Epidaurus

Surface

340 km²

Airport

Domestic

Port

Patrasso, Igoumenitsa

Faster connection

Direct flight

Connections

Direct flight

Healthcare

Hospital

Tourist presence

Nightlife under 30

Nightlife over 30

Beaches

Sand

Beach services

Free

Beaches for children

Yes

Equipped campsite

Yes

Naturism

Yes

Points of interest

Ancient theater, Apollo Maleatas sanctuary, Asklepios sanctuary, small theater, medieval castle

Activity

Holiday type

Family holiday

Epidaurus has been recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site and it is famous because of the myth of the God Acslepio. Located 30 km east from Nafplio, Epidaurus is famous since the ancient times thanks to cult of Asclepio, the god of Medicine.

The antique Roman and Greeks used to come here to find miraculous cures and medicines taking part in actual pilgrimages to the island’s sanctuary. The theatre of Epidaurus can be visited from 8 to 19 and it is one of the best preserved structures in the whole of Greece.

Famous for its acoustics that is said to be good enough to be able to hear a coin dropping in the center of the stage from the highest seats of the theatre. It was built in limestone and can accommodate up to 14.000 spectators. It is still used nowadays during the annual Hellenic Festival, when many actors come here to stage some of the most important comedies, dramas and songs in the whole of Greece’s history.

The ruins of the sanctuary of Asclepio are open during the same time table as the theatre and can be easily reached after talking a short walk in a pine forest. This temple dedicated to Asclepio also includes areas such as the Odeon, the stadium, the Katgogeion and the banquet room. Last but not least there is the Abaton, the sacred part of the Sanctuary where once upon a time many people used to be cured by monks.

There is also the sanctuary of the Egyptian gods and an Egyptian museum located between the Sanctuary of Asclepio and the theatre of Epidaurus where you will find the copies of the statues that used to be in the temple of Tholos.

How to get to Epidaurus

Epidaurus can only be reached by car or by taking a bus from Nafplio in 45 minutes (6 runs a day from Monday to Friday. 4 runs on Saturday and 1 on Sunday). During the Hellenic festival, between July and August, there is also a special bus service from Athens (that can be reached in 2 hours) and Nafplio (that can be reached in 45 minutes).