The underrated Greek seaside town with £2.60 beers that's a quieter alternative to Santorini
- Tom and Dom Travel
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
British travellers looking for an alternative to Santorini can turn their attention to Katakolon, a laid-back seaside town on Greece's western Peloponnese coast that offers traditional tavernas, a picturesque harbour and access to one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world, Olympia.
While Santorini is renowned for its whitewashed villages and cliffside views, Katakolon offers a slower pace of life and a more authentic glimpse of Greece. The colourful harbour town is lined with waterfront cafés, local restaurants and boutique shops, making it easy to explore on foot straight from the cruise port.
Travellers can typically expect to pay around €3 (£2.60) for a local beer in a taverna and €4.50 (£4) for a half litre of house wine[1], with prices in mainland regions such as the Peloponnese generally lower than those found in tourist hotspots like Santorini and Mykonos.
Katakolon serves as the gateway to Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. Visitors can explore the archaeological site where athletes competed nearly 3,000 years ago, discover the ruins of temples dedicated to Hera and Zeus and visit the museum housing some of Ancient Greece's most important artefacts. The Olympic flame is still lit in Olympia ahead of each modern Olympic Games.
Katakolon is included on Marella Voyager's Greek Mystique itinerary, which also visits Piraeus, Corfu and Crete giving holidaymakers the opportunity to compare one of Greece's most famous destinations with one of its lesser-known gems.
Ped Vojvodic, Destinations Services Manager at Marella Cruises with 12 years of experience working in the industry, said: "While Santorini remains one of Greece's most iconic destinations, Katakolon offers something completely different for customers looking to get off the beaten track."
"It's a charming coastal town with a relaxed atmosphere, but its real appeal is the access it provides to Olympia, one of the most important historical sites in the world. For travellers interested in history, culture and authentic Greek experiences, Katakolon is a fantastic alternative."
For those keen to visit the Greek island of Katakolon, Marella Cruises offers a seven night Greek Mystique round cruise from Dubrovnik, Croatia on Marella Explorer 2 from £1316 per person. Price based on two adults sharing an Inside Cabin on an all-inclusive basis. Calling at Dubrovnik, Croatia; day at sea; Souda (for Chania), Crete; Piraeus (for Athens), Greece; Katakolon (for Olympia), Greece; Corfu Town, Corfu; Kotor, Montenegro and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Includes TUI Airways flights from London Gatwick to Dubrovnik on the 15th October 2026, luggage per person, transfers, tips and service charges.
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