ROL Cruise recommends…
1. Walk in an Olympian’s footsteps
Just 45 minutes away from Katakolon by train is one of the most fascinating historical sites in the world – Olympia, where the famous games began 3,000 years ago. Walk amongst the ruins of the ancient stadium where the athletes did sporting battle, visit the Olympic museum, or simply stroll amongst the fragrant pine and olive groves.
2. Discover technological wonders
Katakolon is home to the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, with exhibits dating back as far as 2,000BC. Take a look inside to see Plato’s alarm clock, thought to be the first wake-up tool in history; as well as the world’s first portable calculator, the Antikythera Mechanism. Other enthralling features include an exhibit about the ancient telecommunication method of bale fires.
3. Hear sweet music
In the same building as the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, you will be entranced by the wonders of the Museum of Ancient Greek Musical Instruments. Amongst the exhibits on display are Pythagoras’ monochord, helicon and syntocinon. You’ll also see the harp of Sappho and the guitar of Orpheus.
4. Take a different view
To see Katakolon from a vantage point on high, make your way to the town’s imposing lighthouse. Built in 1865, this 9-metre high structure dominates the southwest of Katakolon port. Climb to the top of its tower, where you can see the lighthouse’s intricate mechanisms and enjoy stunning vistas across the town and out to the Ionian Sea.
5. Go wine tasting
Just outside Katakolon is the Mercouri Winery, an estate dating back to 1864, which today grows more than 15 varieties of grape, not just of Greek origin. Native wines produced here range from the red Mavrodaphne to the white Asyrtiko. Take a tour of the estate before sampling the wines under the shade of pine trees overlooking the sea.
