beaches. From Kayafa beach and Arkoudi with its white sand to cosmopolitan Kourouta, quiet Glyfa, the blue waters of Zacharo, the golden sands of Skafidia and Loutra of Kyllini, Agios Andreas, Levedohori, Samiko, Vartholomio, the coasts of the land of Olympia have a beach for every taste.

According to Greek Mythology when Rhea gave birth to Zeus, she gave him to nymph Neda, who was a goddess of the waters, to protect him from Saturn. Today Neda river is a hidden gem offering spectacular images of nature, while waterfalls form on its path, with the largest having a height of 50 meters. Of course, the river is a perfect choice for canyoning, trekking, running or even cycling!

It is one of the most beautiful traditional villages of Ilia with stone built houses and cobbled alleys. It is near the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, and among others, the village’s public library hosts a number of rare editions and priceless manuscripts.

A magnificent and unique ecosystem including the spas, the lake, the pine forest of Strofylia, the historic mountain of Lapitha and 4km of golden sandy beach of Zacharo. At Kaiafa’s lake are the homonymous mineral water springs and curative baths. They are renowned since antiquity for healing the musculoskeletal system, gynecological and skin diseases. The hydrotherapy centre attracts many visitors, of all ages and from all over the world. Next to the spa is the famous Kaiafas lake that will leave you breathless.

At the seaside resort of Kyllini, 43km north of Pyrgos town, one can easily combine therapeutic with seaside tourism. Kyllini Baths are also known from ancient times since their water, vapours and mud heal arthritis, asthma and skin conditions. The thermal springs are between two lines of hills (mostly sandy) which form a valley spreading up to the sea. It is an area of exceptional natural beauty, with dense vegetation by old age trees, mainly eucalyptuses.

Foloi is considered the oldest European self-planted beech and oak forest and the biggest of the Balkans. It spreads at 688m altitude, while the rivers Ladon and Erymanthos create a unique and enchanting environment. The forest is protected from the European Network of Natura 2000 and you can easily hike or bike among a numerous different paths. Most of the forest roads can also be accessed by car.

Ancient Ilida was the regular host city of the ancient Olympic Games for more than a thousand years. The ruins of this ancient city are located pretty close to Amaliada. Nowadays, we can see what is left and excavated from the ancient market-place (agora), the theatre, the village, the citadel as well as the cemeteries.

Precious gifts of the fertile land of Olympia offer a special food tasting experience. This is produce destined for the best delicatessens in the world and you have the chance to savour it at its source. You’ll also be able to get hands on with some of the traditional practices which help to bring these special flavours to the dining table. All this, combined with the warm hospitality of the locals, will cultivate memories to ripen with age.