Ancient Olympia Tickets

Explore Olympia, the sanctuary of ancient Greece that birthed the Olympic Games. Examine the Temple of Hera, where the modern-day flame still burns during the Olympic Games. Admire the emblematic temples and athletic facilities and feel the era of the ancient classical period.

Why head out with Headout

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Wear comfortable shoes, as the site is expansive and includes uneven ancient pathways and grassy areas.

Bring a refillable water bottle and sun protection—shade is limited, especially around the stadium and temples.

Start your visit at the Archaeological Museum to see original statues and artifacts before exploring the ruins.

Download an audio guide app or consider a guided tour for richer historical context, as on-site signage is limited.

Keep your ticket stub handy if you plan to exit and re-enter the site or museum on the same day.

About Ancient Olympia

Ancient Olympia is a highlight of any Greek archaeological adventure, offering a fascinating blend of myth, sport, and history. As part of Headout’s top ancient sites collection, it invites visitors to relive the origins of the Olympic Games, admire world-famous sculptures, and experience the grandeur of classical Greece in a beautifully preserved setting.

Did you know?

The Temple of Zeus at Olympia once housed a colossal gold-and-ivory statue by Phidias, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Olympic flame for every modern Games is still ceremonially lit at the Temple of Hera using a parabolic mirror and sunlight.

The ancient stadium could seat up to 40,000 spectators and features a preserved stone starting line that visitors can still see and stand on today.

Olympia’s Archaeological Museum displays the Hermes of Praxiteles, a masterpiece of classical sculpture dating to around 330 B.C.

The Philippeion, a circular memorial at Olympia, is the only building in the sanctuary dedicated to mortals—Philip II of Macedon and his family.

Why visit Ancient Olympia?

Birthplace of the Olympic Games

Experience the original site where the Olympic Games began in 776 B.C., and feel the thrill of standing on the ancient stadium track where athletes once competed for eternal glory.

Marvel at Ancient Temples

Explore the impressive ruins of the Temple of Zeus—once home to a Wonder of the Ancient World—and the remarkably preserved Temple of Hera, where the Olympic flame is still lit today.

World-Class Archaeological Museum

Discover masterpieces like the Hermes of Praxiteles and the Nike of Paionios in the on-site museum, which houses some of the finest examples of ancient Greek sculpture and artifacts.

Atmospheric Setting and Scenic Beauty

Stroll through a lush, green valley dotted with ancient ruins, shaded by olive trees, and surrounded by the tranquil Peloponnesian landscape—a photographer’s dream.

Walk in the Footsteps of Legends

Stand on the stone starting line of the original stadium, explore the palaestra and gymnasium, and imagine the excitement of the ancient Games in this evocative, history-rich site.