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Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025: theater, music and culture in Greece
The Festival of Athens and Epidaurus 2025 will take place from June 27 to August 23. It c celebrates 70 years of uninterrupted artistic creation. Organized by Hellenic Festival S.A., it remains one of Europe’s most prestigious cultural festivals. Its program combines classical theater, opera, music, contemporary dance and interdisciplinary performances.
Performances take place in iconic locations. In Athens, theOdeon of Herod Atticus, an ancient jewel from the 1st century, hosts shows at the foot of the Acropolis. In Epidaurus, two legendary sites take over: the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, famous for its perfect acoustics. And the Little Theatre of Epidaurus, located near the port of the ancient town of Palea Epidavros. In addition, the Peiraios 260 space offers more daring and experimental programming.
Accessible to all, the festival offers shuttle buses from Athens, affordable prices and a multilingual online ticketing service. Every year, it attracts spectators from all over the world: fans of Greek tragedies, music lovers, tourists and locals alike. The 2025 edition promises to be particularly rich. In particular, with Greek and international directors. There will also be new collaborations and an emphasis on the ancient repertoire.
Official dates of the Festival of Athens and Epidaurus 2025
The Festival d’Athènes et d’Épidaure 2025 will run from June 1 to August 24, 2025, a period of more than two months. This summer period follows the festival’s tradition of open-air evenings, long bright days and a climate conducive to artistic discovery.
Every summer, the festival structures its calendar around three main hubs: Athens, Epidaurus, and contemporary venues such as Peiraios 260. The first performances begin in early June in the Greek capital. Performances at theAncient Theatre of Epidaurus generally run until the last fortnight of August.
This staggered program welcomes residents and international travelers alike. The public can organize their stay around one or more events. What’s more, the dates are published in advance on the festival’s official website. This breakdown also helps the organizers to divide up the disciplines: ancient theater, classical music, experimental creations or contemporary dance.
Almost 90 days of continuous programming
With almost 90 days of performances, the Festival d’Athènes et d’Épidaure 2025 offers a summer season of rare density. The schedule alternates between weekday evenings in Athens, notably at theOdeon of Herod Atticus, and weekends in the Peloponnese, at the two ancient theaters of Epidaurus.
This rhythm, well established for several years now, allows visitors to compose their own experience. Not least according to their dates of stay. For example, travelers in Athens for a few days in July can attend a concert. Or a show in an exceptional setting. And classical theater fans can visit Epidaurus on weekends in July and August.
What’s more, the festival has in mind both local residents and holidaymakers passing through Greece. The festival’s three-month duration makes access to the shows much more flexible. As a result, it’s possible to experience a unique evening in the heart of antiquity, even during a short stay.
A cultural summer punctuated by three highlights during the Athens Festival and Epidaurus 2025
The Festival d’Athènes et d’Épidaure 2025 is structured around three major highlights, spread throughout the summer.
June: Official launch in Athens
The festival kicks off on June 1, 2025 with an official opening at theOdeon of Herod Atticus. This is the emblematic monument at the foot of the Acropolis. The first evenings feature contemporary creations. With international directors and choreographers. In particular, at Peiraios 260, an industrial space converted into an artistic performance venue.
July: Tragedies return to Epidaurus
From July onwards, performances move toEpidaurus’ Ancient Theatre. Famous for its exceptional acoustics. This mythical venue welcomes the great Greek tragedies. Like Œdipe Roi, Les Bacchantes or Antigone, staged by major figures in European theater. The more intimate Little Theatre offers experimental formats, often linked to ancient memory.
August: International concerts and shows
August brings the festival to a close in style, with a series of concerts, foreign shows and new musical creations. Athens once again becomes the epicenter of the festival, notably around theOdeon of Herod Atticus. This venue hosts symphony orchestras, opera singers and electro-acoustic performances. The official closing of the festival is scheduled for August 24, 2025.
Epidaurus evenings: a weekend cultural ritual
The Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 reserves performances in Epidaurus mainly for Friday and Saturday evenings, following a well-established tradition. This weekly schedule makes it easy for audiences to organize a weekend cultural getaway from Athens.
Timetables adapted to the climate and atmosphere
What’s more, shows start at 9:00 p.m., the ideal time to enjoy the cool night air after a summer’s day. This timing also allows for an immersive theatrical experience in a historic setting. As the sky darkens over the ancient theater of Epidaurus, famous for its perfect acoustics and natural panorama.
Logistics designed with visitors in mind
Thanks to the special shuttle service available from Athens, spectators can reach Epidaurus without a care in the world. So it’s perfectly possible to attend a grandiose show in the evening, then return to Athens at night. This organization facilitates access to the site, even for short-stay visitors.
A unique atmosphere every weekend
Every weekend, Epidaurus is transformed into a Mecca of ancient drama. The atmosphere is both festive and sacred, with respect for tradition and modern staging. Watching Medea, The Persians or Iphigenia in Tauris in this thousand-year-old setting is a rare experience not to be missed.
Online bookings: anticipate your cultural experience for the Festival of Athens and Epidaurus 2025
The full program of the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 will be published in spring 2025 on the official website greekfestival.gr. As soon as the shows are announced, we strongly recommend that you reserve your seats as soon as possible. Particularly for performances in the coveted ancient theater of Epidaurus.
To simplify access, all reservations are made online via a modern ticketing system, accessible from a smartphone or computer. Each show is accompanied by a full description, visuals, practical information and a seating plan. As a result, you can choose your category, discount options and print or download your ticket in just a few clicks.
Performances at Epidaurus, particularly those of Greek tragedies, attract large crowds. Due to limited capacity (around 14,000 seats) and international interest, the best seats are snapped up in a matter of days. So booking early gives you access to well-placed seats at a preferential rate.
Last but not least, the site offers ticketing access in Greek and English, with clear details of each event. As a result, international visitors can plan their visit with ease, adapting their travel schedule to the festival’s program.
Access and transport for the Festival of Athens and Epidaurus 2025
The Festival of Athens and Epidaurus 2025 makes it easy to get around, with several options designed with spectators in mind. From Athens, access to the various sites is easy. Whether you’re aiming for a show in theOdeon of Herod Atticus, in Peiraios 260, or in the ancient theaters of Epidaurus.
Athens is well served by public transport: metro (line 2, Acropoli station), buses and cabs run late into the evening. For those who prefer to come by car, parking is available close to the Odeon. It is advisable to arrive at least 45 minutes before the start of the show.
For Epidaurus, official shuttles depart from Athens. They take two hours to reach the site, and ensure a safe return journey after the show. These shuttles can be booked online, often in addition to the entrance ticket, simplifying organization for international visitors.
By car, it’s about a 2-hour drive from Athens to Epidaurus. On-site parking is available at no extra charge. However, it’s best to leave in the early afternoon, especially on busy evenings, to avoid delays on arrival.
Last but not least, adapted reception facilities are available for people with reduced mobility, particularly in Athens. It is important to indicate this when booking, to guarantee personalized assistance.
Easy access to the Athens Festival and Epidaurus 2025 sites
For spectators of the Athens Festival and Epidaurus 2025, temporary shuttle buses run from Athens to the ancient theater of Epidaurus. Departure is usually from Syntagma or the port of Piraeus, at times to suit each performance. With a journey time of around 2 h 30, you can arrive comfortably before the start of the show.
