Amidst the blue of the Saronic Gulf, well protected on its own smaller gulf of Epidavros, with the scent from the valley's orange blossoms meeting the sea breeze in its picturesque and friendly port, with pine trees descending its slopes to offer their shade to its beautiful beaches, Ancient Epidavros, traditional yet modern, both tranquil and cosmopolitan, is always ready to welcome travellers whatever the season.
Midway along the east coast of the Argolid district, easy to reach by road via the Corinth Canal or by sea aboard a Flying Dolphin from Piraeus, with its houses spread out amphitheatrically from the sea inland, the little town is built on the site of the ancient city-state of Epidavros. The local church, St. Nicholas, is built on the ruins of the Temple of Hera and, nearby is the Sanctuary of Asklepios the Ancient Theatre that attracts thousands of visitors every day.
Quiet pleasant people, occupied in fishing, tending orange groves and tourism, a mild climate, beautiful surroundings and a sound infrastructure provide the framework for what today's tourist wants: a pleasant stay, recreation by the sea yet close to greenery, opportunities for all kinds of entertainment and a chance to see the many sights in the area.

The origins of Epidavros are lost in the mists of time

Its sheltered location and natural surroundings, the beauty of the landscape and fertility of the soil, attracted not only men but also gods. It was here that Asklepios' most splendid sanctuary was situated. Here yet another important nucleus of ancient Greek civilization was created.
Its first inhabitants were the Carians. Later came the Dorians. The city took part in the Trojan War; it fought against the Persians at Plataea and Salamis and found itself on the side of the Spartans in the Peloponnesian War. Good sailors and merchants, the people of Epidavros founded colonies and raised their town to a high level. Their civilization came to light during excavations on the peninsula that bisects the Bay of Epidavros, the "island" as the locals call it today. There we can find remains from the Acropolis with Roman walls, ruins of a palace and houses, columns from the Doric temple and nearby, Mycenaean tombs, while under the sea, not very deep, lies a section of the ancient city. Its jewel however is to be found on the West Side of the peninsula. The ancient theatre. The "little" one, as it has been dubbed, to distinguish it from the "big" one in the Sanctuary of Asklepios. Built in the 4th century BC, it was dedicated to Dionysos, but for centuries remained buried under six metres of earth. In 1971, archaeologists began their digs. And today, elegant with its stone seats, it not only reaffirms the achievements of ancient civilization it also plays host to marvelous concerts.

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