Olympia & Kourouta Beach Tour: Ancient Site & Swim

You crown yourself winner at the ancient Olympic stadium, then swim in the Ionian Sea the same afternoon.

This half-day shore excursion from Katakolon combines a guided tour of Ancient Olympia, the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological park, with a swim and beach time at Kourouta Beach. The minibus picks you up at the port, drives 35 minutes through the Greek countryside with live commentary, and returns you to Katakolon or drops you in the village afterward. Two options let you choose whether entry to the Olympic site is included. Both end with beach time, changing cabinets, showers and free Wi-Fi. The tour suits families, couples and small groups, and all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Ancient Olympia1h 30m
2. Kourouta Beach1h 30m · entry included

Olympia tour and beach relaxation

• Meet at Katakolon port
• Drive to Olympia with live commentary
• Guided tour of Ancient Olympia
• Swim and relax at Kourouta Beach
• Return to Katakolon port or town

The experience

The drive from Katakolon to Olympia takes 35 minutes and crosses the Peloponnese countryside with live commentary on the region's history. A local expert guide meets you at the archaeological park and walks you through the ancient Olympic site itself: the stadium, the temples, the training grounds where athletes prepared for competition. The itinerary builds in time to absorb the scale of it. You're not rushing through a checklist of monuments.

Kourouta Beach is the second half of the day. It's an enormous sandy coast on the Ionian Sea where swimming is the point. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available if you want them (a minimum purchase is required at the beach vendors, but the loungers themselves are free to use). Changing cabinets, showers and Wi-Fi are all free. You can spend as much time in the water or on the sand as the tour schedule allows, then head back to the port or ask to be dropped in Katakolon town if you want to wander the fishing village before reboarding.

Two purchase options let you decide what's included. One covers entry to the Olympic site and the beach day. The other is the beach escape alone, without admission to the ruins. Both include the minibus from the port, the guide at Olympia, port pickup and drop-off, and the beach facilities. The tour runs 4 to 5 hours total. Specialized infant seats are available, and the minibus is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

• Port pickup and drop-off at Katakolon.
• minibus transport with live commentary.
• official tourist guide at the Olympic site.
• changing cabinets and showers at Kourouta Beach.
• free Wi-Fi at the beach.
• sunbeds and umbrellas available at the beach (minimum purchase required at vendors).

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in EnglishNo fixed time

Guide in EnglishNo fixed time

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 20

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by The Travel Insiders

Is this one for you?Choose the option with Olympic entry if you want to walk the ancient stadium and temples. Pick the beach-only escape if you're short on time or prefer to spend the whole half-day in the water and sand. Either way, the tour leaves from the port and returns you there, so you're back before the ship departs.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the drive from Katakolon to Olympia?

The minibus takes 35 minutes to reach Ancient Olympia from Katakolon port, traveling through the Greek countryside with live commentary on the region's history.

What exactly is there to do at Kourouta Beach?

Kourouta Beach is a large sandy coast on the Ionian Sea where you swim and relax. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for use (a minimum purchase at beach vendors is required), and changing cabinets, showers and Wi-Fi are free.

Do I have to buy entry to the Olympic site, or can I just go to the beach?

You choose at checkout: one option includes admission to Ancient Olympia plus the beach day. The other is the beach escape alone without the archaeological site. Both include the minibus, guide commentary, and beach facilities.

What happens after the tour ends? Do I go straight back to the ship?

The minibus returns you to Katakolon port for reboarding, or you can ask to be dropped in Katakolon town if you want extra time in the fishing village before heading back to the ship.