Category: Greece

A Port Guide for Katakolon, Greece. How to See Ancient Olympia.

4/17/2020

The cruise pier at Katakolon is situated close to a beach area that offers a great spot to enjoy the waters and sunshine.

By John Roberts
Port Guide: Katakolon, Greece (Olympia)
A cruise visit to the seaside town of Katakolon places you in the footsteps of history. Most visitors race off to see the nearby site of the ancient Olympic Games.
Katakolon is located on the Ionian Sea, and larger cruise ships tender into the pretty harbor to reach the small seaside village. Smaller cruise ships are able to dock at a pier.
The archaeological site of Olympia is a 45-minute bus ride from the port (most cruisers secure a bus trip via their cruise ship shore excursions). You also can easily take a roundtrip train ride to see Olympia for about 10 euros if you would rather go it alone. (Make sure to check the train schedules, though, to be sure you can get back in time for your ship's departure.)

The grounds of Olympia are an active archaeological excavation site.

What We Love About Katakolon
Archaeological Museum. The Archaeological Museum of Olympia features amazing discoveries from on-site excavations of ancient ruins and artifacts. The work continues, and it's amazing to see all that is featured within the museum and then wander the ground outside to explore the huge number of well-preserved marble statues and other relics on display.

Ancient Olympia. Visitors are free to explore acres of ruins at the historic site of the first Olympic Games. This still-active archaeological dig site features columns, pillars, partial structures and statues -- in an open-air setting. You can visit the Olympic torch pit, which marks the spot at which the Olympic torch gets ignited every two years. The torch then is carried on its long relay journey to host location of the Winter and Summer Games.

First Olympic Stadium. Sports and history fans will love being transported back to another era as they walk through the arched entryway to the Olympic grounds. This is the exact spot where many events from the very first Games took place. The ancient Olympic Games took place at Olympia between 776 BC and 393 AD as part of a religious festival to honor Zeus. Young men arrived from various city states throughout the Greek world to compete in running, discus, jumping, wrestling, boxing and equestrian events.
The competition area sits below sloped hillsides. Visitors enjoy testing their speed and stamina in a spring along the original Olympic track.

The on-site museum is filled with well-preserved statues and other relics that will leave you in awe.

The entrance to the Olympic stadium.

Seaside Cafes. Within a five-minute stroll from your ship, you can enjoy time at the restaurants and cafes. If you choose to pass on a trip to Olympia and instead stay at the pier area in Katakolon, you can relax amid stunning harbor views while enjoying free Wi-Fi and savoring a cold beer and Greek treats like souvlaki.

Why Cruise to Katakolon
A Must for History Buffs. Ancient Greece and its societies, arts, politics and educational systems influence so much of what we see today. This destination puts you right at the heart of an important sanctuary and festival site at Olympia.
The idyllic port area is easy to navigate, and you can enjoy the nearby beach, too.

Thanks for reading,
JR

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Five Small Mediterranean Cruise Ports You Have to Visit

6/25/2017

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Parga, Greece, was one of several new small ports we visited on our Mediterranean cruise on Seabourn Encore. These beach towns are so sunny and inviting, we quickly envisioned ourselves returning for longer visits.

By John Roberts

We sailed from Athens and ended in Venice -- with a stop at Dubrovnik in between.

These three big cruise ports are popular on many itineraries when sailing in the Mediterranean, and they rank among our favorites for several reasons. These destinations are packed with tons of activities and chances to explore art and culture, as well as see compelling and historically important sights.

But our cruise on Seabourn Encore also included five charming smaller ports that gave us a chance to slow down and enjoy our days in different ways.

Here are five cruise ports you might not have heard about and will love visiting on a Mediterranean cruise.

Gythion -- This stop in Greece brings us to Sparta and the UNESCO World Heritage castle village of Mystras. Now, modern Sparta is home to 16,000 people and not quite as dramatic as the idea of Sparta you might have from the movie "300."

It's a bustling and gritty looking town in the foothills of Mount Taygetus in the Laconia region, and we made just a quick stop there for a photo op with a statue of King Leonidas. This 1960s monument pays homage to legend of the king who led the Spartans vs. Persians at the Battle of Thermopylae against overwhelming odds.

From Sparta, we headed up the mountain to reach Mystras, a town that dates to the mid-13th century and was an important part of the Byzantine Empire. It was built as an amphitheater around a fortress and is interesting to visitors who will like to hike up its ancient pathways high above scenic ruins. Mystras is known historically as the Wonder of Morea -- the ancient name for the Peloponnese peninsula. UNESCO classifies this as an important archaeological site and restoration work continues o the palaces and castle.

