Marina· Epidavros coast (Peloponnese)· Greece — Ionian, Saronic & Argolic

Palaia Epidavros Harbour & Sunken City

37° 38.3′ N · 23° 9.5′ E

A charming little harbour in a shallow bay on the Argolid coast, built over the ancient city of Epidaurus: orange groves run down to the quay, the ancient Little Theatre is a ten-minute walk away, and the ruins of the sunken city lie in clear water just south of the harbour.

Ionian IslandsSaronic Gulf & Argolic

Practical

OpenStreetMap marina node 37.6377N 23.15774E. Approach: the bay is shallow but the channel is straightforward, marked by two beacons that lead you in (SailingIssues, Kavas); see the Palaia Epidavros approach passage. Shelter in all but east winds, which are rare except mid-spring; sea level can vary by more than a metre; good holding; ask the harbour office for a berth (SailingIssues). You can also lie alongside either side of the rectangular pier, which is not a ferry dock; the stretch in front of Hotel Mike is too shallow (SailingIssues). No-Frills Sailing (visited June 2022): stern-to on your own anchor, no laid lines, about 2.9 m at their berth, room for 15-20 boats, fishing boats at the north end so head for the south side, scarce power points, no showers or toilets, modest fees collected by women on bicycles. Port Authority Palaia Epidavros: +30 27530 41216, epidavros@hcg.gr (allovergreece.com); Kavas advises calling ahead because the harbour is often full. The former north-west anchorage is now a buoyed swimming area. Water, fuel and supplies are available (Kavas); supermarkets, bakeries and a pharmacy are a block from the quay (OpenStreetMap).

Best for

Base for the Epidaurus theatres and festival nights

Season

Apr-Oct; exposed to rare easterlies; packed on festival weekends (late June-August)

Nearby