In Athens, theOdeon of Herod Atticus is located at the foot of the Acropolis. It is easily accessible by metro, via the Syntagma (line 2) or Acropolis (line 2) stations, both just a few minutes’ walk from the theater. What’s more, visitors can use the tourist bus lines or the many evening cabs to reach this emblematic site.
At Epidaurus, shuttle buses drop visitors off right next to the large ancient theater, eliminating any parking problems. It is also possible to access the site by private car, with free on-site parking. This service is very popular with tourists, and is particularly recommended for those who don’t want to drive at night.
These connections change regularly, with information updated on the official festival website. It is therefore advisable to reserve your seat at the same time as your show tickets, especially for the popular performances scheduled for July.
How to get to Epidaurus by car and parking
Getting to Epidaurus by car remains a practical option for visitors seeking greater flexibility. An official parking lot, located in the immediate vicinity of the archaeological site, is available for the duration of the festival. However, spaces are limited and must be reserved in advance via the official Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 website.
To encourage an eco-responsible approach, the festival also offers an organized car-sharing system. A dedicated form makes it possible to propose or join a shared journey from Athens or other major Greek cities. This initiative is supported by the Ministry of Culture. It aims to reduce environmental impact while facilitating access to the ancient theater.
The roads leading to Epidaurus are signposted throughout the summer. Temporary signs clearly indicate routes and parking areas. Finally, special signage is put in place on performance evenings to keep traffic flowing and avoid the frequent traffic jams in the Argolid Valley.
Coming to the Festival of Athens and Epidaurus 2025 by train: a practical alternative from Athens
For spectators who don’t wish to drive, it is possible to take the regional train from Athens to Kiato station (Peloponnese line). This comfortable, regular service takes around 1.5 hours from Athens Central Station(Larissis Station) to Kiato.
On performance days at Epidaurus’ ancient theater, a special shuttle bus links Kiato station directly to the Epidaurus site in just over an hour. This combined train-shuttle service avoids traffic jams and saves time during busy periods.
The festival recommends that you book this trip in advance via the official website or the transport partners listed in the “Access” section. This makes it an ideal solution for car-free travelers, tourists passing through, or those wishing to discover the region while limiting their ecological impact.
Accessibility for all: the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 opens to spectators with reduced mobility
The Festival d’Athènes et d’Épidaure 2025 is committed to ensuring access to its venues for people with reduced mobility. At the Odeon of Herod Atticus, reserved seating is available upon reservation. The site also has an access ramp on the side. Adapted toilets are located near the main entrance.
At the ancient theater of Epidaurus, a dedicated area at orchestra level has been designed to accommodate wheelchairs. Although the terrain remains slightly uneven, a signposted path provides gradual access to this flat area.
For the duration of the festival, identifiable volunteers are present on the sites. Their role is to guide visitors, respond to specific needs, and help people with physical limitations to settle in. It is advisable to inform us of any special needs when booking, so that we can provide the best possible support.
How do I get to the Festival of Athens and Epidaurus 2025 from the center of Athens?
For shows in Athens, take metro line 2 to Acropoli, a stone's throw from the Odeon of Herod Atticus. For Epidaurus, book an official shuttle bus from the center (approx. 2 hrs. 30 min. journey) via the festival website. Alternatively, drive or take the train to Kiato, then take the shuttle bus to the theater. Parking is available on site, subject to reservation.
Two exceptional ancient sites for unforgettable shows
The Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 takes place in two jewels of Greek heritage. TheOdeon of Herod Atticus, located on the southern slopes of theAcropolis in Athens. And the Grand Theatre of Epidaurus, in the heart of the ancient sacred city dedicated to Asclepius.
TheOdeon, built in 161 AD by the wealthy consul Herod Atticus as a tribute to his deceased wife, can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. It’s famous for its solemn atmosphere, marble stage and remarkable acoustics. Every summer, the greatest names in contemporary music, theater and dance perform here, blending art and history under the stars of Athens.
In Epidaurus, the ancient theater of the IVᵉ century BC, designed by Polyclitus the Younger, is one of the best preserved of antiquity. It offers 14,000 seats, a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside, and legendary acoustics: a whisper on stage is audible right down to the last row. This venue hosts the tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides in new stagings, while remaining faithful to the spirit of classical Greek theater.
These two UNESCO World Heritage sites are more than just backdrops. They play an integral part in the festival experience, creating a rare immersion between live performance and ancient memory.
The Odeon of Herod Atticus: between Roman heritage and contemporary creation
Located on the southern slope of the Athens Acropolis, theOdeon of Herod Atticus was erected in 161 AD by Herod Atticus, a wealthy Roman patron and philosopher, in memory of his wife Regilla. Able to seat around 5,000 spectators, this semicircular theater retains a monumental allure thanks to its pentelic marble tiers and stage surrounded by antique columns.
Every summer, the Odeon becomes the vibrant heart of the Athens Festival, welcoming symphony concerts. Also available, international operas, classical ballets and contemporary theater. Renowned artists such as Maria Callas, Leonard Cohen, Jean-Louis Barrault and Nana Mouskouri have performed here, in a setting steeped in spirituality and history.
Renovated in 1957 to accommodate the first modern editions of the festival, the Odeon combines ancient elegance with stage technology. Finally, its position facing the Propylaea, its openness to the Attic sky and its natural acoustics make it an exceptional venue, where every performance becomes a memorable experience.
The Grand Theatre of Epidaurus: an ancient masterpiece for the performing arts
Built in the 4th century BC by the architect Polyclitus the Younger, the Grand Theatre of Epidaurus is one of the jewels of ancient Greek architecture. It can accommodate up to 13,000 spectators, spread over 55 rows of finely carved limestone tiers. As a result, its exceptional acoustics allow a bare voice to be heard from the stage, even from the highest tiers, a feat still admired by modern acousticians.
Set in a valley of pine, olive and cypress trees, the theater is part of the sanctuary ofAsclepius, god of medicine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What’ s more, performances take place outdoors, mainly on Friday and Saturday evenings, to take advantage of the cool evening air and the majestic setting.
Every year, the festival presents major works of Greek theater. Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes rub shoulders with contemporary authors. In addition, international companies from France, Japan and the UK perform alongside Greek troupes, offering a rich, multilingual program.
To attend a show here is to enjoy a timeless experience. Indeed, it’s the meeting of the ancient stage and modern voices, in a sacred place where art mingles with history.
Peiraios 260 and alternative venues: the contemporary scene on the loose for the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025
Every year, the Festival of Athens and Epidaurus uses contemporary spaces alongside ancient sites to host the most audacious creations. The most emblematic of these venues is undoubtedly Peiraios 260, a former textile factory located in the Tavros district, just a few minutes from the center of Athens. Transformed into an experimental artistic platform, this urban wasteland houses several modular stages, workshops and industrial halls, where contemporary dance, immersive theater, visual performances and sound installations follow one another.
Since it was first used by the festival in 2006, Peiraios 260 has become the beating heart of the Greek alternative scene. Companies such as Odc Ensemble, Nova Melancholia and European collectives present works that question contemporary society, often with a radical aesthetic. As a result, the venue attracts a young, international audience in search of innovative artistic experiences.
In addition, the festival collaborates with partner archaeological sites, such as theSchool of Aristotle or the ancient Lavrio quarries, to host in situ performances. These projects reinforce the dialogue between heritage and contemporary creation, drawing on the raw beauty of the site.
This openness to hybrid artistic forms confirms the festival’s role as a major European platform for experimentation and the cross-fertilization of disciplines.
