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Exploring Ancient Olympia in Greece: A Guide to the Birthplace of the Olympic Games

See where it all began and immerse yourself in the history and origins of the Games. Read on for what to do in Olympia, Greece!

by Flo
January 28, 2017 - Updated on December 30, 2020
in Travel
68
Ancient Olympia Site Greece
The Philippeion in Olympia Greece with text overlay Columns in the archaeological ruins of Olympia in Greece with text overlay

When I was younger, my mum made it a point to read us stories, tales and legends from Chinese culture so we could learn about our roots, but also filled our evenings with fables from Greek mythology. We grew up listening to tales of Theseus and the Minotaur, Perseus and Medusa, the Labours of Hercules and Jason and the Argonauts; it’s no surprise therefore that Greece has always been high up on my list of places to travel to.

Sunset from Hotel Europa in Olympia in Greece

After exploring the ancient ruins of the Acropolis (click here for my city guide to Athens), our next stop was Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Wondering where Olympia is in Greece, how to get there and what to see? Read on!

How to get to Olympia in Greece

The quickest and easier way to get from Athens to Olympia is by car: Olympia is a 3.5 hour drive (approximately 250-300 KM) away from Athens and the drive is extremely straightforward. Because of its proximity to Athens, plenty of tour operators offer day trips to Olympia, but we were heading on to Meteora afterwards so decided to stay overnight. If you are planning on visiting Olympia, 1 full day is more than enough, in my opinion.

Looking for the best prices for rental cars around the world? Click here to book your rental car ahead of your trip. Bookings can be cancelled or amended if your plans change! We rented our car in Greece from Kosmos for approximately 50 Euros per day.

What to bring to Olympia

A bottle of water (there are vending machines outside the archaeological site if you forget); sunscreen and/or a hat (there is zero shade inside the archaeological site); a comfortable pair of walking shoes; and a packet of tissues – there are clean bathrooms in the museums and at the archaeological site, but tissue is not guaranteed.

Where to stay in Olympia, Greece

Pool at Hotel Europa in Olympia Greece

We stayed at the incredible Hotel Europa and I cannot sing its praises more than I already do. The hotel is a quick 3-4 minute drive away from the archaeological site, has free parking, incredible staff and a beautiful pool. The rooms were spacious and recently renovated, and the bed was super comfortable.

Hotel Europa Olympia Greece

One of the best parts about this family-owned hotel is the wonderful pool, which was perfect after a long (sweaty) day of ruin and museum-hopping. Hotel Europa has a gorgeous outdoor restaurant and the property is reminiscent of a Tuscan villa in the Italian countryside. Head to the restaurant before sunset for a breathtaking panoramic view. Click here to book your stay at Hotel Europa!

What to see in Olympia, Greece

There are a number of sites and museums located in Olympia. The Archaeological Museum of Olympia, the Archaeological Site itself, the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games in Antiquity and the Museum of the History of Excavations in Olympia. Immersing yourself in the history and ruins is one of the best things to do in Olympia in Greece. Tickets are €12 (€6 for children) and covers your entry to all sites.

Their operating hours all vary depending on the time of year and last admission is 20 minutes before the end of visiting hours, check the Ministry of Culture’s website for up-to-date information.

Here’s my biggest tip for visiting Olympia, head to the site after 2/3 PM after all of the tour buses are gone so that you can avoid the crowds! This also means that there will be plenty of empty parking spots so you don’t have to wait around for people to exit.

The Museum of the History of the Olympic Games in Antiquity

Statue of Zeus in The Museum of the History of the Olympic Games in Antiquity in Olympia Greece

This first museum is the closest to the main road and should be your first stop. You can purchase your entry ticket here and it grants you entry to all the different sites so hang onto it. It contains a plethora of art, statues, paintings and other ancient works depicting the athletes, as well as information on the history and beginning of the games at Olympia in the 8th century BC. There are a few different tales on how the games began, one being that the founder was Pelops who defeated the king of Elis in a chariot race and took the king’s daughter as his wife. Another tradition states that Herakles (Hercules) was the founder of the games after his victory against Augeias, who refused to compensate Herakles for cleaning out his stables.

