Here’s what you can do when visiting Epidaurus, Greece:

Visit the Ancient Theatre

When visiting Epidaurus, the Ancient Theatre is a must-see. It is located at the Ancient Site and is considered one of the most well-preserved theatres throughout Greece. The theatre was built during the late 4th century BC. The theatre could seat 15,000 and thanks to the amazing acoustics, the actors could be heard well by all. Excavations in 1881 would reveal the Ancient Theatre, which was hidden for centuries. There is also the Little Theatre, which is located in Nisi near the port of Palea Epidaurus. This theatre was discovered in the 1970s. It seat about 2,000 spectators. Today, the Little Theatre is host to the annual Greek Festival during the summer.

Relax on the Beach

In Epidaurus you will find Epidaurus Palia Beach. This beach is located near the Ancient Theatre, so it makes a great spot to relax after exploring the ruins. Pine trees surround the beach, adding to the ambiance. The environment around the beach remains mostly untouched by modern amenities, so you can sit there and know you’re experiencing the same view and surrounding area as it was centuries before. There are a couple of restaurants nearby when you’re ready for a bite to eat. Take time to enjoy the scenery, cool off in the water while swimming, and walk the area.

Explore the Villages

There are two villages you can explore when visiting Epidaurus. Ancient (Palia) Epidaurus is a seaside village located 15 km from the Ancient Site. Ancient Epidaurus was a main city of Argolida. Its position allowed it to be strategic. Visitors to the village notice how similar the area is to how Homer described Epidaurus. Time has not changed the area as much as you might expect. Nea Epidaurus Village is located 7 km north of Palia Epidaurus at the foot of Mount Akros. The village with its cottages and narrow alleys was built on the slope of Mount Akros, which provides residents with a gorgeous view. Also located in Palia Epidaurus you will find the Gorge of Vothila, which offers a unique landscape of its own.

If you love history, Epidaurus should be on your list of places to visit. In addition to the ruins, the landscape remains almost untouched, allowing you a view into the past. Aside from the historical sites, there are places to relax, eat, and explore.

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However, there is so much more to Epidaurus than the theater! There is actually plenty to do here, and much of the activity is centered around these two villages:

Ancient Epidaurus Village

Also known as “Palea Epidaurus,” this place seems to have resisted the influence of time, resembling the sort of area one might read of from Homer. In Homer’s day, Epidaurus was a religious community dedicated to Asklepios, though Artemis, Dimitra, Hera and Apollo, Asklepios’ father were also worshipped.

Palea Epidaurus was a major city of Argolida that remains prosperous due to its location. It was also the most vital port along the Peloponnese Gulf, with many residents focused on sailing. Today, visitors can tour the ruins of the sanctuaries to Asklepios and Apollo Maleatas. Palea Epidarus is also known for its theatre, built by Polyklitus the Younger of Argos.

Polyklitus also designed the temple of Asklepios. The theatre remains the most intact feature of the village, notable for both its construction and its acoustics. To the west of the peninsula rests the island of Nisi, home to a smaller theatre dedicated not to Asklepios but to Dionysus.

Nea Epidaurus

Nea Epidarus, or “New Epidarus,” is found along the base of Akros and 7 kilometers north of Palea Epidarus. It is the first settlement in the Epidarus Municiplaity and home to over 1,000 people whom mostly either fish or tend to citrus or olive crops. That said, the village is also known as a tourist spot due to its beautiful houses, a Frankish castle, the breathtaking Gorge of Vothila and a pair of monsteries: Agnuntos and Polemarcha.

Another notable feature of this area is that it marks where the first Greek National Assembly convened on December 1921, shortly after Greece regained freedom from the Ottomans. This is where Greece’s national colors and the Constitution of Epidarus were drafted.

Touching back on religious history, Agmuntos is the oldest monastery in the country and visitors can also head to the chapel of St. Ionnais, known for iconography dedicated to the Assumption. In total, Nea Epidaurus has 20 churches, mostly as a result of Byzantine influence.

Nea Epidaurus has many accommodations for visitors, whether they feel like a hotel or even camping out. Swimming and fishing are common leisure activities done in either of the local bays. You can also find countless groves of pines and orange trees, as well as lush beaches. Lastly, the village has a few summertime festivals, hence the spike in tourists during the summer months.