Shows in 2025: a structured calendar between Athens and Epidaurus
For the 2025 edition, the Festival of Athens and Epidaurus retains a tried-and-tested temporal organization. Each period of the summer is dedicated to specific types of shows and emblematic venues, according to a well-honed logic that makes planning easier for spectators.
June to July: the Athenian stage takes center stage. TheOdeon of Herod Atticus, at the foot of the Acropolis, hosts concerts, operas and ballets. Evenings often start at 9:00 pm, under the stars. It’s also during this period that contemporary creations come to life at Peiraios 260. Early June sees theofficial opening of the festival, sometimes accompanied by screenings or tributes to great figures on the Greek scene.
July to August: on Fridays and Saturdays, all eyes turn to the Grand Theatre of Epidaurus. This historic site, built in the 4th century BC, hosts the great Greek tragedies (Euripides, Sophocles, Aeschylus) as well as modern adaptations. Spectators flock from Athens and all over Europe to enjoy this theatrical experience in the heart of nature.
June to September: one-off events are organized in more confidential venues such as the Petit Théâtre d’Épidaure, partner museums and regional archaeological sites. These alternative events offer the chance to discover more intimate or experimental art forms.
What are the main venues for the Athens Festival and Epidaurus 2025?
The Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 takes place in two major venues. In Athens, performances take place in the Odeon of Herod Atticus, an ancient amphitheatre beneath the Acropolis, ideal for concerts and modern plays. In Epidaurus, performances take place in the ancient theater, famous for its acoustics and great classical tragedies. Other events take place in partner venues such as Peiraios 260, dedicated to contemporary art. The festival is thus divided between historical heritage and innovative creations.
A 2025 program combining classical traditions and contemporary creations
The Festival d’Athènes et d’Épidaure 2025 is distinguished by an exceptionally rich artistic program. This year’s edition combines the great classics of ancient theater with contemporary shows, international concerts, ballets and experimental performances, creating a lively dialogue between heritage and innovation.
Summer evenings at theHerod Atticus Odeon feature symphony concerts under the stars, Greek and international operas, and major ballets, with artists such as Maria Farantouri, Teodor Currentzis, and guest companies such as theGreek National Opera.
At the ancient theater of Epidaurus, the focus is on Greek tragedies. In 2025, audiences will be able to rediscover Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, Euripides’ Bacchae and Aeschylus’ Persians, all directed by renowned artists such as Theodoros Terzopoulos and Stathis Livathinos. English surtitles are generally available to cater for international audiences.
The Peiraios 260, in Athens, remains the preferred venue for contemporary creations, immersive installations and interdisciplinary performances. For example, artists such as Loukia Alavanou and Elli Papakonstantinou present works at the frontier of theater, video and digital art.
Finally, satellite venues such as the Little Theatre of Epidaurus or partner archaeological sites host more intimate shows, often featuring poetry, traditional music or documentary narratives.
Greek tragedies at the ancient theater of Epidaurus: between tradition and modernity
In 2025, the ancient theater of Epidaurus remains true to its original mission: to make the great voices of Greek theater resound in the mythical setting of a UNESCO-listed monument. Every summer, this 4th-century BC sacred site hosts masterful performances of the works ofAeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides, played to an audience of over 13,000.
Among the pieces announced for this edition are :
– Euripides’ Bacchae, in a version that respects the original text, with minimalist, choral staging.
– Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, reinterpreted by a contemporary director, combining ancient masks and video projection.
Tragedies are performed in modern or ancient Greek, often with English surtitles. The stagings vary from respect for ancient codes, such as traditional costumes, choir circles and period music, to contemporary reinterpretations incorporating visual technologies or feminist approaches.
To attend a performance at Epidaurus is to enjoy an immersive experience, surrounded by pine-covered mountains, starry skies and legendary acoustics. Indeed, this theater, considered the most perfect in the ancient world, makes every word audible without amplification, even from the back rows.
This not-to-be-missed event at the Festival of Athens and Epidaurus attracts both enlightened enthusiasts and travelers curious to discover living antiquity.
Peiraios 260: the contemporary stage for the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025
In Athens, Peiraios 260 has established itself as the vibrant heart of contemporary stage creation. Housed in a restored former factory. This alternative venue offers international artists a raw setting. But it’s also modular and conducive to experimentation. By 2025, it will be hosting a daring program of events focusing on artistic innovation and hybrid forms.
Directors from France, Germany, Japan and Korea present their latest creations. Among the expected artists are choreographer Rachid Ouramdane. As well as director Sankai Juku (Japan). But also Susanne Kennedy (Germany), renowned for her pieces combining video, performance and sound theater.
Peiraios 260’s shows combine contemporary text, immersive technologies, electronic music and choreographic movement. Some projects explore climate issues, while others question identity, memory or social fractures. As a result, this cross-fertilization of disciplines attracts a young, cosmopolitan and inquisitive audience, often not present in traditional venues such as the Odéon.
Unlike Epidaurus, silence here is not sacred, but dynamic. Spectators sometimes participate in the performances, being invited to rethink their role. As a result, each evening offers a sensory experience, extended by discussions, installations or outdoor DJ sets.
With its industrial atmosphere, Peiraios 260 has established itself as the Athens Festival‘s laboratory, and as one of the most innovative spaces on the current European scene.
Concerts and operas at the Herod Atticus Odeon: a sound setting beneath the Acropolis
In 2025, theOdeon of Herod Atticus continues to offer exceptional acoustics for the great musical evenings of the Athens and Epidaurus Festival. Located on a hillside at the foot of the Acropolis, this IIᵉ century Roman theater is one of the Festival’s most emblematic venues. As such, every performance here becomes an experience of its own, combining heritage and musical emotion.
Throughout the summer, symphonic concerts, stage operas, solo recitals and contemporary musical creations follow one another. In 2025, one of the highlights will be the anniversary concert of theAthens National Orchestra, with a program paying tribute to Greek composers of the XXᵉ century, from Manos Hadjidakis to Mikis Theodorakis.
A world premiere inspired by Greek mythology, by contemporary composer Giorgos Koumendakis, is also on the program. This show fuses orchestral music, lyrical song and visual projections, for a dreamlike reading of the Metamorphoses.
The unique setting of the Odeon transforms every evening into a ritual. The audience, seated on the marble bleachers, enjoys a direct view of the illuminated Propylaea. Indeed, the site, though steeped in history, remains accessible, with adapted seating for people with reduced mobility.
In 2025, the Odeon confirms its role as a living bridge between ancient heritage and contemporary creation, offering music lovers from all over the world an unforgettable encounter at the crossroads of the arts.
Artistic experimentation at Peiraios 260: when the visual arts meet the stage
In 2025, Peiraios 260 confirms its role as a laboratory for the Athens and Epidaurus Festival. Located in a rehabilitated former industrial zone close to the city center, this space is home to hybrid art forms, blending the performing arts with the visual arts.
Here, spectators discover immersive installations, site-specific performances and participatory projects designed to interact with the audience. Indeed, these formats are often developed by European or Asian artists, questioning our relationship with the stage, space and narrative. As a result, each creation transforms the former warehouses into zones of sensory and intellectual experience.
In 2025, French collective La Horde returns with a creation combining post-internet dance and live video projections. Another project from Germany explores urban memory through sounds recorded in the streets of Athens. Meanwhile, a Japanese performance entitled Echoes of Silence blends moving sculpture and traditional song in an uncluttered staging.
