A visit to the famous Epidavros amphitheatre, constructed in the 4th Century BC, is one of the many highlights of an Epidavros Flotilla. Regarded as one of the most important monuments in Greece – and that’s saying something when you think about how many important monuments there are in Greece! – the amphitheatre was rediscovered in the nineteenth century.

Built to seat fifteen thousand spectators, Epidavros is still used to stage performances of classical dramas by Sophocles, Euripides and Aeschylus and, even if it’s all Greek to you (sorry!), the opportunity to attend should not be missed – plan ahead to make sure that you get tickets. The acoustics are still impeccable and it is said that a rustle of paper or a coin dropping in the orchestra pit can be heard by those sitting in the farthest seats away. The theatre is just one part of the ancient sanctuary of Asklepina, set in a thyme and pine-scented wooded valley and dedicated to Asklepios, Apollo’s son and the god of healing.

In effect this was a spa that drew fashionable visitors to its hotels and entertainment facilities in ancient times and you can see the ruins of these buildings and also of the many hospitals that ministered to ailing visitors. It is now a World Heritage Site that is under constant reconstruction and restoration. The beach resort of Palaia-Epidavros is nearby and offers good facilities to visiting sailors on an Epidavros Flotilla with a selection of tavernas dotted around the harbour. There are some open Mycenean tombs on the outskirts of the town and a small theatre with musical performances during the summer.