Frequently asked questions

Is this a skip-the-line ticket?

Your hourly slot is reserved before you arrive, so you walk straight to the site gate instead of queuing at the Epidaurus ticket office. On busy days that queue can take a while as tour groups and cruise coaches arrive from Athens, Nafplio and the ports, so coming with your ticket already in hand saves the wait in the sun.

How does the timed entry work?

You choose the date and an hourly time slot, and your ticket is valid for a single entry during that hour on that day. Just arrive within your slot window and show your mobile ticket at the gate; last entry is about 30 minutes before closing.

What's included in the ticket?

Full admission to the Epidaurus archaeological site — the famous Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, the Sanctuary of Asclepius with the Temple of Asclepius, the Tholos, the stadium and the Katagogeion — and the Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus, which stands on the site and is covered by the same ticket. It does not include separate sites such as the citadel of Mycenae, or tickets to summer festival performances in the theatre.

Is the site museum included?

Yes. The Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus is on the grounds of the archaeological site and is included in your entry ticket. It holds the sculpture, inscriptions and surgical instruments recovered from the healing sanctuary, along with a reconstruction of the great Tholos, and makes a natural indoor complement to the open-air ruins.

Can I hear the famous acoustics?

Yes — testing the acoustics is the highlight for most visitors. Stand in the circular orchestra at the centre of the theatre and a whisper, a struck match or a dropped coin carries with remarkable clarity to the highest of the 55 rows. Come in a quiet early or late slot and you will hear it at its most magical, before the theatre fills with groups.

How and when do I get my ticket?

We send your ticket to your email as a mobile ticket once your booking is confirmed — there's nothing to print, just show it on your phone at the gate. You'll also receive a short 5-minute audio history to listen to before you go.

How do I get to Epidaurus from Athens?

Epidaurus is about 130 km southwest of Athens, near Ligourio in the Argolid, and there is no direct train. Most visitors drive in around two hours via the Corinth Canal, take a KTEL intercity bus to Nafplio and then a local bus or taxi, or join an organised day-tour that often also visits Mycenae. Nafplio, about 30 km away, is the most popular base.

What was the Sanctuary of Asclepius?

The Asklepieion of Epidaurus was the most famous healing sanctuary of the ancient world, dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine. Pilgrims travelled here from across the Mediterranean seeking a cure, and would sleep overnight in a sacred hall in the hope of a healing dream from the god. Around the temple grew a whole complex of buildings — the Tholos, a stadium, baths and a guest-house — and the theatre on the slope above.

Can I watch a performance in the theatre?

In summer, yes — the Athens & Epidaurus Festival stages ancient tragedies and comedies in the theatre on weekend evenings, a remarkable experience on ground where Greek drama was first performed. Those performances need a separate festival ticket, which our standard entry ticket does not include. Our ticket covers daytime entry to the archaeological site and museum.

When is the best time to visit?

Book the first hourly slot after opening, or one of the last slots before closing, and travel outside the July–August peak if you can. The site is largely unshaded, so the middle of a summer day is both the hottest and the busiest stretch, when day-trip coaches from Athens and Nafplio overlap. An early or late slot gives cooler air, a calmer walk and the best chance to try the theatre's acoustics in near-silence.

How long should I allow for the visit?

Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours on site, taking in the theatre, the sanctuary ruins and the museum. Add more time if you want to linger over the acoustics, walk out to the stadium, or study the museum's collection. As part of a day-trip that also includes Mycenae and Nafplio, many people budget around two hours here.

Do I need to bring my passport or any ID?

No. The standard entry ticket is not personalised and needs no passport or name — just show your mobile ticket at the gate. (Reduced and free-entry categories set by the operator may require ID at the gate; our ticket is standard full admission.)

Is the site wheelchair accessible?

Partly. Epidaurus is an open archaeological site with gravel paths, ancient paving, steps and uneven ground, and the theatre's seating is steep. Visitors with limited mobility can view the theatre from the orchestra level and reach much of the sanctuary area and the museum with care, but should allow extra time and expect rough or stepped surfaces in places.

Is Epidaurus open all year?

Yes — the site is open daily, year-round. Only the daily hours change with the season: longer in summer (roughly 08:00–20:00) and shorter in winter, with timed entry by the hour and last entry about 30 minutes before closing. Hours can change on public holidays, so confirm on the day.

Can I change my slot after booking?

Changes are allowed up to 2 hours before your visit, with a maximum of 2 changes per ticket, provided your preferred new slot is still open. If your plans shift, contact our team and we'll help where the operator's rules allow. See our terms for the full policy.

Can I get a refund?

All bookings are final once confirmed; we only issue a refund in the rare event the operator cannot honour a validly issued ticket. Timed-entry tickets are non-refundable, but you can change your slot up to 2 hours before your visit within the operator's rules. See our terms for details.

Are you the official Epidaurus ticket office?

No. We're an independent concierge service for international visitors. We buy genuine tickets on your behalf from the Hellenic Ministry of Culture's official ticketing service and handle the booking in your own language, and our service fee is included in the price shown. You can always buy directly from the operator if you prefer.

What currency am I charged in?

The price you see is the price you pay — we show it in your local currency where we can and charge exactly that amount, with no surprise fees at checkout. Payment is by card on a secure page.

Why book with you instead of buying at the gate?

Two reasons: you skip the on-the-day queue by reserving your hourly slot in advance, and you get it all handled with 24/7 human support and a pre-visit audio history. Our service fee is included in the price — there are no extras at checkout.