Dionyssis’s guidebook to Amaliada and the surrounding region
City/town information
Amaliada is a small (pop. of about 20000), quiet market town, located in the region of Ilia/Elia, on the western coast of the Peloponnese, about three and a half hours by car from Athens.
In addition to Ancient Olympia (the birthplace of the Olympic Games), the region is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches, its agricultural produce (incl. fruits, vegetables, olives, olive oil) as well as the wine it produces.
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Amaliada
Amaliada is a small (pop. of about 20000), quiet market town, located in the region of Ilia/Elia, on the western coast of the Peloponnese, about three and a half hours by car from Athens.
In addition to Ancient Olympia (the birthplace of the Olympic Games), the region is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches, its agricultural produce (incl. fruits, vegetables, olives, olive oil) as well as the wine it produces.
Sightseeing
Ancient Olympia (the site of the ancient Olympic games, where the original Olympic stadium still stands in excellent condition) is a 45-minute drive away.
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Stadion i Olympia
Ancient Olympia (the site of the ancient Olympic games, where the original Olympic stadium still stands in excellent condition) is a 45-minute drive away.
Ancient Elis is the ancient Greek city state that organised the Olympic Games in Antiquity and its capital Elis (where the ancient theatre and a modern museum can be found) is very close to Amaliada. The site, ancient theatre and modern museum are a 20-minute drive from your abode.
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Archaeological site of Ancient Elis
Ancient Elis is the ancient Greek city state that organised the Olympic Games in Antiquity and its capital Elis (where the ancient theatre and a modern museum can be found) is very close to Amaliada. The site, ancient theatre and modern museum are a 20-minute drive from your abode.
The famous ancient Temple of Epicurius Apollo (“Apollo the Helper”) is less than 100km to the south of your abode.
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Temple of Apollo Epikourios
The famous ancient Temple of Epicurius Apollo (“Apollo the Helper”) is less than 100km to the south of your abode.
Chlemoutsi (or Clermont), is a medieval castle (ca. 1220s) in the nearby port town of Kastro-Kyllini.
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Chlemoutsi
Chlemoutsi (or Clermont), is a medieval castle (ca. 1220s) in the nearby port town of Kastro-Kyllini.
Pyrgos is the capital town of Ilia/Elia. Its archaeological museum is worth visiting.
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Pyrgos
Pyrgos is the capital town of Ilia/Elia. Its archaeological museum is worth visiting.
Kourouta is the wonderful local beach and comes with several cafés, bars and restaurants that tend to get very busy in the evening.
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Kourouta
Kourouta is the wonderful local beach and comes with several cafés, bars and restaurants that tend to get very busy in the evening.
Marathia is also nearby, equally great and less busy than Kourouta
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Παραλία Μαραθίας
Marathia is also nearby, equally great and less busy than Kourouta
• The Kaiafas Thermal Springs are worth visiting if only just for the wonderful lake and nearby sandy beach. They are less than 45 minutes away by car
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Kaiafas Lake
• The Kaiafas Thermal Springs are worth visiting if only just for the wonderful lake and nearby sandy beach. They are less than 45 minutes away by car
Paralia Spiantza
Brilliant sandy beach to the south of Amaliada
Paralia Chrysi Akti
Paralia Chrysi AktiAnother brilliant sandy beach to the north of Amaliada
Food scene
The Mercouri Estate (Κτήμα Μερκούρη) is one of two outstanding located wineries that are worth visiting. If you do visit it, try taking a dip in the beautiful bay right beside it.
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Mercouri Estate
The Mercouri Estate (Κτήμα Μερκούρη) is one of two outstanding located wineries that are worth visiting. If you do visit it, try taking a dip in the beautiful bay right beside it.
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Theatres
There are two ancient theatres in the region that host major productions during the summer. One is the Ancient Elis Theatre (site of the eponymous festival). The other is Floka, right by Ancient Olympia, that hosts the Ancient Olympia Festival every summer. Throughout the summer both host shows where on-screen English translation is available.
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Farmers' market, local supermarkets in Amaliada
The local farmers’ market is open every Saturday morning and is well worth a visit if you want to buy locally produced (and often cheap) vegetables, fruits, herbs etc.
If you like cooking, you will find fresh fish in several fishmongers in Ermou Street (Amaliada’s main commercial street) and locally produced meat in the numerous local butchers.
• Sklavenitis is large supermarket on the route to/from Kourouta beach and has ample parking space. They also sell local produce, including Kalomiris feta, which is worth trying.
• AB Vassilopoulos and My Market are good alternatives in Amaliada.
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Bakeries in Amaliada
Bakeries
• There are plenty of decent bakeries across the town. Two within walking distance from your abode are a) Cookies and b) Athanassoulis.
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Takeaways and souvlaki deliveries
Takeaways and food deliveries
Most of the local shops that sell souvlaki also deliver at home. Two we have tried are a) Gnissio and b) Gyropōleion.
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Brintzikis Estate (local winery)
The Brintzikis Estate is the other outstanding local winery that is worth visiting.
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Local fish restaurants
• The local fish restaurants right on Palouki beach are worth checking out.
• The fish restaurants at the port of Katakolon are always a very good bet. We have tried To Kyma and have repeatedly enjoyed the food and service there.
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Other local restaurants
• The best local restaurant is located right on Kourouta beach within the Dexamenes Seaside Hotel complex. It is upmarket and priced accordingly. They use locally sourced produce (incl. wine). They also have a very nice bar with a splendid view over the beach (worth going there just to enjoy the sunset). A booking is necessary during high season.
• O Gatos (Ο Γάτος, i.e. The Cat) is an excellent option in the nearby Geraki village if you want to sample (in large portions) cheaply priced, locally produced chargrilled meat.