The climate of Olympia, Greece is classified as Mediterranean, which means summers are typically hot and dry and winters are mild with more precipitation. The coldest months in Olympia are January and February. The rainiest months are generally between September and March. July and August are the hottest months of the year in Olympia.

This weather forecast in Olympia, Greece, will vary from year to year. The averages that you see below represent historical weather data. Here is the typical weather forecast throughout the year for Olympia, Greece:

January

• Temperature: 42.8° F (6° C) – 57.2° F (14° C)
• Precipitation: 116 mm
• Climate: 13 days of rain on average, 9.9 hours of daylight per day, 5 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 2, water temperature 60.8° F (16° C)
• Humidity: 69%

February

• Temperature: 42.8° F (6° C) – 57.2° F (14° C)
• Precipitation: 93 mm
• Climate: 12 days of rain on average, 10.8 hours of daylight per day, 5 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 3, water temperature 59° F (15° C)
• Humidity: 66%

March

• Temperature: 44.6° F (7° C) – 62.6° F (17° C)
• Precipitation: 70 mm
• Climate: 10 days of rain on average, 12 hours of daylight per day, 6 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 5, water temperature 59° F (15° C)
• Humidity: 66%

April

• Temperature: 50° F (10° C) – 66.2° F (19° C)
• Precipitation: 45 mm
• Climate: 9 days of rain on average, 13.2 hours of daylight per day, 8 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 6, water temperature 60.8° F (16° C)
• Humidity: 63%

May

• Temperature: 57.2° F (14° C) – 75.2° F (24° C)
• Precipitation: 22 mm
• Climate: 6 days of rain on average, 14.2 hours of daylight per day, 10 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 8, water temperature 66.2° F (19° C)
• Humidity: 62%

June

• Temperature: 62.6° F (17° C) – 80.6° F (27° C)
• Precipitation: 8 mm
• Climate: 2 days of rain on average, 14.7 hours of daylight per day, 11 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 9, water temperature 71.6° F (22° C)
• Humidity: 61%

July

• Temperature: 66.2° F (19° C) – 84.2° F (29° C)
• Precipitation: 6 mm
• Climate: 14.5 hours of daylight per day, 13 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 10, water temperature 75.2° F (24° C)
• Humidity: 60%

August

• Temperature: 66.2° F (19° C) – 86° F (30° C)
• Precipitation: 8 mm
• Climate: 1 day of rain on average, 13.6 hours of daylight per day, 12 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 9, water temperature 78.8° F (26° C)
• Humidity: 61%

September

• Temperature: 62.6° F (17° C) – 80.6° F (27° C)
• Precipitation: 27 mm
• Climate: 3 days of rain on average, 12.4 hours of daylight per day, 10 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 7, water temperature 73.4° F (23° C)
• Humidity: 62%

October 

• Temperature: 55.4° F (13° C) – 73.4° F (23° C)
• Precipitation: 102 mm
• Climate: 8 days of rain on average, 11.2 hours of daylight per day, 7 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 5, water temperature 71.6° F (22° C)
• Humidity: 67% 

November

• Temperature: 50° F (10° C) – 66.2° F (19° C)
• Precipitation: 131 mm
• Climate: 12 days of rain on average, 10.2 hours of daylight per day, 5 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 3, water temperature 68° F (20° C)
• Humidity: 70%

December

• Temperature: 44.6° F (7° C) – 59° F (15° C)
• Precipitation: 148 mm
• Climate: 14 days of rain on average, 9.6 hours of daylight per day, 4 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 2, water temperature 64.4° F (18° C)
• Humidity: 70%

Olympia, Greece has a Mediterranean climate that offers mild winters with more precipitation and warm, dry summer months.

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Getting to Olympia

Since Olympia is on mainland Greece, you will have to find your way to this site from wherever you are in Greece. For example, Olympia is about a two hour drive from the Athens Airport depending on the traffic. You can rent a car, hire a taxi, or even take a bus in order to get here. In fact, you can drive here or take transportation from several major locations throughout the country, not just Athens. The easiest option by far is to drive here in a rental car.

Tour the Ancient Stadium

While here, you’ll absolutely want to take a tour. The  stadium where many important competitions were held remains as one of Greece’s most important archeological sites. When you go through the superbly arched entrance, it will take you right where important people and regular people alike cheered on for their champions. There are ruins that still remain in the stadium, although these ones were constructed at a much later date. The remaining ruins are those of baths and cottages that resemble the private residence that Roman Emperor Nero built when he attended the games.