Peiraios 260 attracts a young, curious and international audience, sensitive to the crossroads between disciplines. What’s more, the meetings organized with the artists at the end of the evening reinforce the dialogue between creation and reception. As a result, the venue has become an essential hub for stage experimentation in Greece.
Which shows are scheduled for the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025?
The Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 offers a varied selection of shows, from Greek tragedies to contemporary creations. In Epidaurus, classic works such as Œdipe Roi, Les Bacchantes and Prométhée enchaîné will be performed in July and August in the ancient theater. In Athens, the Odeon of Herod Atticus will host symphonic concerts, ballets and modern theater with renowned artists such as Sasha Waltz, Peter Brook and Ivo van Hove. Other shows will be held in the alternative spaces of Peiraios 260, dedicated to innovative art forms.
A multiple scenic geography: between heritage and contemporary creation
The Festival d’Athènes et d’Épidaure 2025 is distinguished by its fragmented artistic geography. Indeed, it is not limited to a single theater, but spans several emblematic venues, each with its own strong imagination and unique atmosphere.
The ancient theater of Epidaurus, a jewel dating back to the 4th century BC, hosts the great Greek tragedies. Its reputation rests on its perfect acoustics, its capacity of over 13,000 spectators, and its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it a mythical stage.
In Athens, the sumptuous Odeon of Herod Atticusis set against the backdrop of the Acropolis and hosts concerts and operas under the stars. With its marble tiers and view of the Propylaea, it embodies the living link between the past and contemporary creation.
Further south, Peiraios 260, a former industrial wasteland converted into a cultural center, has become a testing ground for the most innovative forms: immersive theater, hybrid installations and audiovisual performances.
At the same time, certain archaeological sites and outdoor spaces serve as occasional settings for in situ creations. These daring and poetic choices of location make the festival an itinerant experience through Greek history and contemporary art forms.
This spatial diversity contributes to the festival’s success. It enables the public to discover works in appropriate contexts, and to experience culture in its most embodied dimension.
The ancient theater of Epidaurus: a masterpiece of harmony and acoustics
Polyclitus the Younger built the theater at Epidaurus around 340 BC. It remains one of the most emblematic monuments of ancient Greece. It could accommodate up to 14,000 spectators, spread over 55 rows of perfectly curved tiers. What’ s more, UNESCO has declared the site a World Heritage Site, and considers it a model of architectural balance and sound engineering.
Its legendary acoustics let you hear a whisper from the stage to the back row. Indeed, the natural slope, elliptical layout and materials such as local limestone create this feat, which is still studied today.
Every summer, the theater becomes the setting for the Athens and Epidaurus Festival. As a result, audiences enjoy the great Greek tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles or Euripides, performed in modern or ancient Greek, in sober or daring stagings. Moreover, in 2025, performances of “Les Bacchantes” and “Œdipe Roi” aroused great interest.
The experience of a show at Epidaurus is unforgettable. The theater opens onto a landscape of pine and olive trees, bathed in a spiritual and cosmic atmosphere. What’s more, the moonrise, the silence of the audience and the purity of the sound create a rare emotional immersion, blending art, nature and memory.
The Odeon of Herod Atticus: an ancient theater in the heart of Athens
Set against the southern slopes of the Acropolis, theOdeon of Herod Atticus is a masterpiece of the Roman world, built in 161 AD by the wealthy patron Herod Atticus as a tribute to his deceased wife. Its semi-circular plan and white marble tiers make it both majestic and intimate.
The theater can accommodate around 5,000 spectators. What’s more, it boasts remarkable acoustics, a restored stage wall and an exceptional location at the foot of Athens’ most emblematic monuments. Indeed, from its tiers, the audience enjoys a direct view of the Propylaea and the Parthenon, creating a sacred atmosphere.
Every year, the site hosts the openings and grand evenings of the Athens and Epidaurus Festivals. In 2025, it will offer classical music concerts, open-air operas and international ballets. In addition, the site has already welcomed major artists such as Maria Callas, Leonard Cohen and Sting, reinforcing its worldwide prestige.
Easily accessible from the Syntagma and Acropolis metro stations, it’s one of the most popular festival sites. What’ s more, its night-time charm, illuminated stones and urban setting make it unique in the Mediterranean.
Peiraios 260: the contemporary stage for the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025
Located in a former industrial wasteland on Peiraios Avenue, this rehabilitated complex has become the beating heart of contemporary creation in Greece. Peiraios 260 offers a series of modular stages in several renovated warehouses, where new theatrical, choreographic and visual forms are experimented with.
Since becoming part of the Athens and Epidaurus Festival in 2010, the venue has welcomed Greek and international artists, often for European premieres. In 2025, programming includes artists from France, Germany, South Korea and Lebanon, in projects combining contemporary dance, immersive installations, video and electronic music.
Peiraios 260 attracts a young, curious and cosmopolitan audience in search of radical artistic forms. What’s more, performances here are often multilingual, with surtitles in English and Greek. This alternative venue ideally complements the experience of ancient theaters, showing that the Greek scene also lives in the present.
Finally, Peiraios 260 is easily accessible from central Athens by streetcar or cab. Its raw atmosphere, spacious halls and movable bleachers create a unique proximity between spectators and artists. As a result, it is one of the few spaces in Greece to offer a direct dialogue between contemporary art and industrial heritage.
Alternative venues for unique experiences at the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025
In addition to the main venues, each year the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 takes over alternative sites with strong symbolic and artistic potential. This strategy allows the performing arts to interact with emblematic sites in Athens that are often inaccessible to the public under normal circumstances.
Among these spaces is theAthens School of Fine Arts (ASFA), housed in a former 19thᵉ century tobacco factory. This venue hosts performances, plastic installations or scenic readings, in direct connection with new generations of artists. The aim is to open up the festival to young Greek and European talent, while blending creation and training.
Another must-see site is Technopolis, the former gasworks in the Gazi district, transformed into a cultural space. With its rehabilitated industrial buildings, cobbled courtyards and open-air terraces, it offers a lively urban setting, perfect for concerts, hybrid performances and screenings.
Finally, some shows take place in archaeological sites or museums, such as the Benaki Museum, the courtyard of the Acropolis Museum or even the terraces of the Lycabettus. These choices reveal a nocturnal, cultural and creative Athens that’s off the beaten tourist track.
Thanks to these alternative venues, the festival showcases the entire urban fabric of Athens and attracts an increasingly curious audience. The festival links heritage, modernity and contemporary creation in a bold and coherent way.
Booking and prices for the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025: accessibility and simplicity
Ticketing for the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 has been fully digitized, making it accessible to all. Visitors can purchase their tickets via the official website (greekfestival.gr). Sales will open in spring 2025, when the full program is announced. This platform enables seamless booking, in English and Greek, with a precise choice of seats, dates and categories.
The festival offers affordable prices while promoting the artistic richness of the shows. Prices vary according to a number of criteria, including
Location (Herod Atticus’ Odeon, ancient theater of Epidaurus, Peiraios 260)
Type of show (tragedy, concert, contemporary creation)
The chosen seat (classic, front-row, side seats)
In 2024, prices ranged from €10 to €45, depending on the performance. In 2025, the festival expects a similar price structure, with discounts for :
Students, senior citizens, job-seekers
School and association groups
Beneficiaries of European cultural programs
The festival strongly recommends booking in advance, especially for shows at Epidaurus, which often sell out several weeks before the performance.
