Nafplio and Epidaurus Day Trip from Athens
The prettiest town in Greece and the best-preserved ancient theater, an easy 1h 50m drive from Athens.
- Drive each way
- 1h 50m
- Length of day
- 9–10 hours
- Best for
- Couples, friends, photography lovers
- From
- €310 per van
Is a Nafplio and Epidaurus day trip worth it?
Yes. A Nafplio day trip from Athens is one of the easiest full days you can take. You get the prettiest town in Greece and the theater of Epidaurus, and the drive is only 1 hour 50 minutes each way.
It is a 9–10 hour day with a good balance: one major ancient site, one relaxed seaside town, and a long lunch in the old harbor. Less driving than Delphi or Meteora.
If you only want ancient ruins, Delphi has more. If you want a mix of history, a walkable old town and the sea, this is the one.
4 ways to do Nafplio and Epidaurus from Athens
Public bus to Nafplio
- Approx. cost:
- €15.70 per person, one way (€29 return)
- Total time:
- About 2h each way, from Kifissos bus terminal
- Flexibility:
- Low — Epidaurus needs a second bus or taxi
- Best for:
- Budget travelers visiting Nafplio only. The cheapest option.
Rental car
- Approx. cost:
- From about €35–40 a day, plus about €50 fuel and €15 tolls round trip
- Total time:
- About 1h 50m each way
- Flexibility:
- High
- Best for:
- Confident drivers who want to explore the region
Group tour
- Approx. cost:
- About €85–130 per person, usually incl. entry and lunch
- Total time:
- Full day, fixed schedule
- Flexibility:
- Low — one timetable for everyone
- Best for:
- People who want a licensed guide at the sites, which these tours usually include
Private mini-van (us)
- Approx. cost:
- From €310 per van
- Total time:
- 9–10 hours door to door
- Flexibility:
- High — your group only, your pace
- Best for:
- Couples, friends, photography lovers, families
Your day, hour by hour
Typical; your driver adjusts to your pace.
8:00
Pickup at your hotel or Airbnb in Athens
9:50
Arrive at Epidaurus. Test the acoustics from the stage
11:30
Drive on to Nafplio
12:00
Walk the old town and the harbor
13:30
Long lunch in the old harbor, facing the Bourtzi
15:00
Palamidi fortress for those who want the climb, or ice cream and a stroll
16:00
Drive back to Athens
17:50
Drop-off at your hotel
What you'll see
Nafplio old town
Nafplio was the first capital of modern Greece. Its old town is a grid of stone lanes, balconies and small squares, easy to walk.
The harbor and the Bourtzi
The small Bourtzi castle sits on an islet in the harbor. Lunch on the waterfront looks straight at it.
Palamidi fortress
The fortress above town has the best view, but it is a long climb up stone steps. Skip it on a hot day or if anyone walks slowly.
The theater of Epidaurus
About 2,400 years old and the best-preserved theater of the ancient world. A whisper from the stage carries to the back row. Try it.
Practical tips
- Tickets: Epidaurus has its own ticket (€20, €10 reduced). Palamidi has another (€20, €10 reduced).
- Opening hours: Both open daily from 08:00 (Palamidi from 08:30 in winter). They close at 20:00 in summer, earlier in autumn, and at 17:00 (Epidaurus) or 15:30 (Palamidi) in winter. Hours change by season.
- Heat: The theater has no shade. We aim to arrive in the morning, before the midday heat.
- Shoes: Wear good shoes. The theater steps are worn stone, and Palamidi is a long climb.
- Closures: Sites close on 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Easter Sunday and 25–26 December. We check for your date.
Is a private trip right for your group?
2 people
€155
per person
4 people
€78
per person
6 people
€52
per person
8 people
€39
per person
Starting prices; your quote is exact.
Good fit: Couples, groups of friends, photography lovers and families who want history and the sea in one day. The more of you, the cheaper per person.
Not the best fit: Solo travelers on a tight budget. The bus to Nafplio or a group tour will cost much less.
Nafplio and Epidaurus day trip questions
How far is Nafplio from Athens?
About 1 hour 50 minutes each way by road, roughly 140 km. The whole trip takes 9–10 hours.
Can we do Nafplio and Epidaurus in one day?
Yes. That is the standard plan. Epidaurus in the morning, Nafplio and lunch in the afternoon.
Can we stop at the Corinth Canal?
The road from Athens passes the Corinth Canal. Ask in your request and we will confirm a stop.
Can we add Mycenae?
Tell us in your request and we'll confirm if it fits the day.
Is this a guided tour?
No. Your driver speaks English and knows the area, but is not a licensed guide and does not guide inside the sites.
Is it good for kids?
Yes. Kids love testing the echo at Epidaurus, and Nafplio is easy to walk. Child seats in the van are free on request.
How much does a private Nafplio and Epidaurus day trip cost?
From €310 per van, not per person. That is about €78 each for 4 people or €39 each for 8. Tickets and lunch are extra. Your quote is exact.
What if we need to cancel?
Cancellation is free.
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Other day trips from Athens
- Cape Sounion Day Trip from Athens: Sunset at the Temple of Poseidon
- Delphi Day Trip from Athens
- Meteora Day Trip from Athens: Is the Long Day Worth It?
- Hydra Day Trip from Athens: A Car-Free Island in a Day
- Epidaurus — The best-preserved theater of the ancient world
- Guide: Athens 4 Day Itinerary: Three City Days and One Full Day Out