Description of Ilia

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Located in the northwestern part of the Peloponnese, the region of Ilia or Elis has a stunning coastline facing the Ionian Sea! The place of Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games is one of the most important and most visited places in Greece. Although, the fierce forest fires of 2007 threatened the archaeological site, they did not cause any damage. You will find hotels and rooms across the coast but also restaurants and cafes, as Ileia region with the port of Kyllini is the ferry gate to the Ionian Islands.

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History of Ilia

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The region of Ilia or Elis it has been a very important and independent state since antiquity as here is the place where the Ancient Olympic Games were held till 394 AD. After having been a part of the Roman Empire it fell under the Byzantine Rule. The state of Achaea that was established from the western European Crusaders, included also Ilia and lasted until 1460, when Elis was conquered by the Ottoman Turks. Some very important battles of the Greek War of Independence against the Turks took place here. In August 2007, enormous forest fires took place which led to tens of deaths and a massive environmental and economical disaster. The final toll for the prefecture was: 45 dead, 3.500 homeless by the fire, 25.000 dead animals, 85 sq. km. of burned forests and 23 sq. km. of burned farmland. The archaeological site of Olympia was seriously threatened, but not damaged.

Geography of Ilia

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Ilia is a region situated in the northwestern part of the Peloponnese and its neighbouring regions are Achaia to the northeast, Arcadia to the west and Messinia to the south. The region spans an area of 2.618 sq. km. and a total population of 198.763 inhabitants. The capital city of the region is Pyrgos. The highest mountain is Erymanthos. Ilia is the flattest region of the Peloponnese and has a long coastline facing the Ionian Sea.

Sightseeing in Ilia

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The region is blessed with an amazing coastline. Some of the most famous beaches are: Zacharo, Loutra Kaiafa, Kourouta, Amaliada, Loutra Kyllinis. But beyond the sandy beaches, the main and most visited site in the region is the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia. The Temple of Zeus is the place where around it the Ancient Olympic Games used to be held. Also worth a visit are the waterfalls of Neda and the Erymanthos canyon.

Useful Phone Numbers in Ilia

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Police of Pyrgos: +30 26210 81731
Tourist Police of Pyrgos: +30 26210 37111
Hospital of Amaliada: +30 26220 22222
Bus Services: +30 26210 22592
Railway of Pyrgos: +30 26210 22576