Thanks to this inclusive pricing policy, the festival attracts both local and international audiences. It thus reinforces its popular, democratic and pan-Hellenic dimension, in keeping with the spirit of Greek tragedy.
How to book tickets for the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025?
Official bookings can be made via the aefestival.gr website, available in Greek and English.
For those wishing to purchase their tickets on site, physical ticket offices are also available:
At the Odeon of Herod Atticus, at the foot of the Acropolis, for shows in Athens.
In Epidaurus, near the entrances to the two theaters (Grand Theatre and Little Theatre), on performance nights.
However, on-site availability is limited. Performances at Epidaurus are often sold out several days in advance, especially for the great tragedies or flagship creations.
E-tickets can be presented directly on smartphones at the entrance. The festival strongly recommends booking online to avoid queues and last-minute disappointments.
What are the prices of the Athens Festival and Epidaurus 2025 shows?
The Festival d’Athènes et d’Épidaure 2025 proposes a diversified pricing policy to remain accessible to all audiences, while enhancing the value of the venues and the quality of the productions.
At the Herod Atticus Odeon, prices start at €10 for the upper tiers. The best seats, in boxes or center rows, can fetch up to €85, especially for symphony concerts or prestige performances. Prices vary according to the reputation of the artists, the staging and the date of the show.
Shows programmed at Peiraios 260, a venue dedicated to contemporary creations and experimental forms, are more affordable, generally between €10 and €30. Some participatory or immersive events may offer a single price.
At Epidaurus, entrance fees average between €15 and €55, depending on the category chosen and the show. Special discounts are available for students, the unemployed, senior citizens, and school or cultural groups.
The official website specifies seat categories, fees and refund or exchange conditions for each sale opening, ensuring complete transparency for visitors.
How much will a ticket to the ancient theater of Epidaurus cost in 2025?
In 2025, ticket prices at the ancient theater of Epidaurus range from €15 to €60, depending on the seat category. The upper tiers offer a more affordable rate, while the lower rows, closer to the stage, fetch the highest prices. This system allows everyone to enjoy a show at this mythical venue, whatever their budget.
Performances at Epidaurus are among the most popular of the festival. Reservations several weeks in advance are therefore highly recommended, especially for classic plays such as Oedipus Rex and The Bacchae, which attract large audiences of tourists and lovers of ancient theater alike.
The festival also offers several discounts, including for :
students ,
people with disabilities,
school and association groups ,
and sometimes for Greek residents on presentation of supporting documents.
Tickets are available on the official website (aefestival.gr), with a clear booking system, a multilingual interface, and the option of choosing your location directly from the map.
What are the purchasing conditions and reduced rates at the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025?
Tickets for the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 are non-exchangeable and non-refundable, except in the event ofofficial cancellation of the show. This policy guarantees the logistical organization of events and the stability of bookings, especially at historic venues such as the ancient theater of Epidaurus.
Preferential rates are offered to several categories of public:
young people under 25,
seniors over 65,
members of Greek or European cultural institutions (associations, art schools, drama or music students),
people with disabilities.
To benefit from these reductions, you need to show proof of entitlement when booking or at the entrance to the show.
The festival also offers certain pass formulas. These allow you to attend several shows at a reduced price, often valid for performances in the same venue (Odeon of Herod Atticus, Epidaurus, Peiraios 260). These multi-entry passes are limited in number and available only on the official website from spring 2025.
Finally, group offers are available for schools, universities and cultural associations. Please contact the ticketing department to organize a group visit.
Audience and atmosphere at the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025
Every year, the Festival of Athens and Epidaurus attracts a large and diverse audience, mixing Greek spectators with international visitors. These include ancient theater enthusiasts, opera lovers, experimental performance enthusiasts and tourists seeking a unique cultural experience in Greece.
Festival venues have a strong influence on audience profiles. For example, at theOdeon of Herod Atticus, located at the foot of the Acropolis, the audience is particularly cosmopolitan, often attracted by the great names of the music and opera scene.
On the other hand, the ancient theater of Epidaurus, with its classical tragedies and Greek comedies, attracts historians, teachers, students of classical literature and fans of faithful or revisited stagings.
Peiraios 260 also caters mainly for young, urban audiences with a passion for the visual arts, contemporary theater and hybrid forms.
What’s more, the foreign creators who attend every summer reinforce the festival’s international influence, particularly with European audiences. French, Italian, German and Korean spectators plan their stay in Greece around the program, especially for the weekend performances in Epidaurus.
Finally, the festival’s inclusive identity is also based on affordable prices, artistic diversity and multiple venues. In this way, everyone can compose their own cultural itinerary and enjoy a unique experience.
A loyal audience at the Festival of Athens and Epidaurus 2025
Every summer, the Festival of Athens and Epidaurus brings together a loyal core of Athenians, particularly attached to the performances at theOdeon of Herod Atticus. Located at the foot of the Acropolis, this historic site allows the capital’s inhabitants to attend top-quality shows in a prestigious setting, without leaving the city.
Season tickets and online pre-sales are a big hit with this local audience. Many spectators reserve their seats as soon as the box office opens, to guarantee their access to the most eagerly-awaited events in the 2025 program.
This regular audience, often passionate about theater, dance or classical music, helps keep the festival alive all summer long. Thanks to its proximity to the city center, easyaccess by public transport and the dive
An international audience at the Festival of Athens and Epidaurus 2025
The ancient theater of Epidaurus attracts visitors from all over the world every summer. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 4th-century BC jewel is famous for its exceptional acoustics and natural setting. Attending a Greek tragedy on these millennia-old bleachers is a unique cultural experience.
To ensure accessibility for as many people as possible, shows are performed in modern or ancient Greek, with English surtitles. This solution enables international tourists to follow the plot while enjoying the stage performance. Spectators can discover the great texts of Aeschylus, Sophocles or Euripides in their original setting, without language barriers.
Many visitors choose to combine the performance with a visit to the archaeological site of Epidaurus, which includes the sanctuary of Asclepius and the remains of the theater. This approach offers total immersion in the history and aesthetics of ancient Greece. Thanks to the shuttle bus service from Athens, a warm welcome and the beauty of the landscape, the Festival is a must for all lovers of art, history and architecture.
Three atmospheres, three experiences
Epidaurus has a unique and striking atmosphere. The ancient theater, nestled in the heart of a thousand-year-old sanctuary, imposes a sacred silence. As a result, every performance becomes a living tribute to Greek tragedy. Audiences arrive at the end of the day, often after visiting the Asclepius archaeological site. What’s more, the natural setting, the golden evening light and the perfect resonance of the voices create a solemn, timeless atmosphere. Even contemporary creations respect this ancient ritual, in keeping with the spirit of the place.
At Peiraios 260, on the other hand, the atmosphere changes radically. This alternative cultural center, housed in a former factory, attracts a young, curious and open-minded audience. As a result, spectators discover experimental performances combining theater, video, dance and plastic installations. Moveable tiers, open stages and hybrid formats offer an uninhibited artistic experience. International artists, art students and enthusiasts of contemporary creation can often be found here.
As for theOdeon of Herod Atticus, the experience oscillates between tradition and modernity. The venue, set against the Acropolis, embodies the prestige of Greco-Roman heritage. Spectators come dressed to the nines, often in evening wear. The atmosphere is chic and worldly, especially during concerts and operas. However, the festival also offers modern shows that are accessible to all. In short, it’s a place where classical culture meets the general public, in an exceptional setting.
