The ancient Theater of Epidaurus is by far the most famous theater of Greek antiquity. Located in the region of Peloponnese, next to the sanctuary of Asclepius, the Greek God of medicine, the Epidaurus theater is an architectural masterpiece. It can accommodate more than 13,000 spectators and offers perfect acoustics. No matter where you sit, you can hear every whisper, and people say that you can even hear the noise when lighting a match.
Due to its proximity to Athens, the Epidaurus Theatre is also an ideal day trip option. It takes less than two hours to reach it, and in the same area, you can also visit the archaeological site. Despite being a 2,500-year-old venue, a selected number of ancient dramas are presented every year (more on that below).
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about your visit to the Epidaurus ancient theater. Apart from plenty of photos and a short 4K video, you’ll find info about organized tours and accommodation options in the region. Last but not least, you’ll see how you can attend a play if you happen to visit Greece during the summertime.
So, let’s start with the travel guide to Epidaurus.
*Some links are affiliate links. It means that if you buy something, I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
The theater of Epidaurus: an architectural masterpiece
After watching the video above, it’s time to add all relevant info about the ancient theatre of Epidaurus (Greek: Θέατρο Επιδαύρου). Here’s what you need to know before you visit it.
Where in Greece is the Epidaurus Theater?
The ancient theater of Epidaurus lies approximately 150 km away from Athens. Depending on your starting point in the Greek capital, you’ll need about one and a half to two hours to reach it. The motorway is in good condition; therefore, there’s nothing to worry about your journey. The last part of your drive is through a provincial road which is really scenic. Therefore, if you have a car, it’s probably the easiest way to reach it.
The theater lies on the west side of Cynortion Mountain, near modern Lygourio. The whole archaeological site belongs to the Epidaurus Municipality, which is part of the Argolis prefecture.
How old is the Theater of Epidaurus?
According to Pausanias, the theater of Epidaurus was built at the end of the 4th century BC. The architect was Polykleitos the Younger.
Initially, the theatre had 34 rows of seats divided into 12 sections, and the capacity was approximately 6,000 persons. In the 2nd century BC, 21 more rows were added, this time divided into 22 sections. After this addition, the ancient Epidaurus Theatre could host more than 13,000 people—and that’s the number it can accommodate to this day.
What was the Epidaurus Theater used for?
The Epidaurus Theater hosted plays, music, and dramatic games. The latter was dedicated to Asclepius. Apart from that, during ancient times, there was a strong belief that shows had positive effects on health (physical and mental). That said, the ancient theater and the shows presented there had a healing aspect.
What is some key info about the theatre?
The theater is a typical example of a Hellenistic theater. It has three major elements: the orchestra, the theatron, and the stage (skene). The theater itself is split into two pieces: the lower and the upper. A corridor separates the two, which facilitates the movement of the spectators. As I wrote earlier, the lower part has 12 sections, and the upper 22. The circular orchestra occupies 20,3 m in diameter and is the center of the theater.
There are also two marbled Gates on the left and right sides of the orchestra. These so-called Parodoi provide access to the theater.
Are there still live performances in the Theater?
Yes, there are still plays and performances in the ancient Greek theater of Epidaurus. The first modern play was hosted in Epidaurus in 1938. Apart from the inevitable break due to World War II, there are shows presented every year.
The Epidaurus Festival is really well-known, and both Greek and international artists perform there every year. For example, the world-famous Greek soprano Maria Callas performed Norma in 1960 and Médée in 1961.
How can I attend a play in Epidaurus?
Every year there’s a small number of performances hosted at the ancient theater. The Epidaurus Festival takes place during summer. As this is a dry region, the plays and performances start in the evening. That said, be prepared either to drive back to Athens after midnight or to spend the night somewhere nearby (you’ll see below the best places to stay around Epidaurus).
With that in mind, you can visit the official website of the Festival and see if your days in Greece match with a show. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance. Almost every show is sold out, and there’s no chance to find a ticket before the play.
Opening times and admission fee
The ticket grants access both to the theater and the archaeological site. It grants permission to the site itself, and it doesn’t include the price for plays. The normal ticket costs 12 euros while the reduced one costs 6 euros.
The opening times are:
Winter:
08:00-17:00
Summer:
April: 08:00-19:00
From May until the 31st August: 08:00-20:00
1st September until the 15th September: 08:00-19:30
16th September until the 30th September: 08:00-19:00
1st October-15th October: 08:00-18:30
16th October-31th October: 08:00-18:00
For more up-to-date information regarding opening times, please see here.
What else can I see on the archaeological site?
The famous ancient theater is a part of a complex called The Sanctuary of Asclepius (or Asklepios). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there you can witness how modern medicine emerged.
Therefore, apart from the Theater, you can also see the Temples of Artemis and Asclepius, the Tholos, the Enkoimeterion, and the Propylon of the Hestiatorion. Also, you can visit the Little Theatre of Epidaurus within a short distance, which hosts many plays. Last but not least, there’s also a small museum between the Theater and the Sanctuary. Don’t underestimate it: it’s actually one of the oldest museums in Greece.
Organized tours to Epidaurus & day trips from Athens
There are a couple of ways to reach Epidaurus and its theater. As I wrote earlier, the easiest and most flexible way is to go by car. However, for people who don’t want to rent a car and enjoy a more carefree vacation, there’s always the option of organized tours. Most of the day trips from Athens to Epidaurus offer the same comfort standards and stop at Mycenae. Plus, they have a guide to explain further what you see. Admission fees are sometimes part of the price.
