Xylokastro is in a 2-hour distance from the archaeological place of Anc. Olympia. The lacy and astonishing route across the coastline of Corinthian Riviera to Rio Bridge and from there further down to the sandy beaches of Peloponnese is amazing. The visit to Anc. Olympia is a homage to the Olympic idea and to the birthplace of Olympic Games. Visit the archeological site and the museums, walk by Alfios river shores, where the ancient athletes were taking their bath before Olympic Games and finally, wander around the nature of Olympia. On your way back, don’t forget to visit Achaia Claus in Patras, the first winery of modern Greece. Enrich your memories with a short visit to Nafpaktos or Aigion. And if it is summer, combine these excursions with a short stay to the beautiful Zante island.
One of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, Olympia is located on the western side of Peloponnese. This was the place where the ancient Olympic Games were organized and this is why an entire sanctuary to god Zeus was constructed next to the athletic installations to honor the gods before the beginning of the games. The spirit of the ancient Olympic Games inspired their revival in modern times. Next to the ancient site is a traditional village with lush greenery and many tourist facilities. One of the most important archaeological sites of Greece, Olympia is located on the western side of Peloponnese, in mainland Greece. This was the place that gave birth to the ancient Olympic Games, where all Greek city-states would send their representatives. The Olympic Games were suspended in 394 AD by the Byzantine emperor Theodosius as a pagan ritual. They started again many centuries later, in 1896, after the idea of the French baron Pierre de Coubertin. The most characteristic sights of Olympia Greece are the Ancient Stadium, the temples of Zeus and Hera and certainly the Archaeological Museum, with impressive exhibits and findings from excavations in the region. Things to do in the region include hiking and cycling.