Epidaurus or Epidavros is the name of an ancient Greek city on the Argolis peninsula. Palia Epidavros (Old Epidaurus) is the ancient harbour. The remains of the ancient harbour are partly under water after a volcanic eruption on the nearby Methana peninsula, which is situated south of the old city. On this peninsula there are 32 volcanoes. The last eruption took place in 1700 in a volcano under water. The eruption that was fatal to ancient Epidavros took place in 258 BC. On the peninsula called Nisi are the remains of the ancient acropolis. You can see walls and there are also remains of a theatre and an early Christian basilica. The theatre has 18 rows and was built during the 4th century BC. During the summer months it is sometimes used for performances (weekends). Not all of the city has been excavated yet. In 2011 a statue of the god Hermes was found. Antique Epidavros is situated about 10 miles inland. Here the famous place of worship of the demi-god Asclepius and the best preserved ancient theatre of Greece can be found. It has room for 12,000 t0 14,000 people and during summer there are still open air festivals organized here. The theatre was built in the 4th century BC and two centuries later more rows were added. The most special of the Epidavros theatre is the great acoustics. On the site are also the remains of a temple, a stadium, a round building with several columns, an ancient hotel for pilgrims and a gymnasium.

In ancient times, around 1200 BC, Epidavros was a big city with 80,000 inhabitants ruled by a king. Because of its strategic location between various Greek kingdoms it was the most important port in the Peloponnese. Contemporary Epidavros is a small fishing village with about 2000 inhabitants. It is situated 7 kilometers north of the old Epidavros. The landscape is green, with lots of olive and orange trees and scattered throughout the area are several beautiful beaches. The soil here is fertile and is also used for vineyards. Galiasi beach is seen as the best beach of Epidavros. It is a beach that has pebbles in some places. There are also some umbrellas and sunbeds for rent and there are a few tavernas. The beach is surrounded by woodland. During high season this beach can become busy. Other nearby beaches include Panagitsa, Polemarha, Kalamaki and Vagionia beach. From one of the beaches which is located on the peninsula Nisi, you can go snorkelling and have a look at the sunken part of the city of ancient Epidavros. Epidavros are several restaurants and accommodations and you will find a post office and an ATM machine. Also there are a number of camp sites in the area. Real mass tourism hasn't found Epidavros yet.

Angelica Villas Hotel Apartments Gialasi, Ancient Epidavros - very good reviews

Located in Palaia Epidavros, just 100 metres from Gialasi Beach, Angelica Villas Hotel Apartments features a blossomed, colourful sun terrace and provides free Wi-Fi in all areas. It offers self-catering units with a balcony overlooking the Saronic Gulf or the garden. The fully equipped studios and apartments of Angelica are elegantly decorated with dark-wooden furnishings and earthy colours. Each unit features a well-equipped kitchenette, and a private bathroom with shower or bath tub. Guests can start their day with a continental breakfast served daily at the dining area. Restaurants and shops can be found within a short walk from the property. The scenic town of Nafplio is located 35 km from Angelica, while the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is 2 km away. The archaeological site of Mycenae s at a distance of 55 km. Free on-site parking is possible. Check availability and prices & book Angelica Villas Hotel Apartments in Ancient Epidavros - click here.

© Hans Huisman, https://www.angelfire.com/super2/greece/ 2013