Archaeological site of Elis
Explore the remains of ancient Elis, the city that hosted the Olympic Games in antiquity. Among the ruins, you can still make out public areas, buildings, and traces of its urban layout.
Europe / Greece · TRAVEL GUIDE
IlidaWestern Greece, regional unit of Elis · Greece
DISCOVER · PLAN · GO
Amaliada — aplessas · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
One destination.
A thousand ways to live it.
Ilida, in the heart of Elis, combines the charm of the ancient city of Elis with the lively Ionian coast and the tranquility of the inland countryside. With archaeological sites, monasteries, and sandy beaches, it offers a varied and enjoyable itinerary, far from Greece’s more crowded routes.
6 places to see1 / 3 / 7-day itinerariesInteractive map
THE PLACES THAT TELL ILIDA
Worth seeing, worth remembering.
Archaeological Museum of Elis
Next to the archaeological site, the museum houses artifacts found in the ancient city and the surrounding area. It’s a useful stop for adding context to the visit to the ruins.
Panagia Frangavilla Monastery
This historic monastery near Amaliada is known for its Byzantine church and frescoes. The complex offers a peaceful pause between the area’s itineraries.
Kourouta Beach
A long stretch of sand on the Ionian Sea, prized for its clear waters and seaside atmosphere. It is one of the most popular coastal spots around Amaliada.
Palouki Beach
Further south than Kourouta, Palouki offers a sandy shoreline ideal for a day by the sea. The open coast and Ionian sunsets are among its highlights.
Pinios Lake
The artificial reservoir formed by the dam on the Pinios River offers a landscape different from the coast, with expanses of water and hills in the inland countryside. It’s a pleasant detour for taking in the region’s natural scenery.
CHOOSE YOUR PACE
How much time
do you have to get lost?
From a first stroll to a week of discoveries. A starting point to make your own.
A quick dive into the vestiges of the ancient Olympic capital and the beauty of the Ionian coast.
- 1Archaeological Site of Ancient Ilida
- 2Archaeological Museum of Ilida
- 3Kourouta Beach
- 4Chlemoutsi Castle
A three-day journey linking the city of Ilida to legendary Olympia and its natural surroundings.
- 1Ancient Ilida
- 2Archaeological Museum of Ilida
- 3Pyrgos Old Town
- 4Katakolo Port
- 5Archaeological Site of Olympia
- 6Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games
- 7Kaiafas Lake
- 8Zacharo Beach
A week discovering the hidden treasures of western Peloponnese, among remote temples and endless beaches.
- 1Archaeological Site of Ancient Elis
- 2Archaeological Museum of Elis
- 3Chlemoutsi Castle
- 4Killini Thermal Baths
- 5Arkoudi Beach
- 6Katakolo Port
- 7Skafidia Monastery
- 8City of Pyrgos
- 9Archaeological Site of Olympia
- 10Archaeological Museum of Olympia
- 11Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
- 12Neda Waterfalls
- 13Kaiafas Lake
- 14Kourouta Beach
- 15Pineios Dam and Lake
GET YOUR BEARINGS, THEN EXPLORE
The city takes shape.
Stop after stop.
BEFORE YOU GO
A well-planned trip.
How to get around
To explore the Ilida area, which includes Amaliada and the archaeological site of ancient Elis, a car is the most convenient option: distances are wide and local connections can be infrequent. Amaliada can be reached by bus from other cities in the region, but it’s best to check schedules and connections in advance with the KTEL company. To visit the archaeological site, check access and opening hours before setting out, especially outside the high season. Along the coast, some seaside resorts are better suited to getting around by car or taxi; in summer, also ask about the services available on site.
When to go
Spring and early autumn are ideal for visiting the archaeological site and getting around in milder temperatures. Summer is a good choice for those who want to combine sightseeing with beach time, but it can be very hot and busier along the coast. In winter the climate is generally calmer, but some services and opening hours may be reduced.
Where to eat
In Amaliada and the nearby towns, you’ll find tavernas and restaurants serving Greek cuisine, while along the coast it’s easy to find fish and seafood dishes, especially in the summer months. Look for regional specialties such as olives and olive oil, local cheeses, grilled meats, and wines from western Peloponnese. For a wider choice, consider stopping in the main towns and check restaurant hours outside the high season.
Quick tips
- 01Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen when you visit the archaeological site, where shade may be limited.
- 02Check opening hours and any possible changes before heading to the site or museums.
- 03If you’re traveling by bus, plan your return trips in advance: local services can be infrequent.
- 04In summer, book coastal accommodation in advance and ask restaurants whether a table reservation is needed.
YOUR STARTING POINT
Wake up in the right place.
Where to stay · Ilida
1 night · max 14 nights
Observed average price · EUR/night
1 night · 1 room · 2 adults · no children
Data still limited · Sample: up to 2 distinct hotels, 8 real searches in the last 48 hours, for this query. Not the official average of the destination and not guaranteed to be representative.
Arrival date
Lowest price among the hotels found
among 2 hotels with a LiteAPI price for this search, not the absolute lowest of the destination
Marion Apartments
Kourouta, Kourouta
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$83
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Prices are real for the searched dates and may change. Click a point on the chart to change arrival keeping the length of stay.
Real prices for your dates
Marion Apartments
Kourouta, Kourouta
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$83
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Sweet Suites
27 Eleftheriou Venizelou, Amaliás
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$87
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Dexamenes Seaside Hotel
Kourouta Beach, Kourouta
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Salt Boutique Hotel
Paloukiou, Palouki
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Pnoe Eco Residences
Παλούκι 0, Kourouta
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Grand Kourouta
Kouroutas Grand Kourouta, Kourouta
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Comfy Kourouta Apartment & Suite
82i Odos Dyt., Kourouta
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Cottage House
Μαραθιά Αμαλιάδας, Amaliás
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Studio eva
Paloukiou, Palouki
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
My home
19 Ερμού, Amaliás
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
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