Sculpture of Hercules wrestling the Nemean Lion in The Museum of the History of the Olympic Games in Antiquity

The museum also tells the stories of glory and fame surrounding Olympic champions, their prizes and the sacrifices to Zeus that were made followed by celebratory banquets When the champions returned to their cities, they were given massive welcome fanfare and enjoyed free meals, exemption from taxes, seats of honor at festivals and were also crowned with an olive wreath. The ancient Greeks believe that the wreath would bring good fortune and divine protection.

Mosaics in the The Museum of the History of the Olympic Games in Antiquity in Olympia Greece

The first games are thought to have begun in 776 BC and were held every 4 years to honour Zeus. The games were so important that warring states would enter into a truce before the event so that people could travel to Olympia to watch and participate. However, in 393 AD the games were halted as all pagan festivals were banned, and it wasn’t until 1896 until the games were restarted, with the first modern Olympic Games being held in none other than Athens, Greece.

Did you know that only free male Greeks were eligible to participate in the games and they competed nude? Once they finished training and competing, the athletes would scrape off the grease, dirt and sweat off their bodies and sell the “product” to fans!

The Archaeological Site of Olympia

Columns in the Archaeological Site of Olympia in Greece

After exploring the first museum, head down the path and walk for 3-5 minutes to reach the main entrance of the archaeological site of Olympia. Present your ticket at the gate to gain entry to the site and you pretty much have free rein within the ruins. The site of Olympia was once the most important religious and athletic centre in Greece and is home to the sanctuary of Zeus and the many buildings erected around it, including the Temple of Hera, the gymnasium, the Philippeion, athletic premises used for the preparation and celebration of the Olympic Games, administrative buildings and other lay buildings and monuments. It was also home to a 13-meter-tall statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and is believed to have been destroyed in a fire.

Ancient ruins in Olympia in Greece

Considering the site has outlived several earthquakes and fires, it is in incredible condition and has earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to UNESCO, “In this universal place, the Olympic Idea was born, making Olympia a unique universal symbol of peace and competition at the service of virtue. Here, too, prominence was given to the ideals of physical and mental harmony, of noble contest, of how to compete well, of the Sacred Truce; values, which remain unchanged in perpetuity.” Extremely fitting in our day and age!

Entrance to stadium in Archaeological Site of Olympia in Greece

Did you know that before each Olympic event the Olympic flame is initiated in the temple of Hera? The Olympic torch is lit by concentrated sun rays before being transported to the country where the games are being held. Read more about the Olympic Flame here!

Ancient ruins in Olympia in Greece
The Philippeion in Olympia Greece

The Archaeological Museum of Olympia

  • Olympia Greece Museum
  • Olympia Greece Museum

The oldest of the museums, the Archaeological Museum was founded in the 19th century to house the finds that the excavations in Olympia uncovered. It is a 5 minute walk away from the archaeological site itself and is considered one of the most important museums in Greece.

The Archaeological Museum of Olympia

The museum houses sanctuary finds such as bronzes, sculptures, terracottas, cauldrons and jewellery. There are a lot of artifacts here. Like, a boatload. Two of the most famous statues in the museum are the marble statue of Hermes of Praxiteles, where Hermes is depicted holding the infant Dionysus, and the statue of Nike (goddess of victory) of Paeonios which once stood in the sanctuary of Zeus.

Pediments from the ancient Temple of Zeus; one depicts the chariot race between Pelops and Oinomaos,

The museum also contains the pediments from the ancient Temple of Zeus; one depicts the chariot race between Pelops and Oinomaos, and the other depicts the fight between the Centaurs and Lapiths.

Pediments from the ancient Temple of Zeus in Olympia Greece

The Museum of the History of Excavations in Olympia

This smaller museum presents the history of the excavations of Olympia from 1875 onwards. It contains exhibits of visual and photographic material including the first engravings and watercolor drawings showing Olympia before the excavations, the first photos of the excavations, portraits of archaeologists, the historic agreement between Greece and Germany for the excavations of Olympia, rare archive documents, the first maps of the sanctuary and so on.

Ready to check out the history and archaeological sites of Olympia? Click here to book your stay at Hotel Europa or click here to check rates at other highly rated hotels in Olympia!

Walking around Olympia in Greece

Olympia is an amazing, unmissable place to visit for history, mythology and sports aficionados – the museums are full of fascinating exhibits and relics, and the archaeological ruins tell stories of the guts, glory and spirit of the Olympic Games. Is it on your list of places to visit in Greece?

