

Theatre of Epidaurus
The basics
Designed by the architect Polykleitos, this ancient theater is a highlight of the Peloponnese and therefore a popular day trip destination from Athens. Tours of Epidaurus and Mycenae typically cover the theater, while some more in-depth tours also stop at Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, and Nafplio. If you want to take a deep dive into the ancient world, multi-day tours tend to cover significant sites such as Delphi, Olympia, and Meteora.

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Things to know before you go
- You don’t have to be a fan of ancient Greece to be impressed by this massive hillside theater, among the most important ruins in the Peloponnese.
- This open-air venue has lots of steps to climb, so choose comfortable shoes and wear a hat and sunscreen.
- The stage level of the theater is accessible to wheelchairs; the upper tiers of seating are not.
- The theater is a popular venue for the annual Athens Festival productions of ancient Greek plays, held here every summer. Check the website for programs and ticketing information.
How to get there
The Theatre of Epidaurus is located within the Sanctuary of Asklepios in the Peloponnese. It’s a 30-minute drive from Nafplio and around two hours from Athens. Skip the stress of navigating on a tour that includes transport.
When to get there
The site is open daily, except major holidays. Time your tour for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, as there’s very little shade inside the theater.
The Treasures of Mycenae
For centuries, Epidaurus Theatre remained covered by trees, until excavations unearthed the ancient monument towards the end of the 19th century. Despite repairs and restorations over the years, particularly to the 34 tiers of seating, the stage itself has been conserved as it was since ancient times.
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