The region of Elis or also called Elide, is located in the north-west part of the Peloponnese. A land that will enchant you with its thousand-year history between golden coasts, rolling hills and a culture that has been handed down for centuries. Elis is the perfect destination for any traveler, whether you are looking for sites where the past tells of sumptuous days, where Mother Nature has given the best of herself or simply for a relaxing holiday, you are in the right place. This beautiful region will be able to give great emotions and will teach you a lot about this fantastic land.
Elis is an ideal destination for those who dream of an authentic experience for their holiday in Greece and not with mass tourism. In fact, this part of the Peloponnese is still little known and little explored and consequently quiet and still authentic. Wonderful beaches, fascinating archaeological sites, typical villages where time seems to stand still and a gastronomy that will delight your palates will be part of your trip.
Elis is a land steeped in history and myths. Its origins date back to ancient times. Already inhabited in the Bronze Age, it became important in the classical era for its connection with the Olympic Games that took place in the sacred city of Olympia. The first evidence of settlements dates back to the Mycenaean Era, but it never became a dominant power. At the end of the Bronze Age, the Games began to be organized, which became an event of great religious and cultural importance. Between the 5th and 4th centuries BC, it became an independent city state, which however lost some areas during the Peloponnesian War. In 146 BC, it fell to the Roman Empire, which admired the culture of the Greeks and loved the Olympic Games so much that they expanded the city of Olympia with new temples and infrastructures until, in the 4th century AD, Emperor Theodosius I banned the games because they were considered pagan cults, thus marking the end of the city as a cultural and religious center.
Subsequently, the fate of the region suffered everything and more, from violent earthquakes to incursions by various populations such as the Goths and the Slavs until reaching the Byzantines, losing importance and falling into a sort of isolation. Interest in Elis was reborn in the Renaissance period when the excavations of Olympia brought to light the famous sanctuary of the Temple of Zeus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Elide is also very rich in mythology. Let’s start with the legend of its foundation. It is said that it was created by Elis, son of Edimione, known for his love story with the beautiful Selene, the Goddess of the Moon. He had three sons, Epeo, Eurito and Elis, who competed among themselves to succeed their father, and it was Elis who won, thus becoming sovereign and giving his name to the region.
Another story is linked to Pelos, a brave character who arrived in Greece from Asia Minor. His desire was to marry Hippodamia, daughter of King Enoamo, who, fearing a prophecy announcing his death at the hands of his son-in-law, challenged all the suitors with a chariot race where the loser was killed. Enoamo, who had always been undefeated, Pelopos asked Poseidon and the charioteer of King Myrtilo for help and together, sabotaging the King’s chariot, led him to death as a loser. Thus Pelopos married his beloved becoming King of the region that took the name of Peloponnese. It is also said that it was Pelopos who established the mythical Olympic Games.
A second myth tells of Alpheus, river God of the homonymous watercourse of the region, who fell in love with the nymph Arethusa, companion of the Goddess Artemis. To escape from the insistent Alpheus, Arethusa asked the Goddess to transform her into a spring on the island of Ortigia in Sicily. Desperate Alpheus asked Zeus for help, who in turn transformed him into an underground river to join his beloved nymph forever.
And how can we not mention the myth of the Augean Stables, one of the twelve labors of the legendary Hercules? So Augean was the King of Elis and owned thousands of herds of cattle that he kept in stables that were never cleaned. As the fifth of the twelve labors, Hercules had to clean the stables in a single day. Cunning and enterprising, Hercules diverted the rivers Alpheus and Peneus through the stables, cleaning them out and making them as clean as new.
Elide also boasts wonderful beaches, with wide golden sand shorelines and crystal clear waters. Among the most popular are:
Elis is a region that offers a wide range of activities and experiences for every type of traveler. Here are some of the things not to miss:
Olympia is the heart of the ancient history of Elis. Walking through the ruins of this archaeological site will make you relive the atmosphere of the ancient Olympic Games. Do not forget to visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which houses important finds, including the famous statue of Hermes sculpted by Praxiteles.
Hot Springs have been known since ancient times for their healing properties. Here you can relax in the natural thermal pools, surrounded by lush and peaceful nature. It is the ideal place to regenerate after a day of exploration.
Mount Foloi is known for its oak forest, one of the oldest in Greece. It is an ideal area for trekking and nature lovers. The trails pass through enchanting landscapes, where you can admire the typical flora and fauna of the Peloponnese.
Elis is dotted with authentic villages that seem to have stopped in time. Among the most charming are Andritsena, a picturesque mountain village known for its stone houses and paved alleys. Here you can visit the famous Andritsena Library, one of the oldest in Greece. The village of Krestena immersed in nature, perfect for those seeking tranquility. Krestena is surrounded by hilly landscapes and offers beautiful views of the countryside.
In Olympia is one of the oldest examples of Doric architecture in Greece. Built around 600 BC, this temple was originally dedicated to Hera, the Goddess of marriage and family in Greek mythology. Later it was also shared with Zeus, the king of the gods. In the central cell there was a statue of Hera and later one of Zeus, which in classical times was flanked by the famous “disc of Iphitus” containing the truce treaty for the Olympic Games. The Temple of Hera was not only a place of worship, but also a symbol of the link between religion and sport. Here, every four years, the Olympic torch was brought for the Games, a tradition that has continued to this day.
Olympia is one of the most important and famous archaeological sites of ancient Greece. Dating back to the 8th century BC and known primarily as the site of the Olympic Games, Olympia was a religious and cultural center dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Gods, and hosted numerous temples, statues and buildings related to these games and the veneration of the gods. In this temporal gateway, there is the Temple of Zeus where one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World was located, the mythical statue of Zeus made by Phidias.
It offers countless opportunities to live unique experiences that will make your holidays in Greece even more special. Here are some ideas to note down:
To best explore the region, it is advisable to rent a car. Elis is a large region and many of its attractions are located in rural areas. Having a car will allow you to move independently and discover even the less accessible places. However, the main cities such as Pyrgos and Amaliada are well connected by bus.
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