Do you watch the Olympic Games? Which is your favorite sport? Share it with me in the comments section below!

Planning a trip to Greece? Check out my other destination guides!

  • If you are short on time you should check out this 7 day mainland Greece road trip itinerary
  • Wandering what to see in Athens? History and culture lovers cannot miss these 7 archaeological sites and museums
  • Once considered to be the centre of the world, the ancient sanctuary of Delphi is an incredible archaeological site to visit
  • You’ll have to see it to believe it – these monasteries in Meteora are seemingly suspended in the sky
  • Planning a trip to Santorini? Here are the best things to do in Santorini

Pin this for later!

This article contains affiliate links. If you choose to book using these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my website by using these links, I only recommend products or services that I have personally used & hotels I enjoyed visiting.

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Comments 68

  1. Noemi of Pinay Flying High says:
    4 years ago

    Love this Flo! I haven’t visited Olympia yet but hopefully on our next Greece trip we will. I might avoid the museums though but the ancient ruins look marvelous! 🙂

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      I haven’t made it to your husband’s hometown – next time for sure!

      Reply
  2. Ha says:
    4 years ago

    Greece is always my dream place! I also grew up with stories and tales about Ancient Greece so hopefully I can visit it soon! Thanks a lot for your article 🙂 It’s very detailed and useful.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      I hope it comes in handy for your future trip! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Rohan Cahill-Fleury says:
    4 years ago

    Really useful post. It’s always great to have info like prices and opening times so I don’t have to search further. Great pictures too 🙂 Need to get to Greece!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Thanks for checking this out Rohan! Hope you make it to Greece soon 🙂

      Reply
  4. Joanna says:
    4 years ago

    When I was little and just learned how to read well, my grandparents bought me a fascinating book, in 2 volumes: “The legends of Olympus”. I remember so many evenings being filled with stories about Zeus, Poseidon, Hera or Mars, which made my imagination going. Long time after I wished to visit Greece. I would love to go to Olympia and walk through those peaceful ruins, imagine the Gods around me.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      If you’re a fan of Greek mythology like me, you’re going to LOVE Greece! The Acropolis, Delphi, Olympia, Meteora – all such incredible places!

      Reply
  5. Sherniec says:
    4 years ago

    Wow, your photos alone already got me wanting to travel the Greece! It sure is my dream destination. <333 Can't wait for the day that I can finally see it with my own eyes. Anyway, thanks for sharing your experience.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Thanks so much for checking this out! Hope you make it to Greece soon – it’s such a wonderful country!

      Reply
  6. Rosemary says:
    4 years ago

    Your enthusiasm and knowledge shine through in equal parts in this piece – thanks so much for sharing. Haven’t made Olympia yet, just Delphi and the acropolis, many years ago, so a return trip is definitely on the cards to reach this gem. Practical tips were so helpful too. Thank you

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Thank you so much for checking this out, Rosemary! If you haven’t been to Meteora yet I would recommend that you add it to the list!

      Reply
  7. Nuraini says:
    4 years ago

    “Once they finished training and competing, the athletes would scrape off the grease, dirt and sweat off their bodies and sell the “product” to fans!” Ewwww! [BTW I like how you inserted these snippets]

    😀 I grew up reading far too much Greek mythology! I even read the encyclopaedia and really had no business knowing the Greek gods’ family tree better than my own… I wondered whether there was anything left in the real Olympia.

    Greece was one of the first countries I wanted to go to, but for some reason I keep putting it off!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Haha I loved all the facts in the museum! They really find a way to present the history in a way that isn’t dull 🙂

      Reply
  8. Anna says:
    4 years ago

    I’ve never been there and your article is really inspiring! Thanks for sharing the history <3

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Hope you make it to Olympia one day Anna!

      Reply
  9. Laura says:
    4 years ago

    Oh my gosh that’s so goofy that they wiped off the mud, etc. and sold it to fans! Athletes back then were super celebs as well it seems! I’ve always wanted to visit Greece and someday hope to see this!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      There’s no way I’d ever pay for someone’s dirty grime and sweat haha! I hope you make it to Greece soon!

