Achaia and Ilia: Patras, Kalavryta and Ancient Olympia – A Travel Guide
Achaia and Ilia make up the north-west of the Peloponnese: the lively city of Patras, the mountains of Kalavryta, the birthplace of the Olympic Games at Olympia and a long coast of sandy beaches facing Zakynthos and Kefalonia. It is easy to reach from Athens, from Araxos Airport and by ferry from Italy.
Patras
Patras is the third-largest city of Greece and a busy port, with a lively centre, a Roman odeon, a castle above the old town and the elegant Rio–Antirrio bridge just outside the city. In winter it hosts the biggest carnival in Greece – see our Patras Carnival 2027 guide.
Kalavryta and the Vouraikos gorge
In the mountains above the Corinthian Gulf, Kalavryta is a mountain town with a ski centre on Helmos, the monastery of Mega Spileo built into a cliff, the Cave of the Lakes and the historic monastery of Agia Lavra. The famous rack railway runs from Diakopto through the Vouraikos gorge – see our Kalavryta guide for the current situation of the train.
Ancient Olympia
Olympia, where the Olympic Games began, is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece: the stadium with its stone entrance arch, the temples of Zeus and Hera, the workshop of Pheidias and an excellent museum. See our Ancient Olympia visitor guide. Cruise passengers arrive at nearby Katakolo – see the Katakolo shore excursion.
Kyllini and the coast of Ilia
The coast of Ilia has long sandy beaches and family resorts around Kyllini, the port for Zakynthos and Kefalonia. Above the village of Kastro stands the Frankish castle of Chlemoutsi, with wide views to the islands. Further north, Kalogria beach is backed by the pine forest of Strofylia.
Nature: lakes, gorges and forests
South of Olympia, the lagoon of Kaiafas has thermal springs and a long beach in a pine forest, and the Neda gorge, on the border with Messinia, is one of the most beautiful river walks in Greece.
When to go
Spring and autumn are best for Olympia and walking. Summer is for the beaches of Ilia. Winter is the season for skiing on Helmos and for the Patras Carnival.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Patras · Where to stay in Kalavryta · Where to stay around Ancient Olympia
Getting there
Patras is about 2½ hours from Athens by motorway and Ancient Olympia about 3½ hours. Araxos Airport has seasonal flights from many European cities, and ferries from Italy arrive at Patras port. A private driver can meet you at any of them.
See: Athens – Patras · Athens – Kalavryta · Athens – Ancient Olympia · Araxos Airport – Patras · Araxos Airport – Kyllini · Patras port – Ancient Olympia · Athens Airport – Kyllini port · Lagkadia – Ancient Olympia
Combine it with
Kalavryta, Ancient Olympia & Arcadia – 5 days · Patras Carnival weekend from Athens · Kalavryta winter day trip · Messinia travel guide
Frequently asked questions
Can we visit Ancient Olympia as a day trip from Athens?
It is possible, but it is a long day – about 3½ hours each way. We suggest at least one night in Olympia or on the coast of Ilia.
Is Patras a good base?
Yes, for the city, the carnival and day trips to Kalavryta and the beaches of Achaia. For Olympia it is better to stay closer, in Olympia or Kyllini.
What is the best time to visit Kalavryta?
Winter for snow and skiing on Helmos, spring and autumn for walking, the monasteries and the Cave of the Lakes.
Tell us your dates and how many you are, and we will reply within 24 hours with your plan and private transfers. Ask for your trip
Photo: Entrance to the ancient stadium of Olympia – Asier Barre, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.