A Festival of Athens and Epidaurus 2025 accessible to all audiences
The Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 welcomes all generations. Each venue attracts a diverse audience, from classical theater enthusiasts to fans of contemporary shows. On certain evenings, the program offers family events: creative workshops, guided tours or meetings with the artists, before or after the performances. These formats encourage the involvement of children, teenagers and parents, reinforcing the link between creation and transmission.
Students and young adults regularly attend performances, especially at Peiraios 260, where experimental forms appeal to a curious audience. Reduced rates and group packages facilitate their access to the program.
The festival favors inclusiveness. Some shows are surtitled in English, while others are translated into Greek sign language. Sessions with subtitles for the hearing-impaired and audio-description for the visually impaired are also available. On-site mediation teams are on hand to assist spectators with special needs.
Thanks to this attention to audiences, the festival goes beyond the circle of a cultural elite. It becomes a meeting place, where everyone can discover, learn and experience the emotion of live performance, whatever their age, language or ability.
Who attends the Athens and Epidaurus Festivals?
The Festival of Athens and Epidaurus attracts a diverse audience: local theater enthusiasts, international tourists, drama students and lovers of Greek history. Each festival venue - whether the ancient theater of Epidaurus, the Odeon of Herod Atticus or Peiraios 260 - offers a different atmosphere. Audiences appreciate the prestige of the ancient setting, the richness of the texts and the modernity of the staging. This mix of generations and cultures makes the festival an open, lively and universal event.
Behind the scenes of the festival: production, organization and artistic support
The Festival of Athens and Epidaurus relies on a complex and experienced cultural organization. Hellenic Festival S.A., under the supervision of the Greek Ministry of Culture, manages the event. Every year, a multi-disciplinary team of programmers, technicians, dramaturges, stage managers, mediators and hostesses work together to create the event. This structure coordinates several sites in Athens and the Peloponnese.
The choice of shows is the result of an international call for projects and a rigorous artistic selection process. In 2025, Katerina Evangelatos, a director renowned in Greece and abroad, is artistic director for the fifth consecutive year. Each production benefits from precise logistical follow-up, including ticketing, rehearsals and technical travel between Athens and Epidaurus.
The festival also relies on a network of institutional partners, such as embassies, theInstitut Français and the Onassis Foundation, as well as private supporters and volunteers. This alliance ensures financing, international visibility and quality of reception. Several productions benefit from European co-productions or artist residencies, reinforcing the festival’s place in the Mediterranean cultural landscape.
This rigorous organization, in the service of creation, enables the festival to host over 100 shows each year in optimal conditions, while maintaining the high artistic standards that have made it a not-to-be-missed event.
An artistic direction focused on innovation and openness
The Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 is under the artistic direction of Katerina Evangelatos, a Greek director acclaimed for her contemporary approach to theater. Appointed in 2019 by the Greek Ministry of Culture, she is renewing her mandate again this year, marking a strong artistic continuity.
Each season, the artistic director selects shows according to clear thematic axes: resonance with today’s world, dialogue with ancient heritage, and openness to hybrid scenic forms. This selection is based on a national and international call for projects, to which both Greek companies and prestigious institutions such as the Schaubühne (Berlin) and the Théâtre National de Marseille respond.
In 2025, the artistic focus is on contemporary retellings of myths, scenic experimentation and cross-border co-productions. The program includes sign language translations, surtitles in several languages and innovative proposals combining theater, music and performance.
Artistic direction is not limited to programming: it also oversees international partnerships, educational workshops and participatory projects with audiences. This comprehensive approach makes the festival a space for creation, learning and reflection, true to the civic spirit of ancient Greek theater.
A partnership with the Greek Ministry of Culture
The Festival of Athens and Epidaurus benefits from structuring support from theGreek government, via the Ministry of Culture. This institutional support is essential, anchoring the event in the country’s historical continuity while ensuring its modernization.
Thanks to this public funding, the festival can access major heritage sites such as theOdeon of Herod Atticus or the ancient theater of Epidaurus, without prohibitive additional costs. These exceptional sites, listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, become living stages open to all.
State support also enables us to maintain an inclusive pricing policy, with tickets starting at €10, discounts for students and reserved seats for audiences with reduced mobility. At the same time, educational programs are financed, as well as accessibility initiatives: translation into Greek sign language (LSG), multilingual surtitling and educational sessions in schools.
This public partnership model guarantees the festival’s stability, but also its openness to a wide range of audiences. It combines artistic excellence with a mission of cultural service, in keeping with the democratic spirit of ancient Greek theater.
Private patronage essential for ambitious productions
The Festival of Athens and Epidaurus does not depend solely on public funding. It also benefits from the active support of major Greek and European companies in strategic sectors such as energy, transport, telecommunications and banking.
This cultural patronage, often discreet but crucial, supports the logistics of major productions. It finances monumental sets, cutting-edge audiovisual technologies, the hosting of international artists, as well as company travel to remote sites such as Epidaurus. What’s more, ancient theaters require complex technical facilities, including appropriate lighting, heritage protection and scenography that respects the site. Without this private support, many contemporary creations would never see the light of day.
Regular partners include DEI (Public Power Corporation), OTE/Cosmote in the telephony sector, Aegean Airlines and several Greek banking groups. Their commitment underlines the growing importance of corporate sponsorship in Greek cultural life. In return, these patrons strengthen their brand image while promoting a universal heritage.
This public-private partnership model embodies a modern approach to the management of major European festivals, reconciling high artistic standards, conservation of historic sites and access to the widest possible audience.
An organization dedicated to serving the public, combining logistical rigor and international openness
Every year, the Festival d’Athènes et d’Épidaure mobilizes a multidisciplinary team of stage managers, translators, receptionists, cultural mediators, sound and lighting technicians, as well as accessibility specialists. These professionals coordinate several dozen performances on sites that are often remote, heritage sites and technically demanding.
The festival also pays particular attention to international audiences. To welcome visitors from all over the world, it provides multilingual communication materials, show cards translated into English and sometimes French, and digital surtitles for plays performed in Greek. This careful approach to mediation promotes a truly inclusive cultural experience.
In addition, the official website (aefestival.gr) is updated daily throughout the season. It offers practical information, artist biographies, direct links to the box office and geolocated access maps. The festival is also very active on social networks, broadcasting videos, rehearsal excerpts and interviews in several languages. This enhances its visibility among cultural travelers and performing arts enthusiasts across Europe.
By ensuring smooth logistics, clear communication and enhanced accessibility, the festival asserts its status as abenchmark international event, while preserving the high artistic standards that characterize its programming.
Who organizes the Athens and Epidaurus Festival every year?
The Festival of Athens and Epidaurus is organized by a cultural foundation supported by the Greek Ministry of Culture. An independent artistic director selects the shows, while the state, patrons and private sponsors provide the funding. The organization relies on professional teams, divided between Athens, Epidaurus and Peiraios 260. This model guarantees ambitious programming, high-quality hospitality and accessibility for all audiences.
Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 commits to the environment and heritage preservation
For several years now, the Athens and Epidaurus Festival has been following an eco-responsible strategy, in line with the recommendations of the Greek Ministry of Culture and European standards for sustainable events. The preservation of ancient sites such as theOdeon of Herod Atticus and the Theatre of Epidaurus requires strict protocols. Technical teams respect the stones, avoiding any alteration, and carry out assembly and disassembly according to instructions validated by archaeologists from the French Historic Monuments Department.