      Reply
  10. David says:
    4 years ago

    I’ve always been a big fan of history and Greek Mythology too and would love to see more of Greece’s many historic sites. Olympia sounds like it definitely fits the bill and it seems like quite an extensive attraction. Good tip on the hotel too. Pinning this for future reference. #FlyAwayFriday

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      There are so many different areas to explore, David! I’d definitely recommend spending a day in Olympia!

      Reply
  11. Dave @ Travel Transmissions says:
    4 years ago

    Thanks for the practical and definitely historically substantiated post on how to see and do Olympia. As an anthropology major, I’ve always been interested in underwater archaeology in Greece. I nearly made a poor career choice in trying to become an underwater archeologist of ancient Roman ships in Spain actually..

    To answer your question, I guess I’m a bit biased coming from Colorado, but my favorite Olympic sport by far is the snowboard slopestyle. I love it!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Dave, that is SO cool! No wonder you’re such an underwater photography pro!

      Reply
  12. Julie says:
    4 years ago

    Wow Olympia looks like a wonderful places to visit.. so many archeological sights to see! That hotel looks really nice too! Love hotels with nice pools 🙂

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Jumping into that pool after a hot day of sightseeing was AMAZING. I loved this hotel and would definitely stay there again!

      Reply
  13. Natalie says:
    4 years ago

    Awesome post, I love the tips for what to bring, because I always forget that kind of stuff. I also didn’t know that the Olympic flame was still lit in Greece, that really awesome!
    #flywayfriday

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Thanks for checking this out, Natalie! I love that the tradition is still alive!

      Reply
  14. Sara Essop says:
    4 years ago

    I visited Ancient Olympia on a Mediterranean cruise excursion so I only spent a few hours there. It would have been great to stay over though. I couldn’t believe that I was in the birthplace of the Olympics and it was fascinating to hear about how different it was in the ancient times. The museum was a great relief from the heat outside.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      It was SO hot in the archaeological site! I swear I thought I was going to pass out from heat stroke.

      Reply
  15. Courtney @ Travel Daze says:
    4 years ago

    I’ve always been so fascinated by Ancient Greece & Greek Mythology. I really hope to visit these sites some day.
    And that pool at Hotel Europa looks amazing 🙂
    #FlyAwayFriday

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      I hope you make it to Greece soon Courtney!

      Reply
  16. Fiona Mai says:
    4 years ago

    Olympia is definitely a great place to explore, especially for those who are interested in history. I was particularly impressed with the hotel Europa where you stayed. The view from the outdoor restaurant must have been amazing! I’m going to have 5 days in Athens in May and can’t wait to start planning for Olympia then 😉

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      The sunset was absolutely breathtaking. I hope you get to visit Olympia soon!

      Reply
  17. Itinera Magica says:
    4 years ago

    I also grew up with Greek mythology so I guess my mind will feel at home in those majestic, awe inspiring places!
    Thank you for a lovely inspiring article, and a good hotel recommandation! Pinning this for my trip to Greece next summer!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      So glad this was helpful! I have a few more posts on Greece coming so stay tuned!

      Reply
  18. Natalie says:
    4 years ago

    I’m so happy to find your blog! We travel with the kids and I focus on making it educational (then I blog about the whole thing) and Greece is next on our list. The kids are ALL in with their fascination with Greek mythology (thank you Percy Jackson 🙂 which makes a place like Olympia a MUST see on this trip!

    As a former teacher, I do a lot of research and then rewrite in ‘kidspeak’ to create travel guides for the kiddos. I see that you and I are two peas in a pod with your “Do you know?” tidbits….I just LOVE stuff like that!! 🙂

    Meteroa is also on the list and I see you have a post on that, too! My lucky day! I’m off to read that next!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      I’m so glad this was helpful, Natalie! If your kids love Greek mythology I would recommend getting the Penguin Book of Greek Mythology 🙂

      Reply
  19. Keri | Ladies What Travel says:
    4 years ago

    I’ve yet to visit Greece but it’s high on my list as I love history. Looks like a beautiful trip…

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      The history in Greece is unlike any other. I hope you make it to Greece soon!

      Reply
  20. Isobel Lee says:
    4 years ago

    This was a really detailed and interesting post! I love the unusual facts, like selling the athletes sweat and the origins of the Olympic flame in the temple of Hera. Good to get the practical stuff too! Cheers!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Thanks for checking this out, Isobel! I’m a massive Greek history and mythology buff so visiting Olympia was a serious dream come true!

      Reply
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