Visit the Archaeological Museum

During your stay, you’ll also want to visit the Olympia Archaeological Museum. Here, you will have a chance to see various artifacts that were found here. It is also the home to the Praxiteles’ Hermes, which is considered one of the greatest marble sculptures ever made. The masterpiece epitomizes Greek beauty, craftsmanship as well as the right balance. Other than Hermes, the museum houses other collectibles from the site. All told, the collections at the museum date back between the prehistoric era and the early onset of Christianity when the Olympic Games were made illegal because they were considered a pagan activity.

Attend a Cultural Event

There are many events that take place here, especially in the summer, and you should attend one of them if you are able. Many people attend these events due to the importance attached to this site. Ancient Olympia Festival is held between the months of July and August. The events that take place here include public lectures, theater performances and music concerts. These events really make this ancient site come alive.

The destruction by Theodosius as well as the ravages of recurrent earthquakes have taken away much of the magnificence of ancient Olympia. However, this World Heritage rated site is still very much recommendable as a travel destination. In the end, Olympia is the cradle for myriad sporting competitions and can provide the right inspiration to athletes. The buildings and classical architecture no longer stand in Olympia, but the imagination and meditation is good for the soul as well as mind.

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Visit the Site of the ancient Olympic Games

Visiting the ruins of the first Olympic Games can be a fun experience for the entire family. Imagine racing each other in the ancient stadium where athletes ran thousands of years ago. You can experience the area of an Olympia with an excursion (from Athens for example) where you will have the opportunity to learn the religious importance behind the Olympic Games and see where the athletes lived and trained.

According to legend, this is ancient site is where Zeus held the first Olympic Games to celebrate his victory over his father Kronos at wrestling. It will be an experience for the entire family to stand where the Olympic flame is lit every four years. It’s a memory you will relive each time you watch the Games.

In addition to the stadium, the ancient site is home to ancient temples and the Archaeological museum. The archaeological museum showcases findings from excavations in the area and around ancient Olympia. Some of the items on display include the statue of Hermes of Praxiteles and the Nike of Paionios.

Enjoy Delicious Greek Food

Exploring the ancient site of Olympia is sure to make the family hungry. Olympia is home to a few restaurants and cafés that will satisfy your craving for good food and drink. Around the main square you will find a cluster of taverns to suit your needs. There is also a grill where you can get homemade meals including baked pasta (pastitsio), stuffed tomatoes, and spit-roasted pork (kontosouvli). This grill is called Anesis and will even deliver to your hotel for no extra charge. A perfect solution if the family is too tired to sit in the restaurant for a meal.

Visit the Westin Resort

Not far from Olympia, you will find the Westin Resort in the region of Messenia. You can choose from half-day, full-day, and overnight programs. There is a daycare center for babies as young as four months. For kids aged 4 – 12 there are age-appropriate activities for them to enjoy. There is a water park with fast slides, swimming pools, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities.

For parents, there is a spa, areas for biking, and even a giant screen in a big square that was designed in the style of a Greek village square where you can watch things. The resort also offers hiking tours, mountain biking, and climbing sessions around the area. This is a great place to spend a bit of time while you’re in the area.

Visiting Olympia, Greece has much to offer families of any age. The history, the adventure, and the food make it all worthwhile.

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Try the Local Products

The region of Olympia is an ideal place for the production of many products. Its lush greenery allows for the perfect conditions for honey production. Olympia, Greece is known for its thyme honey. As many of the residents of the region deal in cattle-breeding, cheese and dairy products are also popular in Olympia. Tomatoes, olive oil, and citrus fruits are also widely grown in the area, especially around the ancient site. The vineyards of Olympia, Greece produce aromatic and delicious white and red wines. There are stores around Olympia that sell local products that you can take back home as souvenirs or as gifts.

Shop for Jewelry

Around Olympia, Greece you will find many places to shop for jewelry. No matter what your style of jewelry, you will find it in the shops. There are necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, and pendants available in a variety of styles and sizes. There is also a range of prices, so you will find something no matter how much you have to spend. Jewelry makes a unique gift or can be a taken home as a souvenir and reminder of your trip to Olympia. Much of the jewelry sold is designed and crafted by Greeks, so you will be going home with a piece the no one else is likely to have.

Buy Souvenirs

As a popular destination for tourists from around the world, Olympia has many souvenir shops for you to browse and find the perfect items to take back home with you. Some of the most popular souvenirs people buy are olive oil, worry beads, and mati talisman for the evil eye. You can get clothing, art work, handicrafts, leather goods, key chains, and so much more. When choosing a souvenir, look for something that will remind you of your trip to Olympia. If you find a piece of artwork of a place you visited, it will bring you back every time you look at it.

