Peloponnese: Corinth to Olympia
The Corinth Canal, Venetian Nafplio, the rock town of Monemvasia, the tower houses of Mani and Ancient Olympia.
- Distance
- 495 km (308 mi)
- Driving
- 6 h 50 min
- Suggested days
- 5
- Stops
- 6
- Countries
- Greece
- Updated
- May 5, 2026
At a glance: 5-day road trip of about 495 km (308 mi) with 6 stops, from Athens to Ancient Olympia. About 6 h 50 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Greece · More road trips from Athens
Route description
Leave Athens west on the motorway to the Corinth Canal, where you can stand on the bridge and look down 80 m into the narrow cut. Then head south-west to Nafplio, a Venetian port with the Palamidi fortress above the town and the Bourtzi castle in the harbour.
Nafplio is a good base for Mycenae and the theatre at Epidaurus. From there the route runs south through the mountains to Monemvasia, a car-free walled town on a rock joined to the mainland by a causeway; park outside the gate and walk in.
Head west into the Mani peninsula to Areopoli, a village of stone tower houses, with the Diros caves nearby. The landscape becomes dry, rocky and remote, and the roads are winding.
Continue north via Kalamata to Ancient Olympia, with the sanctuary of Zeus and the stadium of the first Olympic Games among pine trees. Greek motorways are tolled, and in summer it is best to visit the archaeological sites early in the morning before the heat.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Athens
Greece - 280 km
Corinth Canal
ViewsIsthmia, GreeceA narrow cut through solid rock between two seas. Stand on the bridge and look 80 m down.
- 356 km
Nafplio
Greece - 4126 km
Monemvasia
Greece - 575 km
Areopoli
Greece - 6159 km
Ancient Olympia
HistoryOlympia, GreeceThe sanctuary of Zeus and the stadium of the first Olympic Games, under pine trees.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
5 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Athens → Corinth Canal · 80 km · 1 h 07 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Alkioni (13 km); Camperstop Olivetree (13 km).
- Day 2: Corinth Canal → Nafplio · 56 km · 0 h 46 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Scala (16 km); Iria Beach Camping (18 km).
- Day 3: Nafplio → Monemvasia · 126 km · 1 h 44 min
- Day 4: Monemvasia → Areopoli · 75 km · 1 h 02 minOvernight nearby, for example: Gythion Bay (16 km); Meltemi (17 km).
- Day 5: Areopoli → Ancient Olympia · 159 km · 2 h 11 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Diana (1 km); Camping Alphios (1 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and December. Hot in July–August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Greece: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Peloponnese: Corinth to Olympia?
5-day road trip of about 495 km (308 mi) with 6 stops, from Athens to Ancient Olympia. About 6 h 50 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Peloponnese: Corinth to Olympia?
We suggest 5 days: about 6 h 50 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Peloponnese: Corinth to Olympia start and end?
It starts in Athens and ends in Ancient Olympia.
Which countries does Peloponnese: Corinth to Olympia pass through?
Greece.
Where can you camp along Peloponnese: Corinth to Olympia?
OpenStreetMap lists 38 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Alkioni, Camping Scala and Iria Beach Camping.
When is the best time for Peloponnese: Corinth to Olympia?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
