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Opening hours at Ancient Olympia in 2026

Today

Open 08:00–20:00

Last Admission

19:45

Ancient Olympia

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Ancient Olympia operates with seasonal hours, offering extended access in summer and shorter hours in winter. The museum and archaeological site share the same ticket and opening schedule. Always check for special closures or events before your visit.

Apr 1 TO Oct 31 Timings

Days (Apr 1 TO Oct 31)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday08:00–20:0019:45
Tuesday08:00–20:0019:45
Wednesday08:00–20:0019:45
Thursday08:00–20:0019:45
Friday08:00–20:0019:45
Saturday (Today)08:00–20:0019:45
Sunday08:00–20:0019:45

Nov 1 TO Dec 31 Timings

Days (Nov 1 TO Dec 31)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday08:30–15:3015:15
Tuesday08:30–15:3015:15
Wednesday08:30–15:3015:15
Thursday08:30–15:3015:15
Friday08:30–15:3015:15
Saturday08:30–15:3015:15
Sunday08:30–15:3015:15

Jan 1 TO Mar 31 Timings

Days (Jan 1 TO Mar 31)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday08:30–15:3015:15
Tuesday08:30–15:3015:15
Wednesday08:30–15:3015:15
Thursday08:30–15:3015:15
Friday08:30–15:3015:15
Saturday08:30–15:3015:15
Sunday08:30–15:3015:15
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Regular Hours: Open daily. April to October: 8:00am – 8:00pm. November to March: 8:00am – 5:00pm.

Last Entry: Admission closes 30 minutes before official closing time.

Special Hours/Closures: Closed on January 1, March 25, May 1, Easter Sunday, December 25 & 26. Hours may be adjusted for special events, such as the Olympic flame lighting ceremony in June. Always check ahead during public holidays or for seasonal changes.

Best time to visit the Ancient Olympia

Weekday vs Weekend

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For a more peaceful experience, plan your visit on weekdays, especially Tuesday to Thursday, when crowd levels are lowest. Weekends and Greek public holidays tend to be busier, with larger tour groups and cruise excursions arriving from nearby Katakolon port.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant
Crowded
Very Crowded
Closed

Peak season vs low season

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Peak season runs from April through October, with July and August being the hottest and most crowded months. Early spring (April–May) and autumn (September–early October) offer pleasant weather and fewer visitors—ideal for exploring the ruins and museum at a relaxed pace. Winter (November–March) sees fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, but opening hours are shorter and some facilities may be limited. If possible, visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and enjoy the site at its most atmospheric.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season
Moderate Season
Peak Season

How long should I spend at Ancient Olympia?

Ancient Olympia is spread across open-air ruins and a substantial museum, so the time you need depends on how thoroughly you want to explore it. Use the breakdown below to decide whether you’re planning a focused walk through the ruins or a fuller deep dive into the site’s athletic and religious history.

Archaeological site only

1.5–2 hours (enough for the Temple of Zeus, Temple of Hera, the stadium, the palaestra, and photo stops).

Site + Archaeological Museum

3–4 hours (the best-balanced visit, combining the ruins with the original sculptures, pediments, and athletic finds).

​Check Epidaurus Archeological Site & Museum Tickets

Site + Archaeological Museum + Olympic Museum in town

4–5 hours (additionally cover the modern Olympic story and works best if you’re self-driving or staying nearby).

Frequently asked questions about Ancient Olympia opening hours

Arrive at least 4 hours before closing for the full Ancient Olympia experience. The open-air site takes longer than it looks, and the museum is most rewarding when you still have time to connect its sculptures to the ruins. Check out this guide to plan your visit to the Ancient Olympia.

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