Hiking in Ancient Epidaurus

About The Place

Epidaurus, known as Ἐπίδαυρος in Greek, was an ancient Greek city (polis) located on the Argolid Peninsula along the shores of the Saronic Gulf. In the present day, there are two modern towns that share the name Epidavros: Palaia Epidavros and Nea Epidavros. Since the year 2010, these towns have been incorporated into the newly established municipality of Epidaurus, which is a part of the larger regional unit of Argolis. The administrative center of this municipality is the town of Lygourio.

Notably, the nearby sanctuary and ancient theater have been recognized and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1988. This distinction is due to their exceptional architectural significance and their pivotal role in the development and dissemination of healing sanctuaries and religious cults throughout the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.

Total Duration

• 3 Hours

Full description

Hiking Ancient Epidavros, a land steeped in natural wonders and a rich historical past. Nestled between the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs, Epidauria Land captivates travelers with its rocky and wooded slopes of Mount Arachneos, picturesque beaches, and tranquil coves adorned with fishing boats and sailboats.

As you explore this blessed region, you’ll embark on a journey through myth and history, encountering castles, ancient roads, bridges, watchtowers, tombs, Byzantine temples, imposing theaters, and remarkable monuments that compose the monumental canvas of the Municipality of Epidaurus.

Paths of Culture:

Delight in a charming route starting from the central pier of the port of Archaia (Old) Epidaurus, leading you towards the scenic coast of Vagionas. As you walk along the coastal arch, the sparkling sea accompanies you on the right, while the village of Ancient Epidaurus reveals itself on the left. With the dominating presence of the church of Agios Nikolaos, built on the ruins of the Temple of the Goddess Hera, the village exudes a captivating aura. The route continues through a pine-wooded environment adorned with lush vegetation, where green and blue harmonize in perfect unity. Eventually, you’ll reach Akrotiri “Giannouzaina” with its striking metal lighthouse below. To the right, the Saronic Sea stretches as far as the eye can see, adorned by the nearby islands of Kyra, Agistri, and Aegina.

Polemarcha Monastery:

Located in Nea Epidavros, on a secluded beach embraced by pine and olive trees, lies the Polemarcha Monastery. Founded by a monk named Antonios, who sought solitude from his fellow monks, the monastery holds a rich history. Antonios was later joined by two younger monks, Nifon (later Patriarch of Constantinople) and Joseph. According to tradition, they single-handedly constructed the initial core of the monastery around 1400. Despite flourishing under the patronage of Patriarch Niphon, repeated pirate raids compelled the monks to abandon Polemarcha and seek refuge in the monastery of Kalami in the hinterland of Epidauria. Since then, the monastery has remained inactive.

Today, the complex preserves the catholicon (main church) along with several cells and additions. The catholicon showcases the architectural style of a three-aisled, vaulted basilica with a gabled tiled roof. The aisles are divided by low arches supported by pillars and adorned with horseshoe-shaped arches, reinforced at intervals by slings made of cut limestone and porolit. Notably, the eastern section features a semicircular arch, proportionally smaller in relation to the size of the temple.

Please note that the price does not include drinks, snacks, personal expenses, or anything else not explicitly mentioned in the program.

Useful Information:

Kindly note that the program, routes, and activity durations are subject to change based on the group’s abilities, the physical condition of the participants, and prevailing weather conditions in the area. The organizer reserves the right to modify or cancel any outdoor activity due to adverse weather or technical difficulties. This activity is also suitable for beginners, provided they have a good level of physical fitness.

What to Bring

• Hiking Boots and a small backpack

• CLOTHING : Waterproof (even disposable), Windproof, Buff (neck scarf), Swimsuit, summer hiking pants, dri fit preferably T-shirt

• Hiking poles (optional), glasses, sun hat, sunscreen, towel

• Personal hygiene items, Tissues, Wet wipes, Garbage bag

• Water at least 1.5 Ltr for the hike and high-calorie snacks (nuts, chocolate, bars, dried fruits)

• FIRST AID / COVID : Individual personal pharmacy, Mask and Hand Sanitizer.

Includes

• Taxes

• Transfer from / to Athens by modern coach

• Driver Fee / Toll

• Certificate Guides ΗMLA

• All necessary equipment

• Photographic coverage with our own equipment

Limitations

• Minimum Age 12+

Itinerary

• Departure: 08.00 (please be 10 minutes earlier at the meeting point)
• Return 21.00 (indicative)
• Date of Departure / Return Sunday 28 May, 2023
• Point of Departure-Agios Antonios Metro Station (08.00) / Palataki Vasilopoulos (08.20) / Isthmus Bus Station (09.10)
• Point of Return -Return Athens +/- 21.00

Meeting point

Cancellation Policy - Flexible

• Whenever you cancel 4 days or earlier than the confirmed activity starting date, your fee will be refunded for the entire activity charge.
• In case of cancellation within 48 and 96 hours before the scheduled activity starting date, you'll get 50% reimbursed.
• Those who cancel 48 hours or beyond are considered last-minute cancellations. There will be no refunds