Katakolon Cruise Port Guide: Olympia & Best Things to Do

LAST UPDATED October 12, 2025 BY Katarina Komazec

Located on the western coast of the Peloponnese, Katakolon cruise port is the gateway to one of Greece’s most legendary sites — ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

This small seaside town in the municipality of Pyrgos welcomes thousands of cruise passengers every year who come to explore Greek history, culture, and beautiful Ionian scenery.

I had a chance to visit Olympia and it was a great experience — walking among ancient temples and imagining the first athletes competing there.

But even if you’ve already seen Olympia, Katakolon has plenty more to offer, from relaxing beaches and local wineries to charming seaside cafés just steps from the pier.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• Practical information about the Katakolon cruise terminal and getting around
• The 5 best things to do in Katakolon, including places within walking distance from the port and the most popular beaches and shore excursions to Olympia and beyond

Katakolon Cruise Port (Olympia, Greece)

Cruise ships dock at a medium-sized harbor just a short walk from the center of Katakolon.

The port has two piers that can accommodate two cruise vessels at once, both opening directly into the town, which means no shuttles are needed.

The Katakolon cruise terminal is small but convenient, with seating areas, a tourist information desk, an ATM, and a few duty-free shops.

Once you step outside, you’ll find yourself on a lovely waterfront promenade lined with cafés and taverns overlooking the Ionian Sea, a perfect spot for a drink with a view.

Just one street behind the waterfront, you’ll discover a lively shopping street filled with souvenir shops, local crafts, jewelry, leather goods, Greek icons, and more.

You’ll also find mini markets, a post office, car rental offices, and local travel agencies offering excursions to Olympia and the surrounding countryside.

Taxis are readily available right outside the port, and many companies offer round-trip transfers to Olympia, ideal if you prefer a private visit.

Unlike the busy cruise destinations of Santorini or Mykonos, Katakolon (or Katakolo, as locals call it) has a peaceful and laid-back atmosphere.

Surrounded by gentle hills and lush greenery, it’s the kind of place where you can easily slow down, enjoy the scenery, and soak up the authentic side of Greece.

Getting Around Katakolon Cruise Port

🚶‍♀️ Around the Port

The port of Katakolon is flat and easy to navigate, making it suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility.

Everything in town is within short walking distance, including cafés, shops, and the seaside promenade.

You’ll also find car and scooter rentals, local tour operators, and taxis right outside the terminal.

Most drivers speak basic English and offer fixed-price transfers or half-day trips to Olympia, usually including free time or a quick beach stop on the way back.

🏛️ Visiting Olympia

The ancient site of Olympia lies about a 30-minute drive from Katakolon and is the most popular place to visit.

Taxis are available right outside the port, with official fares around €45 one way or €80–€120 total for a half-day round trip, which typically includes waiting time and a visit to the archaeological site and museum.

Some drivers also offer private itineraries combining Olympia with nearby beaches.

👉 If you’d prefer to book in advance, you can reserve a tour or private transfer with Viator or GetYourGuide, as both offer reliable local guides, small-group tours, and skip-the-line options.

🚗 Car Rental

Several car and scooter rental companies are located just outside the terminal. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to visit Olympia, Agios Andreas Beach, or nearby villages at your own pace.

Roads are well-marked and easy to drive, and parking is simple around town.

👉 Compare car rental prices

🚌 Public Bus

Public buses (KTEL company) connect Katakolon with Pyrgos, where you can transfer to another bus for Ancient Olympia. The total journey takes about an hour one way.

The total fare is under €4 one way, but departures are limited, so it’s not ideal for short port calls. The bus stop is about 350 m from the port, near the waterfront square and playground. Check timetables here.

🚂 Train to Olympia

A train from Katakolon to Olympia, operated by Hellenic Train, takes around 55 minutes and costs about €10 round-trip.

It’s a scenic, budget-friendly option if schedules align with your cruise. Always check times in advance on the official Hellenic Train website.

🧭 Shore Excursions

Most cruise lines offer guided tours to Olympia that include transportation, entrance tickets, and a local guide. It’s an easy option if you prefer everything arranged in advance.

If you’d rather explore independently, you can also book a small-group or private tour through Viator or GetYourGuide.

Both offer reliable local operators with flexible options, so you can choose what best fits your time in port.

