escape to pARKadia

ROUTES TO THE ARK Photographs
FROM PATRAS VIA OLYMPIA
4 hours 200 kilometres
Another way to approach The Ark in Ancient Phigaleia is from the town of Andritsaina which is en route from Olympia.

• From Patras take the E55 road south towards the small city of Pyrgos situated between the cruise port of Katakolo and Olympia.
• On the northern outskirts of Pyrgos, look out on your left for the Greek National Road 74.
• Follow this road east until you see a signpost for Ancient Olympia.
• When you leave Olympia, pursue the sacred Alpheios river towards the Ionian Sea by following signs to Krestena. These will lead you up the steep hill to the west of the main street of the town onto a road edged by canals that leads to an impressive dam over the river.
• Take the bridge over the dam and then turn left towards Krestena.
• For a few kilometres you will feel as if you are driving through the Florida everglades but you will emerge from the wetlands into the village of Makrisia.
• Turn right at the church in Makrisia towards Krestena and the Temple of Epikourios Apollonas (Temple of Apollo).
• At Krestena continue to follow the sign to the Epik. Apollona Temple (Temple of Apollo) and Andritsaina. It is a soothing drive on a newly improved road through a hilly landscape dotted with trees.
• The central square in Andritsaina is one big eating and drinking arena where you can enjoy a traditional meal. It is also the last place on your journey with shops and, depending on the time of day (everything closes from 14:00 until 18:00), your final opportunity to pick up last minute supplies.

From Andritsaina