Katakolon (Olympia, Greece)

Katakolon (aka Katakolo) is a port town in Pyrgos municipality (Elis region, Greece), with population of around 500. The port is on Ionian Sea (central Mediterranean), approx 11 km (7 ml) west of region's capital Pyrgos. The town is connected with Pyrgos and Olympia (archaeological site) via railway.

As cruise port, Katakolon is a popular stop for cruise ships as the gateway to Olympia (45-min drive distance), where in ancient Greece were held the famous Olympic Games (every four years for around 12 centuries - from 8th BC to 4th AD). The site was dedicated to the thunder god Zeus and attracted visitors from all over the world. The small port town is surrounded by low hills with forests. Also nearby (within walking distance) is the sunken ancient city Pheia.

Other popular tourist attractions inlude Lighthouse (built in 1865), Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, Mythology Park (labyrinth-shaped, established in 2017), the Byzantine fortress Pontikokastro's ruins (northeast of the port).

Season 2019 had estimated ~421,000 cruiseship passengers.

Katakolon cruise terminal

Katakolon tours, shore excursions, hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

• Katakolon: the town is small, you can relax really well. There are good places to eat, to buy some souvenirs or jewelery. You can also visit the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology. It is always open when a cruise ship arrives.
• Beaches: the town has several nice beaches. They all are within walking distance from the cruise port. Other famous in the area are Aghios Andreas Beach (3 km from Katakolon cruise port), Kourouta Beach (20 km from Katakolon cruise port) and Zacharo Beach (42 km from Katakolon cruise port).
• Olympia: located 34 km from Katakolon cruise port. The place is the most famous site that tells the history of the Greeks. This is the place, where the Olympic games began (back in 776 BCE). Most of the site was built during the Classical period (5th-4th centuries BCE). The attraction with top popularity is the Temple of Zeus.
• Mercouri Estate Winery: located 4 km from Katakolon cruise port. It works for the last 150 years. The wines produces there are among the most renowned in Greece. Popular are the red Ktima Mercouri (dominates the Refosco blend) and the white Foloi.