Epidavros (Epidaurus), Greece: The Ancient Theatre and the Seaside Town
Epidavros, or Epidaurus, is famous for the best-preserved ancient theatre in Greece - a 4th-century-BC theatre for up to 14,000 people with legendary acoustics - set near the seaside town of Palaia Epidavros in the Argolis. The ancient theatre and the sanctuary of Asclepius lie a few kilometers inland, while the quiet coastal village of Palaia Epidavros, with its sunken ancient harbour and green beaches, sits on the Saronic Gulf. Hire a car to explore the Peloponnese at your own pace, covered in our Peloponnese car hire guide.
- Region
- Argolis
- Theatre
- 4th c BC
- Seats
- 12,000–14,000
- Coast town
- Palaia Epidavros
Ancient Epidaurus
Epidaurus was an ancient Greek city on the Argolis peninsula, and Palaia Epidavros (Old Epidaurus) was its harbour - part of which now lies underwater after a volcanic eruption on the nearby Methana peninsula, whose 32 volcanoes last erupted in 1700; the eruption fatal to ancient Epidavros came in 258 BC. On the small peninsula of Nisi stand the remains of the ancient acropolis, with walls, an 18-row theatre from the 4th century BC and an early Christian basilica; much of the city is still unexcavated, and a statue of the god Hermes was found here in 2011.
The theatre of Epidaurus
A few kilometers inland lie the famous sanctuary of the healing demi-god Asclepius and the best-preserved ancient theatre in Greece, with room for 12,000 to 14,000 spectators. Built in the 4th century BC and enlarged two centuries later, the theatre is celebrated above all for its extraordinary acoustics, and open-air festivals are still staged there in summer. The site also holds the remains of a temple, a stadium, a round tholos with several columns, an ancient hostel for pilgrims and a gymnasium.
Palaia Epidavros today
Around 1200 BC ancient Epidavros was a city of some 80,000 people and, thanks to its position between the Greek kingdoms, the most important port in the Peloponnese. Modern Epidavros is a small fishing village of about 2,000 people, 7 kilometers north of the old city, set in green country of olive and orange groves and vineyards with several fine beaches. Gialasi beach is rated the best - pebbly in places, backed by woodland, with a few sunbeds and tavernas - while Panagitsa, Polemarha, Kalamaki and Vagionia are close by; from the Nisi peninsula you can snorkel over the sunken part of the ancient city. Mass tourism has not yet reached Epidavros.
Where to stay near Epidavros
Angelica Villas Hotel Apartments
Angelica Villas Hotel Apartments stands in Palaia Epidavros, just 100 metres from Gialasi Beach, with a colourful sun terrace and free WiFi. The self-catering studios and apartments have balconies overlooking the Saronic Gulf or the garden, a well-equipped kitchenette and a private bathroom, and a continental breakfast is served daily. The ancient theatre of Epidaurus is 2 kilometers away, Nafplio 35 kilometers and Mycenae 55 kilometers, with free on-site parking.
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