Overall, these two villages are rich in culture and history. Palea Epidaurus is a settlement that seems locked in time and has an amazingly well-preserved theater. Nea Epidaurus is where the people live amid orange trees, olive trees, a great deal of religious sites and some notable spots relevant to the country’s national history. Coming to Epidaurus is a trip you will never forget. You won’t want to miss the chance to visit either of them!

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Epidaurus, Greece’s hot season runs from June – September. July is the sunniest month and August is the driest month. The coldest month in Epidaurus is January and the wettest month is December. The climate of Epidaurus is similar to the rest of Greece and other Mediteranean countries as it is located in the East Mediteranean. Epidaurus is sourrounded by the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea. The lower areas tend to by dry and warm during summer. The mountainous areas of Epidaurus can become more cold during winter and experience more rain.

This weather forecast in Epidaurus, Greece, will vary from year to year. The averages that you see below represent historical weather data. Here is the typical weather forecast throughout the year for Epidaurus, Greece:

January

• Temperature: 45.14° F (7.3° C) – 56.12° F (13.4° C)
• Precipitation: 75 mm
• Climate: 15 days of rain on average, 129 hours of sunshine, water temperature 57.2° F (14° C), cool, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 79%

February

• Temperature: 45.86° F (7.7° C) – 57.2° F (14° C)
• Precipitation: 75 mm
• Climate: 13 days of rain on average, 136 hours of sunshine, water temperature 57.2° F (14° C), cool, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 76%

March

• Temperature: 50° F (10° C) – 62.6° F (17° C)
• Precipitation: 53 mm
• Climate: 13 days of rain on average, 183 hours of sunshine, water temperature 57.2° F (14° C), cool, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 71%

April

• Temperature: 53.6° F (12° C) – 69.8° F (21° C)
• Precipitation: 40 mm
• Climate: 11 days of rain on average, 230 hours of sunshine, water temperature 59° F (15° C), comfortable, dry air, 85% clear, overcast
• Humidity: 65%

May

• Temperature: 62.6° F (17° C) – 79.7° (26.5° C)
• Precipitation: 25 mm
• Climate: 9 days of rain on average, 291 hours of sunshine, water temperature 64.4° F (18° C), comfortable/warm, 90% clear, overcast
• Humidity: 59%

June

• Temperature: 69.8° F (21° C) – 87.8° F (31° C)
• Precipitation: 14 mm
• Climate: 4 days of rain on average, 336 hours of sunshine, water temperature 71.6° F (22° C), warm/hot, 2% muggy, 99% clear, beach/pool score 9.1
• Humidity: 56%

July

• Temperature: 76.1° F (24.5° C) – 93.2° F (34° C)
• Precipitation: 10 mm
• Climate: 2 days of rain on average, 364 hours of sunshine, water temperature 75.2° F (24° C), hot, 3% muggy, 99% clear, beach/pool score 9.1
• Humidity: 50%

August

• Temperature: 77° F (25° C) – 93.2° F (34° C)
• Precipitation: 5 mm
• Climate: 2 days of rain on average, 340 hours of sunshine, water temperature 75.2° F (24° C), hot, 9% muggy, 99% clear, beach/pool score 9.1
• Humidity: 49%

September

• Temperature: 69.8° F (21° C) – 85.1° (29.5° C)
• Precipitation: 38 mm
• Climate: 4 days of rain on average, 277 hours of sunshine, water temperature 73.4° F (23° C), hot/warm, 3% muggy, 95% clear, beach/pool score 8.5
• Humidity: 59%

October

• Temperature: 61.7° F (16.5° C) – 75.2° F (24° C)
• Precipitation: 50 mm
• Climate: 9 days of rain on average, 208 hours of sunshine, water temperature 69.8° F (21° C), warm/comfortable, clear/overcast, beach/pool score 5
• Humidity: 68%

November

• Temperature: 53.6° F (12° C) – 66.2° F (19° C)
• Precipitation: 67 mm
• Climate: 11 days of rain on average, 152 hours of sunshine, water temperature 66.2° F (19° C), comfortable/cool, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 75%

December

• Temperature: 47.84° F (8.8° C) – 59° F (15° C)
• Precipitation: 89 mm
• Climate: 14 days of rain on average, 127 hours of sunshine, water temperature 60.8° F (16° C), cool, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 77%

Epidaurus is a Mediteranean climate that offers varied weather thanks to its range of landscapes, including mountainous areas.

Find the current weather forecast for Corfu, Greece here:

Weather.com – Epidaurus, Greece Weather Forecast

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When visiting Epidaurus, Greece, you will have the pleasure of having a number of attractions and beaches to explore.

Castle of Nea Epidaurus

Located at the highest point of the village of Nea Epidaurus sits a castle that was built in the 13th century. While the only ruins remaining are some towers, there is also the church of Agios Ioannis on site. The castle was constructed to protect the area from invasions from pirates. Thanks to its location on the hill, the Castle of Nea Epidaurus offers a wonderful panoramic view of Epidaurus.

Gialasi Beach

Located in the southern area of the village of Palea Epidaurus, is the lovely pebbled beach of Gialasi, also known as Palia Epidaurus Beach. Gialasi Beach is one of the most popular in Epidaurus. The beach is organized, family friendly, and home to a number of taverns and beach bars. The beach offers water sports, umbrellas, and sun beds. The beach stretches for one kilometer and is surrounded by a lovely landscape including green pine trees. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, swimming in the gorgeous blue waters, or indulging in water sports, you’ll enjoy your time at Gialasi Beach in Epidaurus.

Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus

The Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus is one of the oldest arch museums in all Greece. Established in 1902, the museum is located in the archaeological site of Epidaurus. Exhibitions include the side section of the Propylaea of the Asclepius Temple, a statue of Asclepius, bronze medical equipment, and a headless female statue. Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods are showcased at the Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus.

Kalamaki Beach

This sandy beach with pebbles is located on the bay of Palea Epidaurus Village. The emerald water and secluded location make Kalamaki Beach the ideal place for anyone who wants to relax in a tranquil environment. There is a dive center a short distance from the beach, which is a great place to visit if you’re interested in water sports. It’s worth noting that the Kalamaki Beach Resort is ideal for families with children. If you’re looking for a family friendly place to stay in the area, it’s a good one to consider. There is a pool overlooking the sea and a beautiful lawn space for playing and running around.

Gorge of Vothylas

Located near the village of Nea Epidaurus is the beautiful Gorge of Vothylas. If you enjoy hiking, this is one place you must visit when in Epidaurus, Greece. Surrounded by lush greenery, you will be able to explore nature at your own pace. When you reach the top of the gorge, you will be treated to a more rocky landscape and panoramic views of the Argolis countryside.

Visiting Epidaurus, Greece is an experience filled with history, beauty, and adventure.

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The ancient theater at Epidaurus is one of those ancient theaters, and its acoustics still impress people today. It is said that if someone drops a pen in the center of the theater, those even in the seats that are furthest away can hear it with absolute clarity.You can still enjoy performances at the theater today during the summer months. Here’s more information about visiting the theater:

Know How Travel to Epidaurus

Once flying into the Athens airport, you will need to either rent a car and drive to Epidaurus yourself or take a bus. If you’re staying in the city, it’s possible to book a tour that will take you to the theater and back to Athens all in one day. The benefit of hiring a tour company is that they’ll be able to explain the history of the theater to you during your tour, and also show you all the important sites related to the theater. You can also take public transportation, hire a taxi, or simply drive yourself with a rental car. Epidaurus is a two-hour drive from the Athens International Airport. Keep in mind that you might want to at least stay overnight so that you can have enough time explore the area.

Visit the Archaeological Museum

Besides spending time enjoying the theater while here, you will also want to visit the Archaeological museum located on site. Contained within are artifacts that were uncovered during the archaeological digs associated with the site. As such, it is a great place to visit if you want to get an historical overview of the area. Before the theater was actually built, this was considered to be a religious site dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine. The museum talks about not only the theater itself, but of other sites, such as the temple and also the items that were found during the archaeological digs.

Attend a Performance

The Epidaurus Theater isn’t open year round. However, there are usually performances that you can attend that take place in the theater throughout the summer. As part of the annual Athens and Epidaurus Festival, the Epidaurus Theater is one of the main venues. You can see anything from musical performances to adaptations of ancient plays that may have been performed here at one time.

