Olympia and Mount Olympus

Time for a brief geography lesson: Olympia, home of original Olympic Games, and Mount Olympus, home of Zeus and the other Olympian gods and goddesses, share similar names but vastly different locations. Both are don't-miss destinations, but don't expect to combine them on the same leg of your trip. Olympia is in the Pelopponese, the large peninsula forming the south of Greece. Olympus is in Central Greece, on the Greek mainland.

Olympia

The vast archaeological remains of Olympia will enchant most visitors, partly because this section of Greek history lives on for us in the modern games.

For this reason, the excellent Archaeological Museum at Olympia, is particularly worthwhile.

In this age of jogging and modern marathons, many visitors run a few yards in the well-preserved Olympic Stadium. Remember to bring your own water if you intend to pursue this activity seriously!

There are many hotels in Olympia, but few with an on-line presence. The Amalia chain operates one hotel - I didn't stay there, but the Amalia in Delphi was comfortable, if a bit surly.

Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus is a beautiful mountain, soaring into the sky, a fitting abode for the Olympian gods and goddesses. Like Fuji in Japan, it is appreciated both from afar and as a hiking or skiing destination. An outstanding archaeological site in view of Olympus is the little-visited city of Dion, which boasts a partially-intact Temple of Isis. Keep scrolling on this site from the Democritus University of Thrace for informative text below the pictures and an abundance of images of other temples and buildings.

Now for a handy language tip: don't confuse Ioannina (pronounced more or less "Ya-neen-a") for Giannitsa, (pronounced more or less "Ya-neets-a"). I've also seen Ioannina spelled Yanina, and even Giannina, further confusing the situation. One printed source I saw described Mount Olympus as being located near Ioannina. It's not, but the mountain isn't too far from Giannitsa. Double-check your travel arrangements to make sure your destination is understood, particularly if you are booking transportation yourself using local agents.

If you still somehow end up in Ioannina looking for Mount Olympus, treat yourself to a day at Dodona instead, another site sacred to Zeus.

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