To reduce waste, the festival favors digital programs over paper printouts. On site, it installs selective sorting points, signposted in several languages. Plastic bottles are being phased out in favor of reusable alternatives, and certain catering partners favor short circuits and organic Greek products.
In addition, the festival organizes collective shuttles between Athens and Epidaurus to reduce the need for individual journeys. Before the shows, it raises public awareness through audio messages, social networking campaigns and partnerships with local environmental associations. In 2025, Peiraios 260 will host a participatory show dedicated to climate change, in collaboration with the “Green Culture Europe” program.
These actions demonstrate that the festival successfully combines artistic excellence with ecological responsibility.
Ecological decors: combining aesthetics and responsibility
The Festival d’Athènes et d’Épidaure 2025 is actively committed to responsible set management. Many productions now favor the use of recycled materials or easily dismantled structures to limit their environmental impact.
Certain parts or set elements are designed to be reused from one season to the next, or even shared between different shows. This strategy not only reduces waste, but also helps control production costs while preserving artistic quality.
Artists and technical teams work closely with experts in sustainable development to design innovative, sustainable sets adapted to the constraints of heritage sites such as the Odeon of Herod Atticus and the ancient theater of Epidaurus.
This eco-responsible approach reflects the festival’s desire to combine artistic creation with respect for the environment, thus contributing to a more sustainable culture.
Reducing carbon footprint
As part of its commitment to the environment, the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 is encouraging its technical teams to limit unnecessary travel between different sites. Stage managers, technicians and artists are encouraged to optimize their journeys in order to reduce transport-related energy consumption.
For spectators, shared shuttle buses run from Athens to the ancient theater of Epidaurus on performance days. These collective buses facilitate access to the site while reducing the number of personal vehicles on the roads.
In addition, the festival recommends that the publicopt for carpooling, use local public transport or prefer grouped coach journeys, especially during the peak summer season. These initiatives help limit road congestion and reduce CO₂ emissions.
This sustainable mobility policy is part of a global approach designed to combine cultural festivals with environmental responsibility, while ensuring safe, convenient access to the venues.
Awareness-raising and communication for an eco-responsible Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025
The Festival d’Athènes et d’Épidaure 2025 integrates strong awareness-raising messages into all its communication materials. In addition, the official website regularly publishes practical advice on how to behave in an eco-responsible way during shows and at heritage sites.
Visitors are therefore asked to comply with the following essential instructions:
selective waste sorting,
limiting the use of single-use plastics,
and strict respect for World Heritage sites.
In addition, clear, multilingual signage is displayed at all festival sites to guide and inform visitors. These signs are a reminder of the best practices to follow in order to preserve the integrity of the ancient monuments and the quality of the environment.
This approach aims to raise awareness among spectators and technical teams alike. By reinforcing collective ecological awareness, it contributes to making the festival a model of sustainable cultural event, respectful of its natural and historical setting.
Sustainable partnerships: a collective commitment to culture and the environment
The Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 works closely with partners committed to ecological transition. These collaborations cover several key sectors, including:
renewable energy suppliers, ensuring more responsible consumption during events,
food service providers, who favor local, organic and low-carbon footprint products,
as well as eco-responsible printers, who produce the festival’s communication materials using recycled or certified materials.
This chain of environmental responsibility also extends to logistical choices, with particular attention paid to packaging, transport and waste. In this way, each player contributes to reducing the festival’s overall ecological impact, while maintaining a high level of artistic quality and hospitality.
By 2025, this collective strategy will position the festival as a model forsustainable cultural events in Greece. What’s more, it combines artistic excellence with respect for the planet. As a result, it inspires other cultural events to follow suit, reinforcing Greece’s place in European debates on culture and the environment.
Is the Athens and Epidaurus Festival eco-responsible in 2025?
Yes. In 2025, the Athens and Epidaurus Festival is strengthening its commitment to the environment. It favors recycled materials, limits polluting transport and raises spectators' awareness of the need to respect historic sites. Partnerships with sustainable companies and concrete actions in the field testify to a strong desire to organize a more responsible cultural event.
Universal accessibility: a festival for all audiences
The Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 putsaccessibility at the heart of its organization. Whether at theWhether in the Odeon of Herod Atticus, the ancient theater of Epidaurus or contemporary spaces such as Peiraios 260, special facilities ensure an inclusive and comfortable cultural experience.
Each site is equipped with access ramps, reserved seating for people with reduced mobility and adapted toilets. Staff are trained to accompany and assist spectators requiring special support. These features make it easier for everyone to attend, whatever their needs.
In addition, the festival offers multilingual surtitles, Greek Sign Language (GSL) translation for certain performances, andaudio-description services for the visually impaired. These measures enhance active participation and enjoyment of the shows.
This commitment testifies to the festival’s desire to respect the diversity of its audience, inspired by the values ofinclusion andcultural equality so dear to ancient and contemporary Greece.
Access for people with reduced mobility
The main venues of the Athens Festival and Epidaurus 2025 haveadapted facilities to accommodate people with reduced mobility. This includes accessible entrances, standard-compliant ramps and specially reserved areas for wheelchairs.
At both the Odeon of Herod Atticus in Athens and the ancient theater of Epidaurus, trained teams are on hand to accompany and assist spectators from the moment they arrive. This human presence ensures a personalized welcome and facilitates movement on site.
To best prepare their visit, audiences can consult practical information and detailed access maps directly on the official festival website. These online resources also provide useful contacts for notifying special needs before the day of the show.
In this way, the festival confirms its commitment to guaranteeing an inclusive and comfortable experience, in line with international accessibility standards.
Translation and subtitling of shows
To promotelinguistic accessibility, many Athens Festival and Epidaurus 2025 performances feature surtitles in English or Greek, depending on the original language of the play. On the one hand, these devices enable non-Greek-speaking spectators to fully follow the action, whether in ancient tragedies or contemporary creations.
On the other hand, some shows incorporate adapted visual aids such as explanatory booklets, specially designed for the hearing-impaired. These documents contain summaries, glossaries of technical terms and character descriptions, making it easier to understand the text and context.
The festival strives to make classical and modern Greek culture accessible to as many people as possible, combining technological innovation with respect for specific audiences. But these initiatives also contribute to a more inclusive and enriching experience.
Practical services and welcome at festival sites
Each Athens Festival and Epidaurus 2025 venue offers services tailored to visitors’ needs. Here you will find accessible toilets, drinking water points and, in some cases , cell phone recharging points, making it easier for audiences to enjoy long evenings of entertainment.
Information stands, often multilingual, are set up at the entrances and strategic points of the venues. They provide maps, programs and advice to help local and international spectators find their way around.
A team of trained volunteers is on hand from the moment the doors open until the end of the show. Their role is essential in guiding, assisting and answering questions from the public, helping to create a friendly and reassuring atmosphere.
These features enhance the overall festival experience, which aims to combine artistic excellence with practical convenience.
Priority booking and discounts for the disabled
The Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 offers a priority booking system for people with disabilities, facilitating their access to shows. This ensures a comfortable and inclusive experience for all.
In addition, the festival offers special price reductions, available on presentation of official receipts. These preferential rates also apply to accompanying persons, to promote equal access to culture.
These measures are part of an overall policy ofcultural accessibility, reflecting the values ofequality andinclusion upheld by the festival. They demonstrate the festival’s commitment to making the Greek scene accessible to as many people as possible, while respecting specific needs.