Practical Info for Cruise Visitors

• The currency in Greece is euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs can be found in town and near the port.
• The port area is flat and easy to walk around, suitable for wheelchair users.
• The official language is Greek, but English is widely spoken.
• The best time to visit is spring or autumn, when the weather is warm but not too hot.
• Best beaches near Katakolon:
  • Agios Andreas Beach – about a 5-minute drive from the pier.
  • Kourouta Beach – wider and livelier, around 25 minutes by car, great if you rent a vehicle.
• Where to Stay:
  If you’re spending the night before or after your cruise, there are a few small hotels and guesthouses in Katakolon and more options in nearby Pyrgos or Olympia.
  👉 Browse top-rated Katakolon hotels

Plan Your Mediterranean Cruise

If you’re exploring ports around the Mediterranean, you might enjoy my Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide ebook, where I’ve gathered detailed guides to more than 40 ports across Italy, Greece, Spain, and France — all based on my own cruise experiences.

👉 Find out more about the Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide

Note: Katakolon isn’t included in the ebook, but you’ll find several other Greek ports such as Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Corfu that will help you plan your itinerary.

5 Best Things to Do in Katakolon Cruise Port

Although most visitors head straight to Olympia, there’s much more to enjoy around Katakolon.

Whether you’d like to explore ancient history, relax by the sea, or simply take in the laid-back Greek atmosphere, here are some of the best ways to spend your day in port.

🌅 Stroll Around Katakolon Town

The town of Katakolon has a lovely waterfront lined with taverns and cafés where you can sit back and enjoy traditional Greek food with sea views.

It’s a peaceful place to spend a few hours, perfect if you’d rather stay close to the ship.

Just one street behind the promenade, the main shopping street is packed with small shops selling souvenirs, handmade jewelry, olive oil, and other local products worth browsing through.

One of the town’s highlights is the Kostas Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, located only a 5-minute walk from the port.

It’s a great stop where you can see replicas of ancient inventions and learn about Greek innovation in a fun, hands-on way.

👉 See Katakolon tours and activities

🏛️ Visit Ancient Olympia

Tucked away in the green hills of the Peloponnese, Ancient Olympia is one of Greece’s most fascinating archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This is where the Olympic Games were born, nearly 3,000 years ago, and where athletes from across the Greek world once gathered to honor Zeus.

I visited Olympia during my vacation in Katakolon, and walking through the ruins felt like stepping back in time.

You can still see the outlines of the Temple of Zeus with its enormous columns, the ancient stadium where runners competed completely naked (yes — that’s how the Greeks did it!), and the gymnasium where athletes trained.

A short 10-minute walk from the site takes you to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, home to beautifully preserved statues and artifacts that tell the story of the ancient Games.

Useful info:

• One ticket covers entry to the Archaeological Site, the Museum of Olympia, and two smaller museums dedicated to the history of the Games and the excavations.
• The site is partially wheelchair accessible, while the museum is fully accessible.
• There are limited facilities on site, so bring water and use the restrooms before entering.
• Plan at least three hours to visit both the site and the museum.
• If you’d like to eat nearby, I had lunch at Ambrosia Restaurant, just a short walk away — great food and a peaceful setting under the trees.

👉 Explore Ancient Olympia tours and activities

🏖️ Relax at the Beach Near Katakolon

If you’re visiting Katakolon on a sunny day, you’ll find several beaches nearby where you can swim, relax, or enjoy a drink by the sea.

Some are within walking distance of the port, while others are just a short taxi ride away.

Paralia Katakolon (Katakolon Beach)

Located about 2 km from the port (around a 5-minute drive or 25-minute walk), Paralia Katakolon is a small sandy beach with clear, shallow water and a few beach bars and cafés nearby.

It’s a calm and convenient option if you want a swim without going too far from the ship.

Agios Andreas Beach

Only 3 km (about a 5-minute drive) from the port, Agios Andreas Beach is one of the most popular local spots.

It has soft golden sand, clear turquoise water, and several taverns and beach bars shaded by pine trees. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available, and the beach is well-suited for families.

Kourouta Beach

About 22 km (25 minutes by car) northwest of Katakolon, Kourouta Beach is a long, sandy stretch along the Ionian Sea.

It’s a Blue Flag beach known for its clear water, beach bars, and relaxed vibe. You’ll find taverns, cafés, and water sports, making it a great choice if you’re spending the whole day ashore.

Skafidia Beach (Paralia Skafidia)

Roughly 10 km (15 minutes by car) north of the port, Skafidia Beach offers a quieter experience surrounded by nature.

With a mix of sand and pebbles and crystal-clear water, it’s ideal if you’re looking for something peaceful and less crowded. Facilities are limited, so bring water and an umbrella if you plan to stay a while.

👉 Explore Katakolon beach tours and activities