Let Ancient Greek History Unfold In Front Of You In Epidaurus

The perfect destination for a weekend

If you are visiting Athens, Epidaurus Village is a great excursion for a weekend. You can either rent a car or book a guided excursion. Reserve a rental car from Kosmos Rent A Car company via their website and choose the pick up location according to your plans. In case you want to go on a guided tour, there are many companies offering a day trip to Epidaurus like Dolphin Hellas, Greece Travel and Athens Walking Tours. The cost of the day tour is around 100 EUR (111.64 USD) and it includes the entrance fee for the theater.

Ancient Epidaurus Village is very small and very picturesque. You can walk along the small port and have a coffee while gazing at the sea or eat some fresh fish at the various tavernas, ideally after the end of a theatrical performance at the theater. The Great Theater of Epidaurus is located about a 20 minute drive from the village and is the main attraction in the area.

Stay at the idyllic Nicolas I campground

The idyllic drive among trees and mountains will be just the beginning of this beautiful adventure where you discover ancient Greece. In case you are a fan of camping, I recommend staying at Nicolas I campground located right near the Epidavros Village’s port. The campground is easy to find by following the road signs (signs are in both English and Greek). This campground is a family company that was opened in the early 1950s and staying will not cost you a fortune. The campground operates from April to October every year and prices vary depending on the season. In high season (July to October) prices are 6.50 EUR (7.25 EUR) per person, 4 EUR (4.46 USD) per child, 4 EUR (4.46 USD) per car and 5.50 to 7.50 EUR (6.13 to 8.36 USD) to rent a tent per day. In the low season (April to June), prices are as low as 5.50 EUR (6.13 USD) per person, 3.50 EUR (3.90 USD) per child, 3.50 EUR (3.90 USD) per car and 5 to 6.50 EUR (5.58 to 7.25 USD) per tent.

Nicolas I campground is famous not only because Greek artists and actors usually stay there, but also because of its beautiful green area full of palm trees and banana trees, and its location right on the beach. It does not accept bookings but you will definitely find a spot to setup your tent once you get there. At the campground, you will also find a mini market, a nice beach bar and a traditional restaurant called Mouria. Mouria restaurant is also very famous in the area, and serves delicious Greek meals and fresh fish. Order kokkinisto, which is traditional cooked beef with red sauce and rice or potatoes.

The Ancient Theater of Epidaurus is located a 15 minute drive from the campground and you can get there by car. No bus service is available from the campground.

Location and surroundings

Within a short driving distance from Athens, over the picturesque harbor of Ancient Epidaurus Village, you will find the ancient Great Theater of Epidaurus. Once you arrive, there is a vast area with free parking spaces among the trees, perfect to park when a theatrical play is on and thousands of people come to see it. Once you enter the main gate, you will have to walk about 10 minutes up the mountain until you see the impressive theater on top of the hill. The walk is not hard but is on a dirt road so you should wear appropriate shoes. High heels are prohibited in the theater in order to preserve the ancient monument.

The ancient theater is famous for its excellent acoustics and its architectural symmetry. Actors who act there do not need a microphone and all the viewers can clearly hear every word. It is considered the most important theater worldwide and is the dream of all Greek actors to one day perform there. Famous Hollywood stars like Kevin Spacey and Ethan Hawke have performed here.

Watch a play like ancient Greeks used to!

Okay, the theater itself may be an extraordinary experience to see, but the most unique thing about Epidaurus Theater, is to watch a play there! An annual theatrical festival takes place in the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus during the months of July and August. The best time to visit is definitely during the festival in order to have a chance to watch a play exactly how ancient Greeks used to. Tickets are sold in advance and prices vary from 10 EUR (11.16 USD) for the back seats up to 40 EUR (44.65 USD) for seats in the front. You can easily book tickets online.

The festival includes plays from ancient Greek tragedies to contemporary plays. The plays in Greek have English subtitles and the plays in English have Greek subtitles. So the festival is open to an international audience as well.