How to get to Ancient Olympia, Zacharo & the beaches
In this article you will get to know how to get to the destinations and beaches of the Ilia Prefecture, from Zacharo to Katakolo via Tripolis.
Distances in km
| Distance from Athens | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Olympia | 290 km | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Zacharo | 260 km | 3 hours |
| Pyrgos | 290 km | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Katakolo | 310 km | 3 hours 50 minutes |
| Krestena | 280 km | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Giannitsochori | 250 km | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Taxiarches | 265 km | 3 hours |
| Neochori | 255 km | 2 hours 50 minutes |
| Kakovatos | 260 km | 2 hours 55 minutes |
| Agios Nikolaos | 263 km | 3 hours |
| Kaiafas lake | 268 km | 3 hours 5 minutes |
| Kato Samiko | 270 km | 3 hours 10 minutes |
| Spiantza | 300 km | 3 hours 35 minutes |
| Letrina | 300 km | 3 hours 35 minutes |
| Kyani Akti | 300 km | 3 hours 35 minutes |
| Kavouri | 305 km | 3 hours 35 minutes |
* At the end of the article there is a Google map with all the routes I describe.
Directions
Follow the Motorway Korinthos - Tripolis - Kalamata. After the Tsakona bridge in the Messinia Prefecture, turn right at the exit towards Patra - Pyrgos to enter the Tsakona junction and continue straight without turning. You will not encounter any more tolls. From here on you enter a narrower road that passes through villages of Messinia so the speeds are consequently lower.
The exit for Patra - Pyrgos at the Tsakona junction
Crossing Messinia towards Kalo Nero
Once you reach the sea and specifically Kalo Nero turn right where there is a sign for Pyrgos - Patra. From here on continue straight and turn where your destination is. I note that the villages I mention have beaches and are tourist destinations. There are signs in all of them to get you there.
At Kalo Nero we turn right
For my travels from Ancient Olympia to the beaches I used GPS and it helped me a lot to ensure my travels were without any surprises.
Below is a list of the hotels I recommend you to stay at:
- (€€) Hotel Europa Olympia (⭐ 9.4) within walking distance from the archaeological site of Olympia, one of the top stay options. With spacious rooms, a swimming pool and a rooftop restaurant it will make your stay unforgettable
- (€€) Hotel Kronion (⭐ 8.4) the hotel I stayed at in Ancient Olympia satisfied me with the comfort, service, cleanliness and breakfast
For Ancient Olympia
Take the turn for Krestena where there is a brown sign for the archaeological site of Olympia. From there follow the signage that is so adequate that there is no chance of getting lost. A landmark you will pass is the dam of the Alfeios river.
From Kalo Nero to Ancient Olympia and Pyrgos
Near the Alpheios dam
For Zacharo
Zacharo has very nice beaches nearby and that is why I am including it on the list so that you can have it as a starting point for your excursions. It is located on the main road and you will have no problem finding it.
At Zacharo
For Katakolo
You enter Pyrgos and follow the signs for Katakolo which are adequate. I note that the route inside Pyrgos has several turns. Once you leave the city continue straight without turning anywhere.
For Pyrgos - Katakolo
Map
The routes are displayed in order (as on the left bar of the map):
- Athens - Zacharo
- Ancient Olympia
- Pyrgos
- Giannitsochori
- Taxiarches
- Neochori
- Kakovatos
- Agios Nikolaos
- Kaiafas lake
- Kato Samiko
- Spiantza
- Letrina
- Kyani Akti
- Kavouri
- Katakolo
