In the western Peloponnese, in the "Valley of Gods", lies the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece, and the birthplace of the most important athletic mega-event of all times; the Olympic Games. The ancient Olympic Games were held there every four years throughout Classical Antiquity, at the sanctuary of Zeus.

The sanctuary, known as the Altis, consists of an unordered arrangement of various buildings. Enclosed within the temenos (sacred enclosure) are the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Zeus, the Pelopion, and the area of the altar, where the sacrifices were made.

Olympia was also known for the gigantic ivory and gold statue of Zeus that used to stand there, sculpted by Pheidias, which was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by Antipater of Sidon. The site includes the classic ancient Olympic Stadium and the Museum. Olympia is an all-year-round destination and can be beautifully combined with an Athens stay and visits to Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio.