Peloponnese places · Epidaurus and Mycenae
A Bronze Age citadel with a gate guarded by stone lions, and a 2,300-year-old theatre where the acoustics still amaze. How to see both without rushing, and what to look for.
The short answer
Mycenae and Epidaurus are both UNESCO World Heritage sites, both in the Argolid, and both about an hour from each other. Seen together they take you from the age of legendary kings to the Classical Greek world of healing and drama.
Mycenae is the citadel of Agamemnon, the king of Homer’s epics. Epidaurus has the best-preserved ancient theatre in Greece and a sanctuary that was once the great healing centre of the ancient world.
We run a small hotel on the east coast, about two hours south, and these two are our most common day trip for guests who want some ancient history. This is how we would do it.
Written by the Sampatiki Suites team. Updated September 2026.
Best for
Ancient history, big views
Time needed
A full day for both
Order
Mycenae first, then Epidaurus
From our coast
About 2 hrs by road
Mycenae
Allow two hours. The site climbs gently, and the best views come at the top.
The gate
The famous entrance to the citadel, built around 1250 BC, with two lions carved above the lintel on either side of a central column. It is the oldest monumental sculpture in Europe that you can still stand beneath.
The walls
Huge blocks of stone, so large that later Greeks thought giants had built them. They give a real sense of a fortress that guarded a powerful kingdom.
The graves
A walled enclosure of royal shaft graves where the archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann found gold treasures in the 1870s, including the so-called Mask of Agamemnon. The mask itself is in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
The tomb
A huge beehive-shaped tomb outside the citadel with a tall corbelled dome. Walking in is one of the best moments of the visit.
The museum
Pottery, weapons, jewellery and Linear B tablets from the excavations, a good way to put the stones in context.
Our tip
Visit Mycenae first, when the stone is cool and the site is quieter. Wear shoes with a good grip.
Epidaurus
Allow two hours, and sit at the top of the theatre for a while.
The theatre
Built in the 4th century BC and attributed to the architect Polykleitos the Younger, with seating for up to 14,000 people. It is famous for its acoustics, and plays are still performed here in the summer festival season.
The healing place
The most important healing centre of the ancient Greek world. Sick visitors came from all over for treatment and dream cures, and the site had a large guest house and mineral springs.
The extras
The remains of a stadium, a gymnasium and a small museum that explains the sanctuary’s story.
Our tip
Climb to the top of the theatre, sit down and listen. Even a quiet voice carries from the stage.
The citadel looks out over the plain of Argos.
Planning the day
Morning
Arrive when it opens, see the gate and the walls first, then the Treasury of Atreus.
Lunch
Eat in one of the villages between the two sites, rather than at the car park.
Afternoon
See the theatre in the softer light, and finish at the sanctuary before it closes.
Our tip
Check the opening hours and ticket details on the official sites before you go, because they change by season.
Epidaurus, Mycenae and the east coast
Both sites are easy from Nafplio, and about two hours from our corner of the east coast. A good plan is two nights in Nafplio for the sites and the town, then three or four on the east coast for beaches, trails and the red cliffs.
If you only have a day, start early and keep lunch simple. You will want time at the theatre.
From us at Sampatiki
Epidaurus and Mycenae make a full day. Breakfast starts at 07:00 and we can pack a takeaway box, so you arrive before the crowds. Come back to the spa and a late dinner.
Keep exploring
Questions
Can you visit Epidaurus and Mycenae in one day?
Yes. They are about an hour apart. Start at Mycenae in the morning and finish at Epidaurus in the afternoon.
What is Mycenae famous for?
The Lion Gate, the Cyclopean walls, Grave Circle A and the Treasury of Atreus, all from the Bronze Age kingdom of Agamemnon in Homer’s epics.
Where is the Mask of Agamemnon?
In the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, not at Mycenae. The Mycenae museum shows other finds from the site.
What is Epidaurus famous for?
Its 4th-century BC theatre, one of the best-preserved in Greece with famous acoustics, and the Sanctuary of Asklepios, an ancient healing centre.
Are plays still performed at Epidaurus?
Yes. The theatre is still used for performances, mainly in the summer festival season. Check the programme before you plan.
How long do you need at each site?
About two hours at each, a little more if you want to see the museums and take your time.
What is the best time to visit?
Spring and autumn, early in the day. Summer is hot and the sites have little shade.
How far are they from the east coast?
About two hours by road from Leonidio, so they make a full day trip or a stop on the way to Nafplio.
Stay with us
Eleven sea-view suites, a spa and a breakfast built around local produce, a few minutes from Leonidio.
Prices and Taxes: 1.1 All room rates and charges are subject to applicable taxes and fees as mandated by local authorities. 1.2 The hotel reserves the right to adjust prices based on seasonal demands, events, or any other relevant factors.
Payment and Terms at Check-in/Check-out: 2.1 Payment is required in full at the time of check-in. 2.2 Accepted forms of payment include cash, credit cards, and other methods approved by the hotel. 2.3 Early check-in or late check-out may be subject to additional charges.
Traveling with Minors: 3.1 Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 3.2 The hotel reserves the right to request proof of age for minors.
Accessibility or Special Needs: 4.1 Please inform the hotel in advance of any special needs or accessibility requirements. 4.2 The hotel strives to provide accessible accommodations, but availability may be limited.
Parking: 5.1 Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 5.2 The hotel is not responsible for any loss or damage to vehicles parked on the premises.
Hotel Events: 6.1 The hotel may host events that could impact guest services. 6.2 Guests will be notified of any major events that may affect their stay.
Dispute Resolution/Issues: 7.1 Any issues or disputes should be reported to the front desk immediately for resolution. 7.2 If resolution cannot be reached, guests agree to pursue dispute resolution through arbitration.
Use of Personal Information: 8.1 The hotel collects and processes personal information in accordance with applicable privacy laws. 8.2 Personal information is used for booking, communication, and internal marketing purposes.
Liability: 9.1 The hotel is not liable for loss, theft, or damage to guests’ personal property. 9.2 Guests are responsible for any damages caused to hotel property.
Force Majeure: 10.1 The hotel is not liable for any failure to perform its obligations due to unforeseen circumstances beyond its control.
Third Party Rights: 11.1 Only registered guests are entitled to hotel services and amenities.
Waiver: 12.1 Failure to enforce any provision of these terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision.
Severance: 13.1 If any provision of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
By booking a stay at our hotel, guests agree to abide by these terms and conditions. The hotel reserves the right to amend these terms as necessary, with any changes being effective upon posting.