If you want to take in an important part of Ancient Greek history, you might want to consider visiting the Epidaurus Theater. What’s interesting about the theater is how acoustically sound it really is. Although it has needed repairs over the years, the original acoustics have stood the test of time. To get the full impact, you might want to consider taking in a performance.

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Hike Around Epidaurus

Epidaurus, Greece is home to many hiking paths. Likely the most interesting and historical path you can hike is the ancient path. The ancient path once served as the commercial road that connected the harbor of Palea Epidaurus with the Asclepius Sanctuary. This is one of the most beautiful hiking paths you can choose to hike. Another hiking route starts at Nea Epidaurus Village and leads you to the Castle of Nea Epidaurus. The views from this location are worth the hike. Dimena Village in Epidaurus is also a good place to hike around and explore.

Go Paragliding

Epidaurus, Greece is an ideal destination to go paragliding. If you love, or want to try, and outdoor adventure sport, this is a good choice. During summer, Epidaurus is dry and warm with mild sea breezes. Flying Paradise is a paragliding holidays center offers guided paragliding courses and tandem paragliding flights. You can stay at a seaside hotel that has a beach that is one of the landing spots.

Paragliding flights can last for hours and will take you over famous archaeological sites including the ancient Amphitheater and a healing center that was built during the 4th century BC. Imagine gliding over 100 different sites in just 50 km. With a paragliding tour, you can enjoy other activities such as: canoeing, mountain biking, and snorkeling. If you’re a lover of outdoor adventures, you will want to check out this center.

Go Mountain Biking and Off-Roading

Epidaurus, Greece is perfect for both mountain biking and road biking. There are routes that will take you from rural roads to specially designed cycling routes in Argolis. One exciting and beautiful route begins at the ancient theater of Epidaurus to Ligourio Village. You will bike 5 km through dirt paths and olive groves and then downhill for 1 km to the road. After biking for about 10 minutes, you will find yourself at the ancient path. This route offers panoramic views of Epidaurus. If you want to go off-roading, the dirt roads to the mountains of Argolis are ideal.

Enjoy Camping in Epidaurus

The area of Epidaurus is rich in campsites if you are interested in spending your visit enjoying as much of the natural beauty as you can. There is a lovely campsite on the Gulf of Egina where you will have access to fishing, swimming, cycling, and hiking. Water and electricity is available also. Another campsite is located 17 km from the Archaeological Site of Epidaurus on the beachfront.

Epidaurus is located in a gorgeous, natural setting. You’ll want to enjoy outdoor sports when visiting Epidaurus, Greece.

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Epidaurus presents a diverse range of coastal havens, from the tranquil ambiance of the secluded Pebble Beach to the vibrant atmosphere of Vagionia Beach with its water sports and beachside amenities. Prepare to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and serenity of Epidaurus’s enchanting beach destinations.

Vagionia Beach

Vagionia Beach, located in Palaia Epidavros, Greece, is a picturesque coastal gem that promises a memorable beach experience. With its pristine golden sand and azure waters, Vagionia Beach offers a serene atmosphere for visitors to unwind. Surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs, this beach provides a stunning backdrop for relaxation and sunbathing. The beach is well-maintained and equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas for added convenience. Its shallow and calm waters make it ideal for families with children. Visitors can also indulge in various water activities like snorkeling and kayaking. Vagionia Beach truly embodies the beauty and serenity of the Epidaurus region.

Kalamakia Beach

Kalamakia is a beloved coastal gem that offers visitors a serene and inviting environment. With its soft sand and crystal-clear waters, Kalamakia Beach provides a perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. The beach is praised for its natural beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and scenic surroundings. Visitors can unwind under the warm Mediterranean sun or take a refreshing dip in the calm sea. Kalamakia Beach also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers. This pristine beach is a must-visit destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty in Epidaurus.

Polemarcha Beach

Polemarcha Beach offers a serene coastal retreat that entices beachgoers with its natural beauty. With its pristine golden sands, clear azure waters, and picturesque surroundings, Polemarcha Beach provides a tranquil escape from the bustling world. Visitors can bask in the sun, take refreshing dips in the sea, or unwind amidst the peaceful ambiance. The beach offers a more secluded and intimate experience with limited amenities, perfect for those seeking a quiet getaway. Polemarcha Beach invites you to immerse yourself in its unspoiled charm and enjoy moments of serenity and relaxation.

