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Katakolo, Greece

Katakolo (Greek: Κατάκολο) is a seaside town in the municipality of

Pyrgos

in western Elis, Greece. It is situated on a headland overlooking the Ionian Sea and separating the Gulf of Kyparissia from the rest of the Ionian. It is 11 km west of downtown Pyrgos. The small village of

Agios Andreas

, which in ancient times was the natural harbor for Ancient Olympia, lies northwest of Katakolo. A railway connects Katakolo with Pyrgos and

Olympia

, but along with the rest of the rail network in the Peloponnese, services have been suspended since 2011 for economic reasons.

In... Read more

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Katakolo, Greece

Destination:
Mediterranean
Katakolo (Greek: Κατάκολο) is a seaside town in the municipality of

Pyrgos

in western Elis, Greece. It is situated on a headland overlooking the Ionian Sea and separating the Gulf of Kyparissia from the rest of the Ionian. It is 11 km west of downtown Pyrgos. The small village of

Agios Andreas

, which in ancient times was the natural harbor for Ancient Olympia, lies northwest of Katakolo. A railway connects Katakolo with Pyrgos and

Olympia

, but along with the rest of the rail network in the Peloponnese, services have been suspended since 2011 for economic reasons.

In the Middle Ages, Katakolo was the site of the fortress of Pontikon or Pontikokastro (Ποντικόν, Ποντικόκαστρο), which the Frankish rulers of the Principality of Achaea called Beauvoir or Belveder. The fortress was built by the Byzantines and taken over by the Franks ca. 1205.
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Katakolo, Greece: Port Information


Cruise ships plying the Adriatic Sea call on the very small port of Katakolon and dock at its jetty, from where it is a five-minute walk to Katakolon. Each cruising season, hundreds of cruise ships call on Katakolon, bringing hundreds of thousands of passengers to the beautiful region of the Peloponnese, eager to visit Olympia, about 18 miles east of Katakolon. There are several options to get from Katakolon to Olympia, including by prepaid ship excursions, by tours, by taxi, or by rental cars (Avis has its office opposite the port). Many transportation options can be negotiated at the various vendors located next to the Katakolon pier.
 
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Get around Katakolo, Greece


Katakolon Express is a private bus service between Katakolo and Olympia designed for cruisers. Must reserve online at least a week before your arrival. 

Taxi. Scores of taxis appear whenever a cruise ship docks. Rates are negotiable.
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What to see in Katakolo, Greece


The port of Katakolo is a popular stop for cruise ships, offering an opportunity for passengers to visit the site of Olympia. Low hills with forests surround Katakolo. Visitors here have the opportunity to visit the ancient port of Olympia, the sunken ancient city of Pheia. Ancient Pheia was on the other side of the mountain of Ichthys, now Agios Andreas, within walking distance of Katakolo port. The lighthouse of Katakolo was built in 1865. One of the most important sites of Katakolo is the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology.

In 2017 a Greek and Worldwide Mythology Park (exhibition) was established, situated in Katakolo square, where you can see mythical monsters like Cerberus, Minotaurus, Chimaera and Centaur, and it has the form of a labyrinth.

The remains of the medieval Pontikokastro/Beauvoir castle still stand on a hilltop northeast of the modern port, but the castle is mostly ruined and its original appearance can only be surmised.
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What to do in Katakolo, Greece


Take a stroll around the town - it's authentic and really charming. It is small, and you can easily explore it on foot with stops in cozy cafes and souvenir shops. 
Enjoy a sightseeing tour on a tourist train.
Take a trip on a Beer Bike.
Spend time on the beautiful beach.
Otherwise, you can visit Olympia. 
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What to eat and drink in Katakolo, Greece


Eat

  • "Psistaria" or "Souvla" (meaning broiled food in general and also the broiling apparatus)
  • Gourounopoula (Roasted Pig),
  • Arnaki Souvlas (Roasted Lamb)
  • Kontosouvli (turn-roasted pieces of pork usually)
  • Pasto (smoked pork)
  • Loukaniko (regional sausage with orange) from the South area
  • Kokoras Krasatos / Kokoras Horiatikos (rooster in wine sauce/country cooked rooster)
  • Gida vrasti (goat stew), from the northeast area.
Any of the local production of Olives (especially southwest), Grapes (especially northeast) and Oranges (especially northeast).

Other typical Greek foods, such as Horiatiki Salata (Mixed salad), Tyri Saganaki (fried cheese), Kokkinisto (tomato sauce stew), Tyropitakia(cheese pies), Souvlaki, Pastitsio (pasta in the oven), Gemista (stuffed vegetables) etc.

Drink

  • Ouzo, (liquor)
  • Tsipouro, grapes made liquor
  • Agiorgitiko, white dry wine
  • Mavrodafni, sweet dark red wine in the Patras area
  • Moschato, sweet red wine
  • Moschofilero, white dry wine
  • Xinomavro, red dry wine
  • Frappe (coffee)
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Shopping in Katakolo, Greece


You can buy ceramics, sculptures, olive oil, natural cosmetics products, things made from olive wood, paintings, and many other beautiful souvenirs and gifts in numerous lovely souvenir shops in Katakolo.
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Safety in Katakolo, Greece


In general, Greece is quite a safe place to visit, although the notorious dangers can be found here as well. Pickpockets may occur.
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Language spoken in Katakolo, Greece


Greek is spoken in this town, as are the usual foreign languages like English or German to cater to tourists.

LOCAL TIME

5:12 pm
January 28, 2021
Europe/Athens

CURRENT WEATHER

9.98 °C / 49.964 °F
light rain
Fri

13.49 °C/56 °F
light rain 		Sat

14.69 °C/58 °F
moderate rain 		Sun

16.02 °C/61 °F
light rain 		Mon

14.78 °C/59 °F
light rain

LOCAL CURRENCY

EUR

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