So, in this section, I’m adding the best day tours to Epidaurus based on my experience. These are:
Mycenae and Epidaurus: a full-day trip from Athens. This small-group tour includes visits to both Mycenae and Epidaurus. The bus leaves from Athens and picks you up from your accommodation. The bus has Wi-Fi and admission fees are included in the price. See prices and availability for the day trip here.
Epidaurus and Mycenae from Nafplio. If you are already in the Peloponnese, you can also book a day trip from Nafplio (home of the outstanding Palamidi Fortress). As is the case with the previous tour, you’ll visit both Mycenae and Epidaurus. Entrance fees not included. See more about the tour from Nafplio here.
Private tour from Athens. Last but not least, if you’d like to have your personal driver and enjoy even more flexibility, you can also book a private tour. While the tickets to archaeological sites are not included, you’ll be in an air-conditioned VIP van or car, and you’ll visit both places (Mycenae and Epidaurus) in comfort. See prices and availability for the private tour here.
Where to stay around Epidaurus
While you can’t stay directly at the archaeological site, the area is full of nice coastal towns. So, if you are not on a day trip to Epidaurus from Athens and you’d like to spend a couple more days exploring the Peloponnese, there are definitely several options for your accommodation. The ones I present are the best options, in my opinion, but feel free to use the interactive map below to find more places to stay.
Please keep in mind that the place called Archaia or Palaia Epidavros is not the same as the Theater area. It’s actually a small coastal town fifteen minutes away from the archaeological spot.
Sunny Garden Apartments. These beautiful apartments are in a quiet location at Ancient Epidavros (Archaia Epidavros), 50 meters from the sea and very close to the town center. See prices and availability for Sunny Garden Apartments here.
Maria Apartments Studios. Just three kilometers away from the ancient theater and with an amazing sea view, Maria’s apartments are a great option if you’d like to be close to everything. See Maria Apartments Studios here.
Epidavros Seascape. This elegant small hotel is another excellent option for your stay near the ancient theater of Epidavros. It offers a swimming pool, a sea view, and peace of mind. Check availability and prices for Seascape here.
Amymone Suites. This small but wonderful hotel is half an hour away from the theater. It’s actually in Nafplio, one of the most beautiful coastal Greek cities that once served as Greece’s capital. The rooms are beautiful, and the area is really lively. Check Amymone Suites here.
Anthemion Suites and Villas. Here’s one more fantastic option in Nafplio: great rooms, reasonable prices, and a swimming pool just off the Old Town of Nafplio. See the prices for Anthemion Suites here.
For every accommodation option (there are currently more than 150) in the area, please click here. Or, use the map below.
The Ancient Theater of Epidaurus: Final Thoughts
The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus in Greece is definitely an architectural masterpiece, but that’s not the only reason to visit it. The eastern Peloponnese is one of the most beautiful areas in mainland Greece. Apart from deserving a visit, this area proves that not everything is about the Greek islands in Greece. All that said, if you are about to visit Athens and undecided about what to do next, consider a visit to this part of mainland Greece.
Yes, the ancient theater is a gem, and you shouldn’t miss it. However, if you are into Greek antiquity and places like Mycenae, Ancient Corinth, Acrocorinth, or Nemea fascinate you, don’t miss the chance to visit them. The fertile land of Peloponnese will impress you with its treasures -and its delicious wine.
More about Greece: Greek islands on a budget, One week in Greece: suggested itineraries
Pin it for later
Did you enjoy this Ancient Epidaurus guide? Feel free to share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.
Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by George Pavlopoulos
George, have you ever seen a live performance in this incredible theater, and if not, why not? This would have to be in my top five things to do around Athens if I was based in Greece. You need to book a ticket or two and go there when there is a performance. It’s your Athenian duty, especially so because you’re a blogger. Maybe you can go this summer?
Hahaha, hey John!
Yes, I’ve seen twice performances in the Epidaurus theater. Unfortunately, they were both long before my blogging years. I guess I have to check the schedule and try to watch a live show this year. It’s indeed part of my Athenian duty. If I do, I’ll definitely blog about it and shoot dozens of photos. Let’s see how it goes 🙂 Have you visited the theater in the past (even for walking around)?
All the best,
George
I have never been and not sure why. If I ever make it to Athens again, I have it at the top of my list of things to do. One of my most memorable entertainment experiences was watching a concert at Ravello on a stage overlooking the Amalfi Coast. I really enjoyed it, even though the singer wasn’t that great. Watching a performance at the Epidaurus theater would have to be an awesome experience.
Of course you will make it again to Athens, John. Watching a performance at the Epidaurus Theater is indeed a memorable experience. You definitely have to watch one in the next couple of years.
Hi George!
Thank you for the helpful information in this blog!
I was wondering if you could visit the Theater on its own. If not, where do you normally buy tickets to visit the Sanctuary Archeological site?
Thank you 🙂
Hey Sarah!
You are very welcome 🙂 As far as I know, they sell a ticket for the entire archaeological site, which includes the Sanctuary and the Theater of Epidaurus. You can buy tickets at the counters outside the site or you can pre-book here skip-the-line tickets. If you have an interest in Greek antiquity, you’ll love the archaeological site of Epidaurus, it’s in great condition and the theater is stunning.
Take care,
George