Accommodation and catering: experience the festival to the full in a variety of settings
Attending the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 offers much more than shows: it’s a total immersion in Greek culture, enriched by a wide choice ofaccommodation and restaurants to suit all budgets.
In Athens, the neighborhoods of Plaka, Monastiraki and Koukaki offer hotels, hostels and tourist apartments in the immediate vicinity of theOdeon of Herod Atticus and Peiraios 260. In addition, some establishments offer special rates during the festival, making it easier for spectators to stay.
Near Epidaurus, the villages of Lygourio, Nafplio and Ancient Epidaurus offer charming guesthouses, family hotels and campsites. Given the limited capacity, it’s advisable to book in advance, especially for the busy evenings in July and August.
When it comes to eating out, Athens abounds with traditional Greek restaurants, modern bistros and cafés where you can sample local specialties. And in Epidaurus, the tavernas near the theater offer authentic cuisine, perfect for dinner before or after the show.
Where to stay in Athens during the Festival of Athens and Epidaurus?
The Greek capital offers a wide range of accommodations to suit festival-goers. The historic districts of Plaka, Thissio and Koukaki are particularly popular. They offer hotels, youth hostels and tourist apartments, all within walking distance of theOdeon of Herod Atticus.
Many establishments offer special deals during the festival period, sometimes including preferential rates or packages including tickets and accommodation. These options make it easier for tourists to organize their stay.
The proximity of several metro stations (including Acropolis and Monastiraki) provides rapid access to Peiraios 260, a key venue for contemporary art, as well as to the historic center of Athens. This simplifies travel between the various festival sites and tourist areas.
This choice of location combines comfort, practicality and cultural immersion, making for a pleasant stay rich in discoveries.
Where to stay near Epidaurus?
To attend the Athens Festival and Epidaurus 2025 shows in Epidaurus, several nearby villages are very popular. Ancient Epidaurus, Ligourio and Nafplio offer a wide choice of accommodation to suit all budgets.
Here you’ll find welcoming family-run guesthouses, charming hotels combining comfort and authenticity, and a number of campsites ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. These options allow you to take full advantage of the natural and historical setting of the Peloponnese.
Due to the high number of visitors, especially in July and August, we strongly advise you to book your accommodation several months in advance. This guarantees not only availability, but also better value for money.
Staying in these villages allows you to combine comfort, proximity to the ancient site and discovery of local cultural treasures, such as museums, traditional tavernas and nearby beaches.
Where to eat during the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025?
In Athens, the restaurants near theAcropolis and the Peiraios 260 site offer a varied selection to suit all tastes and budgets. You’ll find quick options for a quick meal before the show, as well as gourmet menus celebrating Mediterranean cuisine, prepared by renowned local chefs.
In Epidaurus, the traditional tavernas located a stone’s throw from the theater offer authentic Greek cuisine. These establishments often serve regional specialties such as souvlaki, moussaka or Greek salad, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Many extend their opening hours on performance nights, allowing patrons to dine in peace before or after the show.
This culinary diversity complements the festival’s cultural experience, offering visitors the chance to discover the typical flavors of the Peloponnese and Athens in a convivial atmosphere.
Practical tips for enjoying the shows and catering
For the night shows at the Athens Festival and Epidaurus 2025, it’s best to reserve a table in advance, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, the busiest days. Restaurants close to the venues in Athens and Epidaurus often offer late-night menus.
In Epidaurus, it’s best to arrive early to avoid the frequent traffic jams on the access roads, particularly in the high summer season. Free parking is available near the ancient theater, but capacity is limited.
To make parking easier, the festival provides free or paid shuttles, depending on the dates and attendance. These shuttles provide direct access between the parking lots and the theater, guaranteeing a stress-free and safe journey.
These practical measures contribute to a smooth and enjoyable experience, whether spectators choose to combine show and dinner, or simply favor smooth logistics.
Where to stay and eat during the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025?
During Festival 2025, Athens offers a wide range of accommodation close to the Odeon and Peiraios 260, while villages near Epidaurus such as Ligourio and Nafplio offer charming options. Local tavernas and Greek restaurants offer dining options before and after performances. Reservations are essential, especially in July and August.
International hosting: a cultural experience made easy
Every year, the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 attracts a cosmopolitan audience from Europe, Asia, America and other continents. To ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience, the festival has introduced a number of features designed to facilitate access to the shows and enhance understanding of the works.
The official website provides multilingual information in English and Greek, including detailed maps, practical tips and up-to-date schedules. During the season, special shuttle buses leave regularly from Athens airport and major railway stations, making it easy to get to the venues.
In addition, the majority of plays performed in ancient or modern Greek benefit from English surtitles, sometimes accompanied by sign language translations. In addition, a multilingual team welcomes visitors at ticket offices and information points, offering personalized assistance.
These measures greatly facilitate the integration of foreign visitors, who can take full advantage of the festival’s cultural richness and enjoy an immersive experience at the heart of ancient and contemporary Greece.
Translation and surtitling of shows
Many performances at the Athens Festival and Epidaurus 2025, in particular the classical Greek plays, benefit from English surtitles. This enables non-Greek-speaking visitors to follow the plot and fully appreciate the quality of the performances.
For contemporary shows, the language used is always clearly indicated in the official program, available online and on site. This helps audiences to choose the performances that best match their linguistic needs.
The use of surtitles is in line with the festival’s desire toopen up Greek culture to an international audience, while respecting the richness of the ancient language and traditions.
Access to the festival from Athens airport and to Epidaurus
Athens boasts a well-connected international airport, with direct flights from many European and international capitals. From the airport, getting to the city center is easy thanks to a number of options: the metro , cabs and express buses make for a fast, comfortable journey.
For spectators wishing to attend performances in Epidaurus, the most practical solution is to rent a car, offering optimum flexibility. The journey takes around two hours on the freeway.
In addition, the festival runs special buses on certain evenings from Athens to Epidaurus. These shuttles are available by prior reservation only, guaranteeing organized transport, with no worries about parking or driving at night.
This organization facilitates travel for international visitors, allowing them to enjoy the festival to the full without logistical constraints.
Payment methods for the Festival of Athens and Epidaurus 2025
Tickets for the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025 can be easily purchased online, thanks to secure international credit card payment. This solution guarantees fast and convenient booking, accessible from any country.
On-site, the majority of sales outlets, as well as cafés and restaurants close to the venues, also accept payment by credit card. However, it is advisable to bring a little cash with you, especially in Epidaurus, where some establishments still insist on cash payment.
This duality facilitates transactions for all visitors, while offering the security and simplicity of electronic payment.
Practical tips for enjoying the festival outdoors
To attend the Athens Festival and Epidaurus 2025 shows, it’s important to check the weather forecast before each performance, especially outdoor ones. Summer evenings can be cooler, so bring a light jacket or shawl.
What’s more, Epidaurus lies on sloping ground. You’ll need comfortable footwear, suitable for walking on ancient and sometimes uneven stone steps. This precaution guarantees a pleasant experience, without excessive fatigue.
And don’t forget to take a bottle of water with you, especially during the hot days of July and August. Given the limited availability of drinking water at some sites, hydration is essential to enjoy the show to the full.
Last but not least, these simple tips will help make your evening successful and comfortable, especially in places steeped in history and emotion.
How to attend the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2025?
To attend the Festival in 2025, tourists can book their tickets online, enjoy English surtitles during the shows, and easily reach the sites via international transport and special shuttles. Practical advice is available on how to optimize your cultural experience in Greece.
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