Back in Gythion, a quiet fishing village, shops and restaurants line the marina area. We marveled at the orange trees that are everywhere, including small groves in people's yards. They are so numerous that markets sell the juicy fruits for 3 cents each

The harbor and seaside in Gythion.

King Leonidas led the 300 in the Battle of Thermopylae. The statue is a popular tourist stop in the town of Sparta.

The UNESCO village of Mystras.

Katakolon -- This is the port to visit for excursions to Olympia, home of the ancient Olympic games (you take take a train right from the port for 10 euros to get to Olympia). We had been to Olympia on a prior visit and wanted to learn more about the port area, which has nearby beaches, cute tavernas and plenty of shops to keep you busy.

We started our day ashore with a fun run to a beach less than two miles away. Kastro Beach is a secluded beach probably never visited by the flocks of cruisers who stay around Katakolon for the day. Most will end up at Katakolon Beach each right next to the port area.

Kastro Beach is extremely rustic, and if you are an avid runner or ambitious walker, you will love the route to get there (past quiet farmland and dense groves of olive trees). Independent spirits also will enjoy being away from the crowds at a quiet slice of paradise. There is a small bar and restaurant there. We were able to hit both beaches during our day in Katakolon. The more touristy Katakolon Beach is just steps away from the cruise pier past the shops and restaurants on the main walk, and this beach has a half-dozen restaurants on the hard-packed brown sands (vehicles can drive along the beach, which serves as a sort of roadway, too. These eateries offer free lounge chairs and Wi-Fi and some have sports like volleyball courts available. All you have to do is buy a drink to take advantage of the amenities. The water is much more clear and enticing at Kastro Beach, though.

We went for a run, with this beach as the destination. We were the only ones there and got to enjoy the scenic spot alone in the morning.

Kastro Beach and Cafe in Katakolon, Greece

Katakolon Beach is right next to the cruise ship piers.

Katakolon Beach bars in Katakolon, Greece

Parga -- This one wowed us. We arrived on perfect day, with blue skies and temps in the low 80s. An inviting trio of bays in the Ionian Sea welcomes cruisers who tender ashore from Seabourn Encore.

This is an idyllic seaside town with dozens of shops and restaurants lining the shore just behind the rocky beaches that lead to crystal-clear waters. We plopped down on the beach to soak up a bit of sunshine and take a refreshing swim in the bay, which is home to jutting picturesque rock formations. The perfect conditions also allowed the captain on Encore to open the ship's sports marina for the first time in its six months of sailing (this is Seabourn's newest ship). We took a scenic kayak ride, while other passengers delighted in banana boat (pulled by Zodiacs) and peddle boat rides.

Brindisi -- This port in Puglia region of southern Italy sits on the Adriatic Sea coastline. We went on a "Shopping with the Chef" excursion with Seabourn and had fun watching Chef Kurt Timmermans pile up a cart with fresh produce as we made our way around the small market square and nearby fish market.

From Brindisi, you can head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Alberobello, a village filled with fairytale-like Trulli houses. These residences use prehistoric building techniques characterized by conical roofs. About 10,700 people live in the city in these whitewashed homes along narrow alleyways. Or travel by train to Lecce (known as Florence of the south) to see historic churches and a second-century Roman amphitheater.

Near the port, visitors can head to the city center to visit the Cathedral at Piazzo Duomo and other sites and restaurants. You'll also find plenty of eateries near the harbor. Climb the Sailors Monument to capture the panoramic views over the region.

Seabourn Encore executive chef Kurt Timmermans works out a price for fresh produce from a vendor in Brindisi's market.

Primosten -- Croatia is filled with dozens of stunning seaside destinations. On our Seabourn Encore voyage, we landed at one to rival any we've seen so far. Primosten is now one of our favorites for a beach day. The town lies on an islet that long ago was connected by a draw bridge and protected by walls and towers. It is built into a hill and at the top is St. George church. We started our morning with a walk through the stone streets among the small homes to ascend to the church and the views from the highest point over Primosten.

The walled old town is filled with inviting restaurants serving cold beers, traditional Croatian plates and delicious pizza. It's also surrounded by waters. After the morning hike, we settled on one of the rocky and sun-splashed beaches (bring a lot of sun screen and water shoes if you can't handle walking on stones). Beers go for about $3 for a big mug, and pizzas are about $8 or $9. Beach massages go for about $40 for an hour-long sports treatment, and they also offer couples massages in the huts set up on the beach. There are ATMs all over and a currency-exchange office near the marina. The currency in the Croatian kuna, and many businesses only accept those (a few places take certain credit cards, too).

