What to see and do in Olympia: history, culture and nature in the birthplace of the Olympic Games

Olympia is a key destination for those who want to discover ancient Greece in all its splendour. With a rental car from Record go, you can enjoy this archaeological site and its surroundings at your own pace, exploring ruins, museums and beautiful landscapes. Here we tell you what to do, what to see and how to make the most of your car tour in and around Olympia.

Things to do in Olympia

Explore the archaeological site of Olympia

This is the ancient sacred city where the first Olympic Games were held in honour of Zeus. As you walk around the area, you will see the stadium, the gymnasium, and the ruins of the temples of Zeus and Hera. The Sculpture of Hermes by Praxiteles is among the main pieces of art you will see here.

Visiting the Archaeological Museum of Olympia

This is one of the most important museums in Greece. Here you will find unique pieces, such as statues of the Greek gods and artefacts from the early Olympic Games. This museum offers a comprehensive insight into the evolution of Olympia and the importance of sports and religion in ancient Greece.

Things to see in Olympia

One of the most iconic sights to see in Olympia is the Temple of Zeus, where the ancient statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once stood. Although the statue is gone, the remains of the temple retain the mysticism of its original grandeur.

The Olympic Stadium is another highlight, as this is where sporting competitions were held more than 2,500 years ago. You can walk to the starting line and relive the experience of the athletes in ancient times.

Finally, visit the Philopion, a unique monument in Olympia built by the Macedonians in honour of Philip II and Alexander the Great. Its circular structure, the only one of its kind in Olympia, makes it a special site within the site.

Driving routes in and around Olympia

Exploring Olympia and the surrounding area by car is a fantastic way to make the most of your visit. The drive from Athens to Olympia is approximately three and a half hours, but the journey is an enriching one, allowing you to see the spectacular scenery of the Peloponnese.

A few kilometres from Olympia, you can visit the village of Andritsaina, with its traditional style and stone houses, an ideal stop for lunch in its tavernas and a taste of Greek rural life.

Another option is to take a trip to the Alfios River, where you can take a boat trip and enjoy the views. Alternatively, you can drive to the Nemouta Gorge, where you'll find impressive waterfalls and hiking trails perfect for unwinding in a natural setting.

Curiosities of Olympia: What makes it special

• Origins of the Olympic Games: The first Olympic Games were held here in 776 BC, and were a religious celebration in honour of Zeus.
• Statue of Zeus: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, although the statue has disappeared, its base and the ruins of the temple can still be explored.
• Modern Olympic Torch: In Olympia, every four years, the Olympic flame that starts the modern Olympic Games is lit and carried on a relay route to the venue of the Games.
• Sculpture of Hermes by Praxiteles: One of the most beautiful sculptures of classical Greece, found in the Temple of Hera, and still admired in the local museum.

Explore Olympia with freedom and flexibility thanks to Record go

Having a rental car from Record go is the ideal way to enjoy Olympia and its surroundings at your own pace. From the historical monuments to the natural wonders of the Peloponnese, a rental car allows you to access unique places and have a complete experience in the heart of Greece.

Book your car now with Record go Athens and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the birthplace of the Olympic Games.