Visiting Epidaurus as a Day Trip from Athens
Going on a day trip to Epidaurus from Athens is a great idea. The ancient city is small, cute, and full of history. Actually, there are two Epidaurus. You’ve got the one famous for its UNESCO-listed theatre and the town next to the sea.
Both places are next to each other and worth your time. Greece has fantastic weather all year round, so you can visit Epidaurus any season and have a blast. If you are into archaeology and beautiful places, you can’t skip it.
Evidently, spending a night or two there would be ideal. However, a day is enough to enjoy this magical place. The area is not that big, but you mustn’t rush. Take your time and enjoy the atmosphere.
How to Get to Epidaurus from Athens
Athens to Epidaurus by Car
Most tourists go from Athens to Epidaurus by car. The city is only 85 miles (135 km) southwest of the capital. It’s a beautiful journey that takes you around the Saronic Gulf. Take Agio Konstatinou Avenue from Omonia Square in Central Athens.
Loop around Metaxurgio Square and take Achilleos Road. Achilleos becomes Athinon Road. Drive on Athinon until you exit the city. You will see the signs that take you to Road 08 Corinthians. In approximately 1 hour, you will see the signs to Epidaurus.
The road is in great shape and safe. You can stop at several gas stations along the way. The nicest sections of the road are the ones next to the sea. You will see the Saronic Islands.
You can rent a car online here.
Private Tours to Epidaurus
We strongly recommend going to Epidaurus on tour from Athens. We’ve sent friends and family, and they raved about it. Our favorite takes you to Mycenae and Epidaurus, stopping briefly in Nafplio. This one is great value for money.
It includes transportation, travel insurance, and a guide. Entrance tickets are not included. However, this day tour to Epidaurus and Mycenae from Athens includes entrance tickets. Since you don’t go to Nafplio, it is a bit shorter.
You can go to Epidaurus and Nafplio and skip Mycenae on this tour. As you can see, there are options for all tastes and fancies. They all depart from central Athens. Thus, you won’t waste time sitting on a bus picking up fellow tourists.
Buses from Athens to Epidaurus
Since we don’t drive, we went from Athens to Epidaurus on a bus. KTEL buses operate the route Athens to Ancient Epidaurus. Buses leave from Kifissos Bus Station northwest of the city center. Take an inexpensive taxi there.
There are two buses from Athens to Palaia Epidavros (also known as Archaia Epidavros) from Monday to Friday at 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM. There’s only one bus on Saturdays, at 9:30 AM. From Palaia Epidavros you can take a taxi to the ancient theater.
From Palaia Epidavros to Athens, there are buses from Monday to Friday at 6:20 AM, 12:30 PM, and 6:15 PM. There’s one bus on Sunday at 6:15 PM. The journey takes a bit over 2 hours. You can buy your ticket here.
What to Do in Epidaurus
Visit the Ancient Theater
Of all the things to do in Epidaurus, a visit to the theatre is mandatory. The Ancient Theatre is part of the Asclepieion of Epidaurus, a sanctuary dedicated to the God of Medicine. Hard to believe such beauty is from the 4th Century.
No matter how many archaeological remains you’ve seen in your life, this one is in a league of its own. UNESCO included the area in its list of World Heritage Sites, declaring it the epitome of Greek architecture.
The theatre is breathtaking. Go up to enjoy epic views and down to the stage to see it in all of its glory. Take note that from May to August the Athens Epidaurus Festival takes over the theatre.
Explore the Rest of the Archeological Park
Granted, the theatre is the most impressive ruin. However, you have several incredible buildings to explore. The Temple of Asclepius at Epidaurus is fascinating. Asclepius was the god of medicine in Ancient Greece. It’s one of the oldest structures in the compound.
Remember that Epidaurus is considered the cradle of medicine! It marks an important moment in human evolution: when medicine went from mystical to scientific. Including the Temple of Artemis, Epidaurus was the most important medical center in the world.
Don’t forget to enter the Archaeological Museum of the Asclepieion of Epidaurus. Look for the stone slab depicting medical care. You will see some of the world’s first medical equipment. If you get hungry or thirsty, stop by the kiosk inside the archaeological park.
Visit Palaia Epidavros
Palaia Epidavros is the town next to the sea, some 10 miles (15 km) east of the theatre. Even if you visit in winter, be sure to stop there. The town is on a bay, beneath beautiful mountains. Thus the gorgeous views.
Walk along Epidaurus beach and pick your favorite restaurant overlooking the sea. The nicest beach is Kalamaki, 8 minutes north walking from the center. The Little Theatre at the Ancient City of Epidaurus is 10 minutes south of the center.
Continue walking 10 minutes south to reach the Sunken City of Ancient Epidaurus. You need a mask to see ancient walls, a mosaic, and lots of fish. The Mycenaean Cemetery from the 10th Century BC is 10 minutes east of the Little Theatre.
Visit Corinth
Corinth marks the beginning of the Peloponnese. The city itself is to the north of the road Athens-Epidaurus. It overlooks the Gulf of Corinth. The legendary Corinth Isthmus links said gulf with the Saronic Gulf to the south.
