Olympia (Katakolon) Greece

[oshawa]

What is there to do or see in this port? Can you just walk around or go to the centre of Town? I am wondering if this is a tendered port? There doesn't seem to be a lot of info regarding this particular stop on my cruise. Is it worth getting off the ship at this port?

[cruisemom42]

Do a little reading here on this forum. Katakolon is mainly a stop for cruise ships because of the proximity of the ruins of ancient Olympia, a short ride away via tour bus, train or taxi.

 

There is not much to do in the town itself. A few souvenir shops and cafes.

[MercedMike]

Katakalon is simply a small port city. The principal attraction, as noted above, is Ancient Olympia, a huge temple of Zeus which was also the site of the ancient Olympic games.

 

We did a wonderful ship's tour here which first took us to the temple and site of the games, and then we went up the hill to a restaurant with a great view for Greek hors d'oeuvres from olives and cheese to octopus, ouzo and Zorba dancing!

 

Check out our trip report and pictures at http://www.bully4.us/blacksea.html

 

Have a GREAT cruise!

[Cornishpastyman1]

You MUST go and see this

[oshawa]

Thans for sharing the wonderful photos and your trip journey! Simply wonderful. A trip of a lifetime.

[utsoob]

We really liked this stop on our recent cruise. Katakolon is really just souvenir shops, but the Olympia site and the little museum there were very interesting, and perfect to do on your own. There is a car rental place just as you leave the dock and you can rent a car for 40-45 euros plus about 15 euros to refill the tank. They give you an easy to follow map, and the road is well-marked. The site + museum entrance was like 9 euros each, I think and kids under 18 were free (woohoo!!) It was extraordinarily hot when we were there a couple of weeks ago, but the car and the museum were air-conditioned. We got an early start and were back to the ship in time for lunch and a dip in the pool.

[sfvoyage]

We shared a rental car (40 euros per day plus gas) with another couple to go to Olympia. It took 30-40 minutes, and the signs are good for the most part.

 

Alternately, the train (new, air conditioned) is easy, carefree and cheap (1.50 euros per person each way). The night before, the concierge on our boat researched the internet and printed the schedule out for me. However, that schedule was not current. The same morning, the destination specialist gave us the correct timetable. So, beware of the information available on the internet! The train stops at a tiny "station" about a 10-minute walk from our dock. (You can jog it in about 5 minutes.) Not sure how long it takes to walk to the Olympia site at the other end.

[Jo and Rob]

We shared a rental car (40 euros per day plus gas) with another couple to go to Olympia. It took 30-40 minutes, and the signs are good for the most part.

 

Alternately, the train (new, air conditioned) is easy, carefree and cheap (1.50 euros per person each way). The night before, the concierge on our boat researched the internet and printed the schedule out for me. However, that schedule was not current. The same morning, the destination specialist gave us the correct timetable. So, beware of the information available on the internet! The train stops at a tiny "station" about a 10-minute walk from our dock. (You can jog it in about 5 minutes.) Not sure how long it takes to walk to the Olympia site at the other end.

 

Can you tell me if they provide child booster seats? Car rental looks like a good way to go!

[magiceye]

If you don't plan to visit Olympia, my suggestion is to stay on board and enjoy the ship's amenities. It is a small tendered port which is not ready for the large ships. Just my opinion.

[Mrs Miggins]

Just back from Katakolon. My family did not want to visit Olympia but others from our table took the local tour bus. It was 10 euros return. Spoke with several others who had also used this and they confirmed it was very good. They spent two hours in Olympia, then had time to shop in Katakolon. Just a mention Royal Caribbean charged $10 for their shuttle into town (a short distance about 5 minutes). The local bus was Euro 1.40 each way. A taxi was 8 euros each way. We used bus into town and shared a taxi with two others back to the ship. I much prefer using local transportation where possible.

[thinfool]

If you don't plan to visit Olympia, my suggestion is to stay on board and enjoy the ship's amenities. It is a small tendered port which is not ready for the large ships. Just my opinion.

 

Been awhile since you were there??

 

In 08, the Carnival Splendor...one of their larger ships, tied up at a Katakalon berth (no tender) quite nicely. We walked off and enjoyed a relaxing day in the shops and eateries near the dock.

[Mrs Miggins]

We were not tendered on Thursday. However we travelled most of our itinerary in company with a NCL ship. They were tendered in several ports - we had no tendering. Captain said he had gentleman's agreement with other ships and one week they would tender and next week dock. Obviously there are limited docking spaces in the smaller ports.

[Jo and Rob]

We are back from our Costa Serena cruise and we decided to do the ship tour to Olympia rather than getting a taxi or hiring a car. Our excursion to Oympia was excellent. The guide was enthusiatic and spoke from the moment we boarded the coach giving us information about Greece and the local area before we got to the archaeological site.

 

 

Without a guide it would have just looked like different piles of rocks but she made it come alive. Here is a picture of our son pretending to carry the Olympic torch as he is standing at the site where it is lit.

 

 

The highlight for the children was running the Olympic stadium in Olympia.

 

 

 

 

We also had much longer because we were on a tour. Boarding time was 12.15 and our coach didn't get back until 12.40. Let's just say we were glad we were on an official tour! 1.

[hliang]

Can I clarify with you? Does 10 euro include bus's round trip to and from Olympia and then you just tour around Olympia, museum and catch the bus back? Does the bus accomodate our cruise schedule? The 1.4 euro is only for you to get from port to the town, right? Thank you so much.

 

Just back from Katakolon. My family did not want to visit Olympia but others from our table took the local tour bus. It was 10 euros return. Spoke with several others who had also used this and they confirmed it was very good. They spent two hours in Olympia, then had time to shop in Katakolon. Just a mention Royal Caribbean charged $10 for their shuttle into town (a short distance about 5 minutes). The local bus was Euro 1.40 each way. A taxi was 8 euros each way. We used bus into town and shared a taxi with two others back to the ship. I much prefer using local transportation where possible.

[dreamsoftravel]

We are hoping to avoid the ship's excursion because of the cost. I've seen older posts about trains and buses, but I have not seen any reports of the reliability of these forms of public transport to Olympia. Where do I find the most reliable train schedules and info for this route, and who runs it?

 

And then, how far is the station from the archaeology site? Would we have to prearrange for a guide or is it easy enough to get a good sense of the history with a published report and map? The alternative might be to rent a car. We are in port from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (docked). Suggestions??

[tai.chi.cruiser]

Is it easy to find taxi cars at port or in town? Is the rate pre-negotiated or metered? Are there taxi available in Olympia to hire back to the port?

Thanks.

[Americancruiser77]

Is it easy to find taxi cars at port or in town? Is the rate pre-negotiated or metered? Are there taxi available in Olympia to hire back to the port?

Thanks.

 

It depends on how many ships are docked that day in the port. When we docked there were 2 other ships inside so it was very crowded and difficult to get a taxi. Olympia is a small village so it is better to hire a cab from Katakolon and wait for you at the archaeological site and then return you to the ship. Maybe you should consider to reserve one via internet!