subject: Katakolon Cruise Port [print this page] As your cruise moves north eastwards through the Med towards the next port, after entering the Ionian Sea, you should be berthing at the Katakolon cruise port. Although the Port of Katakolon appears to be a sleepy quay side village, it is in fact a major jumping off point for trips to Olympia, the original home of the Olympic Games. When your Katakolon cruise ship enters the Ionian Sea it is easy to bring to mind the myths of ancient Greece. You may think about Jason and the Argonauts, as well as some other famous Greek fantasy figures but the one thing that you will really be able to visualise is the Kraken, standing astride, at the mouth of the bay. That is what it is like here; it takes you to another time and place.
Katakolon cruise ships generally stay overnight, and it is to your best benefit to rise early and sample some of the wonderful fresh seafood that is on offer, however, you will be lucky if you beat your landlord/lady to this, because they know that fresh is best. Your day is could be spent in all the restaurants that are available on the sea front but you have to bear in mind that your Katakolon cruise ship is on a deadline, and as such, will not wait for errant passengers.
Katakolon port was promoted throughout the Med cruising lines and this turned out to be a great boon because the shipping lines, in response to customer demand, have put Olympia, and by association 'The port of Katakolon on their map. If you feel that that you want some time ashore, but do not wish to travel inland, then, you will be glad to know that there are many restaurants within a five minute walk of the Katakolon cruise port.
If you choose to visit Olympia, then a favoured move by cruise ship passengers is to catch the 8:30 train from the Katakolon cruise port station, this journey take around an hour, and passes through some gorgeous Greek countryside. Most of the cruise ship passengers will spend some time at the various ancient sites and museums, before getting a taxi back to Katakolon port. The taxi fare is normally between 30 and 50 Euro, and is easily worth it for your introduction into the magical home of the ancient Greek Olympics.
