The best time for a trip to a major archaeological site is winter, especially the mild winters of recent years, as the lack of sweltering heat and large tourist crowds make for a far more pleasant experience. Recently we decided to travel to Ilia and the majestic archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, but for this trip, we needed the appropriate means of travel and the best solution was to hire a car from Avis.
At Avis.gr we found what exactly we needed: a reliable car suitable for four people and their luggage. It was sturdy yet agile, and equipped with modern technology that made the journey comfortable and fun. It’s worth mentioning that the car we hired was economical in fuel consumption, a very important factor in these times of high fuel prices.
After picking up the car from the Avis station at the agreed time, and after the staff explained all we needed to know, we set off on the Athens-Tripoli motorway and arrived at Ancient Olympia in around three and a half hours.
The most interesting part of the journey was the last 30 kilometres as we left the coastal area at Kaiafa and gradually entered the interior of Ilia. After Krestena, the unique beauty of the ecosystem of the Alfeios Valley unfolded before us. We left the car in the car park of the archaeological site and continued.
The archaeological site sprawls across a splendid valley. It includes the sanctuary of Zeus, with temples and buildings directly related to the cult, as well as various structures built around it. The sacred grove of Altis occupies the central part, within which the core of the sanctuary develops. Other important monuments are the Temple of Hera, the Bouleuterion, the Prytaneion, the Gymnasium, the Palaestra, the Workshop of Phidias, the Leonidaion, the Philippeion, the Echo Stoa, the Base of Nike of Paionios and the Nymphaeum.
The ancient stadium marks the place where the ancient Olympic Games and the Heraia were held. It took the form we see today in the early 5th century BC when the great temple of Zeus was built. In the same area, there are complexes of baths and villas, such as the famous villa built by Nero when he stayed in Olympia to take part in the games.
The day was crisply cold but sunny, making the visit to the archaeological site enjoyable, with walks through the beautiful countryside, ideal for taking snapshots. Our visit concluded at the Archaeological Museum with truly significant exhibits such as the Hermes of Praxiteles and the Nike of Paionios. We enjoyed the priceless beauty of the sculptures, the warmth of the museum and the fact that, because it’s off-season, there were no crowds, which allowed us to enjoy the experience even more.
In the Ilia Mountains
The next day we hopped into the car early and in a particularly good mood. We found ourselves in a spectacular ecosystem just 40 minutes later. The Foloi oak forest is unique in Europe and known as the “balcony of Ilia”. Situated at an altitude of 660 metres, its flat terrain makes it ideal for hiking all year round.
At this time of year, the leaves of the oak trees (called “kapeli” by the locals) have fallen, forming thick “carpets” of red and brown leaves, a sight of rare beauty. We mentioned that the forest is suitable for walking, but if you encounter it in bad weather or simply don’t feel ‘fit’ enough to cross it, know that it’s also almost entirely visible from a car. We did some of this, as there is a large network of forest roads. Our SUV made it a breeze but be aware that the road network is in good condition and is largely accessible by any standard car.
From Foloi, it is about 15 kilometres to Lampia, at an altitude of 900 metres. The road is beautiful, with gentle bends through forests of trees and firs as we gained altitude. The temperature was now distinctly wintery, and there was some fog, but our car coped well, keeping us warm and travelling safely and comfortably, thanks to lights and navigation aids.
Perhaps the most beautiful mountain village in Ilia is Lambeia (or Divri). The village has lost much of its former splendour, but walking through its streets you can still sense the prosperity that it once enjoyed. It’s divided into several neighbourhoods, each acting as a miniature village with its own church. The Archontiko Petralia Cultural and Environmental Centre is particularly noteworthy. It is housed in the historic mansion of the famous Petralia family, in a 19th century stone building in the Perdikarades neighbourhood.
Another particularly interesting route is the one that starts in Ancient Olympia, passes through the natural spa of Lake Kaiafa and ends in Katakolo. Typically, we drive along the sea – the only unexpected incident was a dog darting out onto the road, but fortunately our brakes worked perfectly. Lovely Katakolo was the last and most pleasant experience in a full excursion.
One thing is for sure, we will be planning another winter excursion by car soon. The winter offer from Avis, with a 20% discount on car rentals until the end of the year and valid for travel in the first quarter of the new year, makes this prospect even more attractive.
Tips for Driving Around the Region
The road network in Ilia is fairly easy, even in the mountainous areas, making Ancient Olympia and the surrounding region an ideal destination for a road trip, even for novice drivers.
If you visit Ilia in the summer, your trip will be mainly “coastal”. You can read about the many famous beaches in the area here.
Also in summer, it’s worth driving nearly 70 kilometres from Ancient Olympia to the gorge and waterfalls of Neda. You’ll reach a point by car and from there on, an interesting nature adventure unfolds.
If you’re looking for a different kind of culinary experience, drive another 12-13 kilometres from Divri to the fish tavern “O Milos” in the village of Tripotama, on the border of Ilia-Achaia. Here you’ll find a lovely atmosphere on the banks of the Erymanthos River and excellent grilled or smoked trout.
A beautiful, partly off-road route runs parallel to the river Alfeios towards the stone villages of Andritsaina and Karytaina. The route passes through pine-clad mountain slopes and ends in Karytaina, so important in Greek history. Inevitably, if you’re going off-road, you’ll need a four-wheel drive. At Avis.gr you’ll find plenty of good 4X4 options.