Thanks for reading!
JR

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A Cruise Stop in Corfu: Make the Most of Your Day

9/5/2016

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The best views of the surrounding blue waters are at the Old Fortress in Corfu.

By John Roberts

Cruisers know that time is limited in port, so it helps to know what's around. I recently landed on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu during my cruise on Oceania Riviera.

What can you do if you have just one day in port at Corfu?

Let's take a look. Your cruise ship docks at Kekyra (Kekira) port, and you can walk along the coast or take a bus to get to many spots.

Local bus service is offered just off the ship in a parking lot. You can find the stop outlining the routes. Check with the information booth at the cruise ship terminal for how to use the system or for recommendations on where to go if you aren't sure what is nearby.

You'll also find plenty of cab drivers hawking their taxi services as well as booths for rental cars.

Want a beach day? About 9 miles from port just up the coast is Ipsos Beach. This is the nicest beach close to port. It features calm waters in an enclosed bay setting. Loungers and umbrellas are available, as well as several tavernas and restaurants.

You can grab the Corfu City Bus (Blue Bus) to get there. Take the Dassia-Ipsos northbound bus. If you buy a daily ticket, you can ride all day to all destinations for 5 euros (single rides are about 1 euro).

Interested in a hike, too? Across the road from the beach resort area, you can find footpaths and trails that lead into the hills that give you a good workout and scenic views. In fact, if you keep climbing out of the lower Ipsos area, you can reach the highest peak on Corfu, Mount Pantoktator. You might want to get an early start if you want to conquer that activity during your day in port.

If you want to explore historic Corfu Town, head south away from the port of Kekyra instead. You can reach it by walking (about 3 kilometers or 30 minutes), Blue Bus or a 6 euro taxi ride.

This is the main tourist area on Corfu and offers a lot to see and do. The cobbled alleys and streets are fun to explore, as you wind around past shops selling fresh produce or handicrafts. You also can find workshops making leather goods like exquisite sandals and belts.

You'll definitely want to make time to have a beer or coffee while just chilling in a public plaza enjoying the warm weather and bustling show of people moving through the streets. Don't forget to grab a gelato, too. Try a special flavor of Corfu, like kumquat!

We piled up the steps visiting the Old Fortress that sits as an imposing presence between the town square and the coast. Entrance is 6 euros, and the site includes a museum filled with artifacts and paintings. You also might hear the sounds of live music emanating from the Hellenic Music Research Lab of the Ionian University on the property.

The history of this Venetian fortress dates to the 6th century and has been the site of several invasions and sieges as well as Nazi occupation in the 1940s. Weaponry, such as cannons are on display on the grounds.

The hike to the top of the fortress can be challenging because of some slippery surfaces, but the multiple views you get from a variety of lookouts as you pause on the way up are stunning. The fort overlooks the promontory jutting between the Gulf of Kekyra and Garitsa Bay.

After descending from the top, we wandered down to the attached marina and boat club at the waterside. If you are up for a swim, you can enter the waters at a small grassy park area.

The first steps on the way to the top of the fortress.

Old Fortress clock tower in Corfu, Greece

The clock tower is an iconic landmark.

Cannon on display at Old Fortress in Corfu, Greece.

Cannons and other weapons are on display at the Old Fortress.

Marina at the Old Fortress in Corfu, Greece

At the beautiful waterfront of the marina you can access when visiting the fortress.

Strolling the streets of Corfu Town.

Other highlights in Corfu Town:

The Esplanade, which is a beautiful event grounds and park between the Old Fortress and the Royal Palace. The large green space was built by the French under Napoleon.

The New Fortress: Another Venetian fortification, dates from 1577.

The Church of St. Spyridon: The red dome of this 1589 structure's bell tower looms over the city.

The Royal Palace: This impressive neoclassical mansion built in 1816 houses the Museum of Asian Art, and its beautiful courtyard cafe offers views across the sea to neighboring Albania.

If you love to dive, Corfu is known for its amazing cave diving. Check at the port terminal for an outfitter that offers day trips to the well-known beach area of Paleokastritsa on the west side of the island. You'll explore wrecks, caverns, caves, walls and reefs.

Opa! Thanks for reading.

Travel fit, travel happy, travel often!
JR

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A Port Guide for Katakolon, Greece. How to See Ancient Olympia.

Five Small Mediterranean Cruise Ports You Have to Visit

A Cruise Stop in Corfu: Make the Most of Your Day

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