Elis (city)
Religious Site Ancient Greek city near Olympia and regional capital
Near the Peloponnese coast, the town of Elis provides a regional base for visitors heading to Ancient Olympia and surrounding ruins, with local markets, olive groves and short drives to archaeological sites.
Elis is an ancient city in the northwestern Peloponnese of Greece that in antiquity served as the administrative centre for the region of Elis and for the organisation of the Olympic Games at nearby Olympia. The site contains remains spanning the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Surviving remains at the archaeological site include civic and domestic structures, with material evidence of occupation and rebuilding over many centuries. Excavations have produced pottery, architectural fragments and inscriptions that are displayed locally.
In historical sources Elis was the city-state responsible for supervising the Olympic Games in antiquity and it played a regional political role in the Classical Greek world.
The site lies in the northwest Peloponnese, inland from the west coast of the peninsula and approximately 17 kilometres from the sanctuary of ancient Olympia.
- Archaeological Museum: An archaeological museum in the modern town displays finds recovered from excavations at the ancient site, including pottery and architectural fragments.
How to Get to Elis (city) #
Elis is best reached by road from Pyrgos (about 30-40 minutes) or Olympia (25-30 minutes). There are regional bus services and car rental options; the site is rural and signage can be sparse so a local map or GPS is recommended.
Tips for Visiting Elis (city) #
- Combine a visit to the archaeological area with a stop at the nearby Elis Archaeological Museum in Amaliada for artifacts from the region.
- Wear good walking shoes-site surfaces are uneven and some ruins are exposed to the elements.
Best Time to Visit Elis (city) #
Best visited in spring or autumn for comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
Weather & Climate near Elis (city) #
Elis (city)'s climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (766 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 6 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (143 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
