Epidaurus: Day Trips and Tours from Athens

Once a strategically important city in Ancient Greece, today the historic town of Epidaurus is one of the country’s top archaeological gems.

The Sanctuary of Epidaurus is the main event, with temples, a stadium, and a museum to discover. There’s also an impressive 4^th-century theater, which is one of the best-preserved in Europe.

You can take a day trip from Athens to Epidaurus to explore this famous site – here’s how.

Here's everything you need to know about Epidaurus, one of the most fascinating day trips from Athens.

Getting to Epidaurus from Athens

Epidaurus is on the eastern finger of the Peloponnese peninsula, about 125 kilometers southwest of Athens. It’s easy to reach on a day tour from Athens, independently, or on an organized excursion.

• By car: It takes 2 hours to journey to Epidaurus from Athens. Just drive west along the National Highway until you reach the Corinth Canal. Then take the Corinth-Epidaurus road and follow signs for the theater.
• By bus: Daily buses run between Athens and Epidaurus, some direct while others go via Nafplio. Departures are from the Kifissos KTEL Bus Station in the western part of Athens.
• Guided tour: For a relaxing experience, taking a guided day tour to Epidaurus from Athens is always a good idea. All transport logistics are taken care of, so you can just sit back and enjoy the sites. Both shared and private excursions are available.

Ticket prices for Epidaurus

Standard ticket prices for the Epidaurus Sanctuary vary throughout the year:

• April – October: €12
• November – March: €6

The tickets are valid for the archaeological site, the theater, and the museum.

Free entry is available to EU visitors under 25 and all children under 5, on presentation of an ID card or passport.

Epidaurus opening hours

The visiting hours of the Epidaurus archeological site and museum are as follows:

• January – March: 8 AM – 6 PM
• April: 8 AM – 7 PM
• May – August: 8 AM – 8 PM
• Sept 1 to Sept 15: 8 AM – 7:30 PM
• Sept 16 to Sept 30: 8 AM – 7 PM
• Oct 1 – Oct 15: 8 AM – 6:30 PM
• Oct 16 – Oct 31: 8 AM – 6 PM
• November – December: 8 AM – 5 PM

Typical itinerary of day tours to Epidaurus from Athens

Your day will begin with a pick-up from your hotel in Athens. You’ll enjoy a ride in an air-conditioned minivan down onto the Peloponnese peninsula, crossing the Corinth Canal on the way.

Spend time exploring the archaeological site at Epidaurus, then head off to discover other popular visitor destinations in the area. Many Epidaurus excursions from Athens also take in historical sites such as Mycenae and Nafplio.

Lunch is enjoyed at an authentic local restaurant, often with spectacular sea views. Your driver will then return you to Athens before dinner.

Best tours to Epidaurus

Guided tours to Epidaurus from Athens with other Peloponnese highlights

These small-group day trips to Epidaurus from Athens are a real corker and a fun way to see a lot in just a single day. Stops on these day-long experiences may also include Mycenae, Nafplio, the Corinth Canal, Olympia, and Cape Sounion.

Our pick: Explore Ancient Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio

• Visits: Corinth Canal, Mycenae, Tomb of Agamemnon, Epidaurus, Nafplio
• Includes: Roundtrip transportation, professional guide, optional lunch
• Price: €110 (adults) and €90 (children 3-12)
• Duration: 9-10 hours

Private day trip to Epidaurus from Athens with other Peloponnese highlights

This tour is for travelers looking for something a bit more exclusive. You’ll have your own car and driver on your Epidaurus jaunt, and the schedule can be tailored to your interests, with flexible departure times on request. Visits to Mycenae, Corinth, and Nafplio are often included.

Our pick: Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplio Full Day Private Tour

• Visits: Corinth Canal, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplio
• Includes: Roundtrip transportation, lunch, guide
• Price: From €95 each in groups of 14, to €189 for 2 travelers
• Duration: 8-9 hours

2-day tour to Epidaurus from Athens plus Mycenae

If you want to slow the pace down, then consider an overnight trip. This will remove the time pressure, giving you a more leisurely and relaxing experience. A night in a hotel and most meals are provided on the tour.

