Olympia boasts a sophisticated new museum containing some very old pieces indeed. Press the Read More link to discover its riches...
This wooden museum unveils the nature, history and culture of Ilia, as well as the oak forest of Pholoe, including its natural wealth, fauna, birds and flowers. It also explores the area's mythology, eco-tourism and fire protection.
There are ruins of a byzantine bath located in Fragoklisia, beside the banks of a small stream. The remains are hauntingly strange, today overgrown with foliage.
The town of Andritsena is a landmark in itself and well worth visiting, a quite haven with traditional hotels and coffee shops. At the centre of the village lies the main square, where the Great Fountain (Trani Vrysi) can be found. Still going strong, the double arched fountain was build in 1724 and is the oldest on record in the Peloponnese.
The island of Kaukalida is the only uninhabited settlement. The island is rocky and has Kyllini's lighthouse (20-30 meters tall). It is accessed by a tiny port holding one or two boats and is not used for cars from the port of Kyllini. Interestingly, about 100,000 years ago the island was connected with the mainland.
In Kato Samiko there are remains of an Ottoman tower built by Ibrahim Pasha in 1826.
Near Katakolo in the municipality of Pyrgos there are remains of castle today called Pontikokastro (meaning Mouse Castle), built by the Villhardouins hundreds of years ago.
Considered one of the best preserved castles within the Peloponnese, the Chlemoutsi Castle (also known as the Clermont or Tomese castle) was built sometime around 1220.
Kotychi–Strofylia lies in Western Peloponnese, shared between the prefectures of Ilia and Achaia. It is a magnificent place for nature, fauna and flaura with many unique characteristics.
A very unique feature in the Balkans, the plateau of Kapeli features tall oaks among daffodils and ferns. The oak plateau, known also as Ilia's balcony, also contains chestnut trees, plane trees and different subspecies of oak, Erica, cystisus, walnut trees, and fruit-bearing trees. Sadly, the greater area has undergone significant deforestation. The area is ideal for horseback riding and cycling. It is also an important bird area in Greece, affirming its high environmental characteristics.