Apollo’s path

Hiking in the healing land of Epidaurus

Hotspots

• See the archeological site of the Sanctuary of Asclepius from above; panoramic view of 250 meters altitude. (Apart from your classical visit to see the ancient theatre with its amazing acoustics)
• “Twisted olive tree of Hercules”
• More hidden ancient treasures – ruins
• Archaeological site of Apollo Malateas (The unknown first part of the healing center of Epidaurus)
• Unforgettable views
• Hiking in the healing land of Epidaurus through olive farms and churches
• English-speaking local tour escort
• Traditional snack or surprise picnic
• Transportation to and from the site, if needed

Epidaurus is the birthplace of Medicine, the area chosen by the gods for your spiritual and physical health. On this Grecopaths tour, your tour escort will take you for an inspirational walk/hiking tour through the healing land of Epidaurus with its breathtaking nature.
After or before your visit to the archeological site of Asclepius with its impressive ancient theatre, you will see and experience more treasures of antiquity on your walk.
In ancient Greek time, pilgrims travelled to the Sanctuary of their god of medicine, Asclepius. The wise ancient Greeks believed not only in medication in order to heal themselves but also in the combination of mental and physical health: Exercise, diet, rest, music and theatre were important as well.
Exactly that is going to be your Grecopaths experience!
Our hiking tour in the healing land of Epidaurus starts next to the archeological site. Walking through olive farms, your tour escort will lead you to the “twisted olive tree of Hercules”. The traveler and historian Pausanias mentioned this olive tree in his writings of the 2nd century AD. Admire and embrace this olive tree that is thousands of years old and still produces olives today.
We will continue our walk and while going uphill to the church of Saint Anna, your tour escort can show you more treasures of ancient times that are hidden in the olive farms: Remains of a temple, a channeling water system, part of the ancient road with its authentic pavement, and even an aqueduct!
When we reach the highest point of our walk, we will arrive at the first sanctuary of healing, the archeological site of Apollo Malateas, which is still under renovation. Before we go on, we will have a rest and enjoy the amazing panoramic views!
Going downhill on our circular walk the road will bring us back to our starting point: the archeological site of Asclepius, where we will have time for sharing your experiences/questions with your tour escort.

Extras

• More sightseeing in the area by car possible, as well as olive oil tasting, picnic, lunch, visit locals in traditional villages
• More walking – extending this path is going up to the holy peak of Epidaurus called Kinortion; 850 meters altitude with about 3 extra hours of walking
• Mountain bike with electric bikes too is also available, while visiting a nearby monastery with nuns.
• Dinner or lunch at home at a local’s house, seeing their loom and the other traditional artifacts.

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Important Information