From Nafplion to Olympia there are 2 easy ways to travel. Both are almost the same time-wise (aproximately 3 and a half hours) but the first route will take you through the beautifull Arcadian mountains, whereas the second route will have you driving next to the Ionian sea and it's magnificent beaches of Kakovatos, Zacharo, Kato Samiko and more. Look for more information on these beaches in our Local Attractions Section (Top 10 Nature and Sports).

This is the first route and as described above it will take you through the mountains of the shire of Arcadia. From Nafplio head towards the E65 highway. Turn towards Tripoli and after about 30 minutes, right after the toll station, you will make a right turn off the highway. Folow the signs for Olympia (Archaia Olympia). After about 30 minutes, just after Vlacherna,  you will see signs for Olympia that direct you straight ahead. We do not recommend this road as there have been land slides and it is also VERY narrow.  Instead of going straight, make a right towards Levidi and stay on this road. This will take you all the way to Tripotama, after that, Labia and after about 15 minutes look for a Left turn towards Lalas/Olympia. You will be passing through the Foloi oak tree forest that is unique in the whole of the Balkan area. When you get to Lalas just follow the road for Olympia about 20 minutes downhill.

This is the easiest route as it uses bigger roads with less turns but it will take you about 25 minutes longer to get to Olympia. From Nafplio head towards the E65 highway. Turn towards Tripoli. Stay on teh highway and although it seems that the highway is ending just after Tripoli you will find more highway after some kilometers.Your direction after Tripoli is Megalopoli and after that you should be looking for Kalo Nero. To get to Kalo Nero at Allagi make a right turn. After you get to Kalo Nero make another Right turn and you will now be on the E55 and your direction will be towards Zacharo. Throughout this route the Ionian sea will be on your Left. If you feel like a swimm you can choose from the many organised beaches along the route. Some nice beaches are Yannitsohori, Taxiarhes, Kakovatos, Zacharo, Kaiafas, and Kato Samiko. After the village of Kato Samiko you should be looking for a right turn towards Krestena. After Krestena the villages you will find are Makrisia, Floka and finally Olympia.