Shop For Clothing

Olympia, Greece is rich in clothing shops that will appeal to you whether you’re looking for brand name, expensive items or something more casual. If you’re looking for a dress for a romantic dinner, sunglasses for an afternoon of sight-seeing, or clothes to go hiking in, you’ll find it in the clothing shops of Olympia. You are likely to find leather goods such as belts and bags in some of these stores as well.

Olympia, Greece is home to many restaurants and shops to indulge in while you’re visiting. If you are looking for a destination that combines the history of the are with the modern shopping experience, Olympia is the perfect place.

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Take a Tour of the Area

Although Katakolo doesn’t necessarily top the lists of must-see historical places in Greece, it does have a rich history. Most tour experiences not only give an overview of the history of Katakolo, but they also take visitors to the ancient archaeological site at Olympia, which is nearby. As you may recall, Olympia is where the ancient olympic games were held. There are several tour companies in the area and each offers a unique and historical experience. If you don’t want to join a tour group, consider hiring a taxi driver who could also take you around to the area’s main historical sites and give you an overview of the place through his or her eyes. Ask around for advice as to the best tour you should take for your needs.

Enjoy a Unique Beer Experience

When people think of drinking in Greece, beer doesn’t necessarily come to mind. The truth is, there is a thriving beer culture here and there are some excellent breweries. The original Greek monarch, King Otto, came from Bavaria, which is now a part of Germany, and he introduced a modern beer culture to the Greeks. Consider taking the “Beer-Bike Tour”, which is both a tour and a beer-drinking event in one. Those who have taken the tour report that it is cost effective, filled with some great beers, and even includes some Greek dancing on the beach!

Visit the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology

Although we don’t think of technology when we recall the days of Ancient Greece, it was truly a technological time filled with many important inventions. The Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, located near Katakolo’s port, is one of those places that celebrates all these technological advancements. Visitors report that the museum is well laid out and interesting and that it was an excellent place to spend some time. This is a museum that celebrates some of the things that the Ancient Greeks invented and even though it’s small, it is packed with information and examples.

It’s true that Katakolo provides a jumping off point for one of the most interesting archeological sites in all of Greece – Ancient Olympia, where the first Olympic games were held. However, that’s not all there is to do here. Besides enjoying the port area, visiting the beach, and eating a great meal, there are plenty of other things to do here. You can’t go wrong with a visit here!

Source:

Wikipedia – Katakolo

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A trip to Ancient Olympia should be comprised of at least 3 stops; the ancient site of the Olympic games, the Archaeological Museum, and the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games in Antiquity.

Ancient Site of the Olympic Games

The ancient site of Olympia is a 15-minute walk south of the modern village. It served as both a religious sanctuary and an athletic complex where the Games took place every 4 years from 776 B.C. to A.D. 393. English antiquarian Richard Chandler rediscovered the site in 1766. At the time, most of Olympia lay under mud and silt. The Germans began excavations here in 1852, which are still ongoing. Visitors can find the ruins of the gymnasium and 45,000-seat stadium where the finish lines of the 120m-sprint track and the judges’ seats still survive along

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum is where many of Olympia’s greatest works of art and artifacts are displayed. Highlights of the museum include the Sculpture from the Temple of Zeus, arguably the finest surviving example of Archaic Greek sculpture, the 5^th century B.C. Winged Victory by Paionios, the 4^th century B.C. Hermes of Praxiteles, and a model of the reconstructed ancient Olympia site.

Museum of the History of the Olympic Games in Antiquity

This museum opened in 2004, coinciding with the Olympic Games in Athens that year, and is located in the building that once housed the Archaeological Museum. It displays twelve galleries, each with a theme that tells the story and growth of the original games. Themes include “The Beginning of the Games”, “Zeus and this Cults”, and “The Events”. Visitors can also view awards and honors for the victors and models of the Olympic site from three different eras. Just outside of the Museum of the Olympic Games in Antiquity in a small building is the Museum of the History of Excavations, a one-room exhibit that explains the various waves of excavations that have taken place since the site of Olympia was identified in the mid 18^th century.

Visitors to Olympia should plan to spend at least a day here. Olympia has many hotels and tavernas that are convenient for visitors to the ancient site. From Athens, buses run three times daily and the trip lasts about 6 hours. Trains run four times a day from Katakolon to Olympia with a stop in Pyrgos. If you have access to a car, travel from Athens lasts about 5 hours. There is plenty of free parking in Olympia on the street or in lots.

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