The best views of the canal are from the Corinth Canal Information Point. Exit the road and follow the signs. There’s a viewing platform for pretty cool pictures. You can eat and refresh at any of the nearby restaurants.
There’s also an open-air museum near the canal. The mosaic floor inside the roman baths is worth your time. There’s a section of the Justinian Wall nearby. The ancient city of Corinth is 7 miles (10 km) south of Corinth City.
Spend Time in Nafplio
Nafplio is a great destination for a day trip from Athens. Actually, the city is so cool, that you can spend weeks there and never get bored. Nafplio is on Argolic Gulf, 18 miles (27 km) west of Epidaurus.
Due to its location, the Byzantines, Franks, Venetians, and Ottomans controlled the city at one point or the other. It became the first capital of independent Greece in 1829. The Old Town is on a peninsula that enters the sea.
You’ve got several splendid beaches to discover. Our favorite is Neraki Beach, south of the center. Don’t forget to climb to the fortresses that tower above the center. Stay the night at the historic Hotel Grande Bretagne directly on the coast.
Visit Ancient Mycenae
It makes sense to visit Mycenae and Epidaurus on the same trip. Both UNESCO Listed sites are some of the grandest archaeological sites in Europe. Mycenae is some 30 miles (45 km) northwest of Epidaurus. It’s a 45-minute drive.
The Archeological Park of Mycenae is perched on a hill overlooking the valleys. Built from the 13th to the 12th Centuries BC, it’s one of the oldest structures in the world. The oldest Greek letters can be seen on slabs there.
The tombs, cistern, and carvings are stunning. The views will take your breath away. You need at least 2 hours to explore the entire area. Don’t forget to check the onsite museum. Some of the objects inside are 4000 years old!
Where to Stay in Epidaurus
Epidaurus does not have onsite hotels. The closest one is the Avaton. The comfy rooms have everything you need, including a balcony. The hotel has a beautiful garden and onsite parking, complimentary breakfast, and transportation to the remains. The service is impeccable.
The best hotel in Palaia Epidaurus is the Binji Hotel. The seafront property is in the center. All of the rooms have big balconies. The best ones face the sea. It’s got onsite parking. The complimentary breakfast is homemade.
The best hotel in Ligourion is the Actor. All of the units are huge and include a fully equipped kitchenette, a seating area, and a balcony. The hotel has an outdoor pool perfect for summer. Onsite parking.
Where to Eat and Drink
We believe that Greece has the best food in Europe. Together with Thailand, the best in the world! Everything everywhere is fresh and delicious. Epidaurus has incredible restaurants too! If you are driving, stop in To Perasma for great food and a lovely garden.
To eat with sea views, head to Maik Restaurant. The seafront tavern in Palaia Epidavros specializes in seafood and has a wide range of local and European wines. Athina Tavern is next to the Sunken City of Epidaurus. Free sun beds in summer!
For cocktails, food, and coffee with epic views over the hills and sea, go to Stork. It’s the fanciest place in the area. The vibe is super cool. If you want to prepare a sandwich on the road, there’s a supermarket near the theatre.
When to Visit Epidaurus
Epidaurus enjoys great weather all year round. Since we live in Athens, we go there in all seasons and always have a blast. We took friends from northern Europe in January, and they couldn’t believe it was winter!
From January to March, the minimum average temperature is around 42 F (5 C), and the maximum average is 62 F (18 C). April to June and September to November are our favorite months to travel around Greece. It’s not hot or cold, and you can enjoy the sea.
Though summers can be too hot, the bay protects the beaches from the sun and wind. The water temperature is perfect, and you can enjoy lovely evenings. We do not advise walking about the archaeological remains at midday. Visit earlier or a bit later.
Useful Tips
As you can tell, you have a lot of places to visit. You will walk a lot, so wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Due to the terrain, don’t wear flip-flops, even in the summer. Regular sneakers are more than ok.
You must wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen in the summer. Always take a recycled bottle of water to remain hydrated. No worries if you forget, there are plenty of places to buy refreshments. Bring some change.
In winter, wear a light jacket and bring an umbrella just in case. It never rains for long though. If you don’t have much time, we strongly recommend taking the tours mentioned above. You don’t want to skip any of the incredible places this region offers.
If You Have More Time
If you have time, we recommend visiting Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi, and Meteora on a 4-day trip. The first four places pack some of the best archaeological remains in the world and you need at least 3 days to enjoy them. Meteora hosts some of the nicest monasteries in Greece.
Another great option is to spend at least three days in Napflio. In particular, if you travel in spring, summer, or autumn. The Greek islands deserve all the attention they have, but Nafplio and the Peloponnese are equally gorgeous. You can hike, soak in the history, hang with locals and admire nature for days!
Besides, not many foreigners visit the peninsula. It’s mostly for us locals. One of our favorite islands is Poros. The tiny hilly island is just off the peninsula and it’s as authentic as it gets. Even in winter, it’s one of our favorite destinations.
