Katakolon is a small port and beach town in western Greece, facing the Ionian Sea. It is the second busiest cruise port in all of Greece. And it’s most famous for Olympia, the ancient site where the Olympic Games were born in the 8th century BC –basically, the reason cruise ships stop here at all.If you have already visited Olympia, you could spend your day exploring the lush wine country north of Katakolon and sampling the local vintages.
The lighthouse, the beautiful mountain trails, the picturesque church of Agios Nikolaos are the most popular attractions of the village. Explore the beach area and the picturesque alleys before visiting one of the many tavernas and cafés to get to know the locals and sample the excellent Greek cuisine. The waterfront is dominated by old currant warehouses which have now been restored into cafés, tavernas and souvenir shops giving a distinctive color.
The village of Katakolon is arranged in three parallel roads that follow the shoreline. The front promenade is lined with warehouses that have been converted into tavernas, cafes and souvenir shops and offers a wonderful view of the port and marina. On the second road, the main road, you will find a couple of ATMs, the post office and plenty of jewelry and souvenir shops for tourists. The backstreet, although more residential, also offers a variety of shops along with a bakery.
Lovers of the sea should not miss the tranquility and coolness of the numerous blue beaches of Katakolon, where you can relax on the golden sand and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Katakolon Beach is within walking distance from the port. Alternatively, for those who prefer to take a dip further away from the waters of the port, visit the organized (with sunbeds and umbrellas) beach of Agios Andreas or the unspoiled beach of Skafidia. A Blue flag award winner, the popular beach of Kourouta is an ideal option for families. Kourouta Beach is well-organized and caters to all your needs.
