Travel Guide: Perfect Day Trip from Nafplio to the Sanctuary of Epidaurus
Author: Janice Vazquez | Last updated: December 30, 2023
Planning the ultimate day trip from Nafplio to the Sanctuary of Epidaurus? We’ll share how to get to the Sanctuary of Epidaurus from Nafplio, what to expect when you arrive, what to see at Epidaurus, and how much time to spend at each attraction.
The Sanctuary of Epidaurus is one of the most popular archaeological sites to visit in Greece. It is a majestic UNESCO World Heritage site in Greece that’s known for being the center of healing, dedicated to the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius. Here, you can immerse yourself in the sanctuary’s rich legacy, where ancient treatments blended religious rituals with early forms of psychotherapy, including the intriguing practice of incubation for dream-based cures. You’ll enjoy the famous ancient theater, learn about the history of the site, and more!
Click here to dive into our thrilling adventure to the Sanctuary of Epidaurus!
How do you get to Epidaurus from Nafplio?
To get to the Sanctuary of Epidaurus from Nafplio, you have several options:
- By Car: The most convenient way is to drive. The distance is approximately 30 kilometers, and it takes around 30-40 minutes. You would generally take the road towards Lygourio and then follow the signs to the Sanctuary of Epidaurus. Renting a car in Nafplio gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and explore the surrounding areas. Parking at the Sanctuary of Epidaurus is complementary, with ample spaces available.
- By Bus: There are bus services available from Nafplio to Epidaurus. The journey takes about an hour, depending on the service. Buses usually run a few times a day, but it’s advisable to check the current schedule as services can vary seasonally.
- Guided Tours: Many tourists opt for guided tours, which include transportation from Nafplio to the Sanctuary of Epidaurus. This option provides the added benefit of a guided experience at the site, often with insightful historical and cultural information.
What to expect when you arrive?
As soon as you arrive, you’ll park your car in the free parking lot in front of the entrance. Then, you’ll proceed to the ticket booth and pay the admission fee. Upon arriving at the ticket booth, you only need to purchase a single ticket for admission, which covers both the archaeological site and archaeological museum of Epidaurus. In the chart below, you’ll notice that during the winter season the tickets are discounted by 50% but closes earlier. You’ll also find Archaeological Museum & Archaeological Site of Epidaurus opening hours, admission, and closed days.
| Time | Euros | Time | Days Closed |
| April – October | 12 | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | None |
| Nov – Mar | 6 | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Tuesday |
Depending on the month, the times may differ, so double check the opening hours here.
Free admission days:
- March 6 (in memory of Melina Mercouri)
- April 18 (International Monuments Day)
- May 18 (Interntional Museums Day)
- The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days),
- October 28, Every first Sunday from Nov 1 – Mar 31.
What to see at the Sanctuary of Epidaurus?
At the Sanctuary of Epidaurus, you can marvel at architectural wonders like the Temple of Asclepius, the enigmatic Tholos, and the acoustically unparalleled Ancient Theatre. Read on to learn what you can see when you visit the Sanctuary of Epidaurus:
1. Ancient Theater
The Ancient Theater is an amphitheater known for its remarkable acoustics and harmonious architecture. Built in 340 BCE, it could seat up to 14,000 people and was used for both theatrical performances and religious ceremonies. Today, it still hosts theatrical performances in the summer.
Time Needed: 1 hour
2. Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus
The Archaeological Museum of the Asclepieion of Epidaurus, a small museum showcasing model reconstructions, ancient exhibits, and findings of the excavations on the Sanctuary of Asklepios.
Time Needed: 30 minutes
3. Temple of Asclepius
The Temple of Asclepius, the main holy site of Asclepius, which was considered one of the most important healing centers in the ancient Greek world. Patients came to the temple seeking cures for their ailments. It is believed that a form of ritual healing, known as ‘incubation’, was practiced here. This involved patients sleeping within the temple, hoping to receive a dream that contained a divine message or cure from Asclepius himself.
Time Needed: 15 minutes
4. The Stadium
The Stadium was constructed in the late Classical times and used during the quadrennial festival to honor god Asclepius.
Time Needed: 15 minutes
5. The Tholos
The Tholos, a circular chamber, was believed to be used for religious rituals related to healing practices.
Time Needed: 15 minutes
6. The Katagogion
The Katagogion was built in the late 4th century BC, providing accommodation to numerous visitors of the Sanctuary such as pilgrims, patients, and their companions. The building had approximately 160 rooms.
Time Needed: 15 minutes
How long should I spend at the main attractions in Epidaurus?
I recommend spending 2 hours exploring the Archeological Site of Epidaurus, which includes the Temple of Asclepius, the Tholos, the famous Theatre of Epidaurus, the Stadium, and archaeological ruins! I recommend spending 30 minutes visiting the Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus.
We want to hear from you!
Have you ever been to the Sanctuary of Epidaurus? What was your experience like? Do you have any suggestions you think we left off this list?
Are you planning a trip to the Sanctuary of Epidaurus and still have questions? Comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!
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