Our pick: 2-Day Private Tour of Olympia, Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio

• Visits: Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplio, Olympia
• Includes: Roundtrip transportation, accommodation
• Price: From €290 each in groups of 14, to €879 each for two travelers
• Duration: 2 days

3-day tour to Epidaurus from Athens plus Mycenae, Nafplio, Olympia & Delphi

Check out the best destinations in the Peloponnese on this 3-day trip to Epidaurus from Athens, with accommodation included. As well as admiring the famous theater, you’ll travel to the site of the original Olympic Games, see the Delphi ruins, and explore the charming town of Nafplio. Some tours may also visit nearby islands, like Hydra and Spetses.

Our pick: 3-Day Classical Greece Tour

• Visits: Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplio, Olympia, Delphi
• Includes: Roundtrip transportation, professional guide, choice of hotel, breakfast and dinner, entry tickets
• Price: From €375 to €450 per traveler, depending on group size and hotel class
• Duration: 3 days

4-day tour to Epidaurus from Athens with Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi & Meteora

These 4-day Epidaurus excursion add a stop at the famous Meteora monasteries. This classic trip is ideal for those who want to see the highlights of Greece for the first time, with hotel, meals and tickets covered. Longer 5, 6, or 7-day adventures may include additional destinations, such as Zakynthos.

Our pick: 4-Day Classical Greece Tour

• Visits: Corinth Canal, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplio, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora
• Includes: Roundtrip transportation, professional guide, accommodation, breakfast and dinner, entry tickets
• Price: From €567 per traveler, depending on group size
• Duration: 4 days

Prices of excursions to Epidaurus from Athens

Small-group shared Epidaurus day tours from Athens start at around €100 per person. This includes transport, while lunch and entrance fees are usually extra.

For a private day trip to Epidaurus from Athens are charged on a group basis, but expect to pay about €150 each for an exclusive car and driver.

For multi-day tours that include Epidaurus, prices start at around €290 for 2-day tours from Athens, about €375 for 3-day excursions and roughly €550 for 4-day trips.

Highlights at Epidaurus

Theater of Epidaurus

Epidaurus day trips from Athens all take in the ancient theater. It’s a true architectural wonder, with astonishing acoustics that are famed throughout Greece. Built in the 4^th century B.C, the theater remains largely intact and is in use today.

During summer, traditional Greek plays are performed on stage here to celebrate the works of ancient wordsmiths.

The Stadium

Sporting competitions were regularly held in the stadium at Epidaurus, and you can still see the stone seats, tracks, and starting blocks. Constructed back in the 5^thcentury B.C. this ancient stadium was used as a platform to honor Asklepios, the god of healing.

Sanctuary of Asklepios

Renowned as a sacred center of healing, the Sanctuary of Asklepios was a pilgrimage site for the sick. People would come from near and far to have their illnesses cured by Asklepios who visited them during their dreams. This sanctuary and the Temple of Asklepios came first, with the theater and stadium following in an effort to pay tribute to the gods.

The Archaeological Museum

Most day trips to Epidaurus from Athens allow enough time to visit the Archaeological Museum too. Sitting beside the theater, the small museum is home to many fascinating artifacts discovered during the site excavations.

Best time to visit Epidaurus

You can enjoy a day trip to Epidaurus in all seasons, thanks to year-round mild weather. The site can get busy during the peak summer season when temperatures are at their hottest. To avoid the crowds, come in spring or fall, or time your visit for the early morning or late afternoon.

Travel tips

• Try and book your Epidaurus day tour from Athens ahead of your visit so you can find the cheapest deals online.
• The annual Epidaurus festival, held between May and October, is an opportunity to see the ancient theater in action, with theatrical and musical performances.
• Take some water with you to keep hydrated, especially during summer.
• The terrain can be uneven, so wear sensible footwear and leave the heels at home.