Activities to Experience in Katakolon on Your Greek Isles Cruise

Why Choose a Cruise to Katakolon?

Perhaps you've previously cruised the Mediterranean, visiting well-known ports like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos, and are now seeking something new and exciting. Maybe you’re a history enthusiast eager to delve into the tales of ancient civilizations. Either way, a cruise to Katakolon is an ideal option for you. This charming coastal town, situated on the Ionian Sea, is a small port community with a population of just 600 residents.

Despite its small size, Katakolon ranks as one of the busiest ports in Greece, thanks to its renowned neighbor, Ancient Olympia. In addition to a few tourist shops, restaurants, and taverns along the waterfront, you can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides and a delightful tourist train that provides tours of the area. Spend a few hours savoring food, drinks, and people-watching in Katakolon, or venture beyond this quaint village to uncover the true treasures that lie just a 30-minute drive from the port.

Activities to Enjoy in Katakolon

As the gateway to Olympia, Katakolon offers cruisers a fascinating look into history. However, this picturesque village has much more to offer. With beautiful beaches featuring warm, inviting waters and wineries that produce divine wines, there's something for everyone during your visit to Katakolon. Plus, the Dinogo cruise team has curated a range of top shore excursions in port, allowing you to select the experiences that pique your interests while the cruise staff handles the details.

Continue reading for some amazing shore excursion tours and must-see highlights in Katakolon for your Greek Isles cruise adventure.

Discover the Wonders of Olympia

Your unforgettable adventure begins with a journey 25 miles east of Katakolon to Ancient Olympia. Established around 600 B.C.E. as a sanctuary for Zeus, the chief Greek god, Ancient Olympia became the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Every four years, ancient Greeks gathered at this site for the festival of Zeus, featuring the renowned sporting event. Once, it housed the colossal Statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, until Roman conquerors and natural disasters led to its downfall.

Today, only the ruins of this once-grand complex remain, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989. During this immersive six-hour tour, you'll discover what the site looked like and how it functioned in its prime. Following that, you'll visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia to admire some of the extraordinary artifacts unearthed in the region. Your final stop includes a trip to Magna Grecia Farm for a taste of ouzo and homemade snacks. This Greece cruise excursion truly showcases the best of Olympia in every way imaginable!

Agriturismo Magna Grecia — Experience a Greek Farm

For authentic Greek experiences, nothing compares to a visit to a working olive farm nestled among beautiful rural villages. On this half-day tour, you'll delve into the olive oil production process, from touring the mill to harvesting olives and extracting the oil.

Taste various types of Greek olive oil and uncover the link between olive oil and Ancient Olympia. During this immersive tour, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy some of the finest wines from the region, indulge in local delicacies, and experience a brief performance of traditional songs and dances. It's a delightful way to spend your time in this enchanting port.

With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, pleasant climate, and ancient wonders, Greece stands out as one of the premier cruise destinations worldwide. If you're eager to venture off the typical cruise route and explore a place rich in history, a cruise to Katakolon offers a chance to uncover the hidden treasures of the past at the site of Ancient Olympia.