Gialasi Beach

Gialasi Beach, Palia Epidaurus Beach, is a captivating coastal gem in Epidaurus, Greece. This enchanting beach offers a serene retreat with its soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters that entice visitors to take a refreshing dip. Surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque cliffs, Gialasi Beach exudes tranquility and natural beauty. Gialasi Beach offers beach lovers seeking relief in the center of Epidaurus a tranquil and wonderful experience.

Nisi Beach

Nisi Beach, located in Ancient Epidaurus in Argolida, Greece, offers visitors a tranquil and unspoiled coastal retreat. With its pristine turquoise waters and soft golden sand, Nisi Beach presents a serene escape from the bustling world. This hidden gem is surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking natural landscapes, providing a secluded and peaceful relaxing environment. Whether seeking a quiet spot to sunbathe or a peaceful swim in the crystal-clear waters, Nisi Beach is a perfect destination to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Every traveler’s needs are met by the diverse array of beaches that Epidaurus has to offer. Each coastal spot promises beautiful scenery and a revitalizing experience, from the energetic vibe of Vagionia Beach to the peaceful isolation of Nisi Beach. The beaches in Epidaurus offer a dreamy setting to unwind and make priceless memories, whether you’re looking for relaxation, water sports, or just a connection with nature. Discover the breathtaking coastline of Epidaurus and savor the tranquility and beauty of its coastal attractions.

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History and Significance of Asklepios

The illustrious Sanctuary of Asklepios, located in Epidaurus, is renowned for its extensive historical legacy, which can be traced back to the 6th century BCE. The sanctuary, devoted to the revered deity of healing known as Asklepios, held great significance in the ancient world. It was widely believed to possess the power of divine intervention, attracting countless individuals who sought remedies for their diverse afflictions and sought guidance through prophetic dreams. The reputation of the site’s healing abilities was widely celebrated in the ancient world, attracting pilgrims from distant regions who sought solace and relief from their ailments.

At the heart of the sanctuary resided the Tholos. This remarkable architectural masterpiece fulfilled a dual purpose as a site of veneration and a symbolic representation of the deity’s divine authority over healing. The Tholos, an architectural marvel of the ancient Greeks, stands as a testament to their ingenuity and mastery of design. Its remarkable circular layout and impeccably preserved limestone columns serve as a vivid reminder of the Greeks’ unparalleled architectural brilliance. The enduring craftsmanship, which has withstood the trials of time, leaves visitors in awe.

Ancient Theater of Epidaurus

The old theater of Epidaurus, which is right next to the Sanctuary of Asklepios, is one of the best things about it. This arena was built in the 4th century BCE. It is a great example of Greek engineering and building. The theater has enough seats for about 14,000 people and is known for having great acoustics that let even the smallest sounds be heard from the stage to the back row.

Today, the theater is still used for performances and festivals. This gives people a chance to experience old Greek arts in a place that has fascinated people for hundreds of years. It’s a truly unique experience to see a play or a show in a place where people used to go to get healed and spiritual advice.

The Tholos Museum and Asclepieion

The Tholos Museum, located inside the Sanctuary of Asklepios, is home to a magnificent collection of relics and statues that shed light on ancient Greek religious ceremonies and medical practices. A fuller understanding of Asklepios, his daughters Hygieia and Panacea, and the other gods connected to healing can be gained from the museum’s exhibits. The exhibitions also provided insight into the numerous gifts that pilgrims brought to the sanctuary as expressions of thanks for their recovered health or as symbols of hope for upcoming healing.

The Asclepieion, an Asklepios-related temple complex in good condition, is next to the museum. It originally served as a home for the sacred snakes, regarded as the god’s pets and utilized as a sign in healing ceremonies. Visitors to this sacred location are welcome to explore the ruins and take in the magical atmosphere endured through the ages.

When you go to the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, you get a unique look into the healing and faith of ancient Greece. When you walk through the well-kept ruins, stand in the grand theater, and look at the displays in the Tholos Museum, you can’t help but be amazed by the ancient Greeks’ creativity and respect. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a great example of how people have always tried to find health, hope, and a link with the divine.

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