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ILIA INFO
The prefecture of Ilia is spread over the western coast of the Peloponnese on the Ionian Sea.
The county of Ilia has a
 wonderful variety of towns and villages spread throughout the area.
From the capital city of Pyrgos to the ancient site of Olympia,
the variety is perfect sandy beaches, unique hydrobiotopes, rich and bushy forests, natural springs
and traditional settlements coexist harmoniously with magnificent archaeological sites, historical monuments
and Byzantine monasteries. Scattered along the coast are some very picturesque towns and coastal resorts
that are perfect for relaxing and peaceful holidays during the
summer. Ilia is a county that has a stunning landscape, where the crystal waters of the Ionian sea lap
against the soft sandy beaches. Further inland, there are some very beautiful towns
and villages that are worth visiting, where you can get the chance to mingle with the locals, and sample traditional
local cuisine. Ilia has 120 klm of enchanting sandy coast, the beautiful Kaifa and Pineios lakes, the Kotihi lagoon, the Strofilia forest, the unique in beauty pine forest of Foloeis, and many well preserved traditional settlements with hospitable hostels, such as the one of Andritsaina and of Divri There are also many spas in Ilia, such as the popular hot springs of Killini.
Ilia is a very picturesque and beautiful region, with nature and fields as far as the eye can see.
Vines, olive, citrus groves, watermelons, and vegetation can be found on very corner. With
its long and wide sandy beaches Ilia is a wonderful choice for your holiday destination in the Peloponnese.
Pyrgos
The capital "Pirgos" is built on a hill and is the Greek word for tower, after a watchtower that the tetrarch Tsernotas built in 1520. Of the old quarter the town's market and theatre have been preserved which are attractive examples of neo-classical architecture by Tsiller. The town has been known by this name from as early
as the late 1600s.
In the area is the Kremasti Monastery, which is worth visiting and about 13 km out of town one can stop off at the pretty coastal village of Katakolo. East of Pirgos (20 km) is Ancient Olympia where the Olympic games took place (officially since 776 BC) with the participation of athletes from all the city-states. The birthplace of the Olympic Games, Olympia is located to the south of Ilia. It was here that the first Olympic
Games took place, and have since gone on to become the largest and most spectacular sporting event in the whole world.
Places to visit
Ancient Olympia
The archaeological site of Olympia is one that every visitor to
Greece must visit. The area has been designated as a World Heritage Site by
Unesco.
In the archaeological site are many of the buildings associated with the games,
such as the stadium with a capacity of 45000 spectators, the
 temple of Zeus,
one of the 7 wanders of the ancient world, the Prytaneion, where the winners of the Games were honored,
the Philippeion, the Heraion and other buildings and temples. The archaeological museum of Olympia
houses some of the most valuable treasures of ancient Greek art,among them the status of Hermes of Praxitelus
with the baby Dionysus in its hand. Every four years since 1896,
the Olympic flame has been lit outside the temple of Hera and transported to the city that will
host the games.
Vasses
The well preserved tample of Epicurean Apollo ,built in 420 BC by the architect of the Parthenon, Iktinos,
Other Places of iterest
Following the road northeast of Olympia one can visit the picturesque village of Labeia (Divri).
Northeast of Pirgos after Krestena, is the traditional village of Andritsaina with its stone houses,
cobbled footpaths and spacious square beneath the shade of huge plane trees. From here one can go to Vasses to
the temple of the Epicurean Apollo. Built in 420 BC by the architect of the Parthenon, Iktinos, it is still in
excellent condition. North of Pirgos is the second largest town in the prefecture,
Amaliada, named after Queen Amalia who stated on a visit to the area that she was enamoured with the town.
Beaches
Zacharo
A fine beach of golden sand and clean waters. There are restaurants, bars and hotels so one combines a drive with refreshments.
Near to Zacharo is the lake and thermal springs of Kaiafa which have been known since ancient times for their healing properties.
Between the lake and the sea is a
 strip of pine forest
extending up to the sea. The golden sandy long and wide beach is one of the most beautiful in Greece.
Kourouta
A long, more than 10 km and wide golden sandy beach with resturands, bars and night life.at
the area of Kourouta. At the midle of this long beach next to the sea there is an unspolled yet pine forest.
This unspoilled part of the beach is the birht place of Careta Careta.
In the evening have your ouzo with local mezes at the municipal camping restorunt next to the sea
and enjoy one of the best sunsets in Greece.
Aghios Andreas
Very near to Katakolo is the attractive bay of Aghios Andreas whose beach is usually lively and full
of young people attracted by the numerous water-sports on offer. Have an evening drink at the nearby
resturants and admire the phantastic scinere with an unforgetable sunset.
Other Beaches
Fne beachs of golden sand and clean waters
can be found at Kylini, Arkoudi, Kastro,
Marathia, Palouki,Kalo Nero and others.
Towns-Villages
Amaliada Town
Amaliada is the second town in Ilia perfecture It is a commercial center with a lot of
supermakets which facilitate the tourists of the nearby 5 campings.
Andravida
is an inland village with some taverns at the central squere offerig delicious kalamaki souvlaki.
Next to the village is an airport recently used by charter companies for they flights to the area.
Katakolo
is one of the prefecture's two main ports. It is a peaceful place with intense Greek colour and character. It has all tourist facilities one might need,
such as hotels, restaurants and bars. Being near to Olympia it's the main port for cruises visiting the the anchient Olympia
Kylline
is the second port of Ilia and the departure
point for Ionian islands of Zakynthos and
Kefalonia. Next to it is the Loutra of
Kyllene with thermal springs and good
tourist facilities.
 Lala
Lala is the plateau of Folois, on the foothills of Mt Erymanthos.
This huge oak forest is the mythical home of the kindly centaur Folos who
gave shelter to Hercules.
To the south of the prefecture, near Ancient Figaleia, flows the torrent of the river Nedas
which forms small cataracts. The locals call
the river "white-water" and the cataracts
can be reached by a path, which offers
wonderful vistas of the surrounding
countryside.
Skafidia
a traditional Greek village with natural shade in the yards from the overhanging
vines, mulberry trees and small taverns with genuine Greek dishes and local delicacies.
Andristena
Northeast of Pirgos after Krestena, is the traditional village of Andritsaina with its
stone houses, cobbled footpaths and spacious square beneath the shade of huge plane trees.
Other Villages
Other villages are Varholomio, Lechaina, Gastouni, Manolada with its tasty
watermelons and the picturesque mountain village of Divri.
Campings
Campings are everywhere in the
extended sandy beaches of Ilia prefecture. Campings
can be founded in the organized beaches of
Ioniko, Thines, Glyfa, Loutra Kylline,
Kalamia, Kourouta, Palouki and others.
Events
In various ancient theatres of Ilia
perfecture every summer and in particular
the weekends of July and Augest take place
theatrical performances of the anchient
Greek drama.
How to get there
- By Bus:
Daily public bus service from Athens
approximately every two hours. Also
there is a regular bus service from
Patras to Pyrgos and the other towns and
villages of Ilia prefecture.
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