Sounion and the Argolid: Corinth, Mycenae and Epidaurus
From Athens to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, then across the isthmus to Ancient Corinth, Mycenae, the theatre of Epidaurus and Nafplio.
- Distance
- 287 km (178 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 57 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- Greece
- Updated
- June 3, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 287 km (178 mi) with 7 stops, from Athens to Nafplio. About 3 h 57 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Greece
Route description
Leave Athens south along the coast road through Glyfada and Vouliagmeni to Cape Sounion, about 70 km. The Temple of Poseidon stands on the cliff at the tip of Attica, and the late afternoon light is famous, though the site is busy at sunset. Drive back towards Athens and take the A8 motorway west past Elefsina to the Corinth Canal, about 150 km from Sounion.
A8 tolls are charged at several plazas between Athens and Corinth. Cross the canal and turn off to Ancient Corinth, where the Temple of Apollo stands above the Roman forum. A road climbs to Acrocorinth, the fortress on the rock above, for a walk through its three gates and wide views over both gulfs. From there it is about 35 km south to Mycenae.
Mycenae is entered through the Lion Gate, and the vaulted Treasury of Atreus lies just below the citadel. Arrive at opening time in summer, as there is little shade. Continue to Nafplio and then east to the sanctuary of Epidaurus, about 30 km, whose 4th-century BC theatre is known for its acoustics. On summer evenings the Athens and Epidaurus Festival stages performances here.
Nafplio makes the best base, a Venetian harbour town with the Bourtzi castle on an islet and Palamidi Fortress on the cliff above, reached by a long stairway or by road. Park on the harbour front and walk into the old town. The motorway is easy for motorhomes; the sites have large car parks. Spring and October are more comfortable than midsummer.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Athens
Greece - 257 km
Temple of Poseidon, Sounion
HistorySounion, GreeceA 5th-century BC marble temple on the cliff at the southern tip of Attica, about 70 km from central Athens along the coast road. Sunset is popular but crowded; arrive early to find parking.
- 3131 km
Ancient Corinth
HistoryArchaia Korinthos, GreeceThe ruins of the Roman city with the archaic Temple of Apollo, below the fortress hill of Acrocorinth. A road climbs to Acrocorinth for a walk around its gates and walls.
- 428 km
Mycenae
HistoryMykines, GreeceThe citadel of the Bronze Age kings of Mycenae, entered through the Lion Gate, with the vaulted Treasury of Atreus just down the road. A UNESCO site; bring water and arrive early.
- 540 km
Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
HistoryLygourio, GreeceA 4th-century BC theatre famous for its acoustics, part of the sanctuary of Asclepius. Summer festival performances take place here on some evenings; it is about 30 km east of Nafplio.
- 630 km
Palamidi Fortress
HistoryNafplio, GreeceA Venetian fortress from the early 18th century above Nafplio, reached by a long stairway or a road to the car park at the top. The views over the Argolic Gulf are best in the late afternoon.
- 71 km
Nafplio
Greece
FAQs
How long is Sounion and the Argolid: Corinth, Mycenae and Epidaurus?
3-day road trip of about 287 km (178 mi) with 7 stops, from Athens to Nafplio. About 3 h 57 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Sounion and the Argolid: Corinth, Mycenae and Epidaurus?
We suggest 3 days: about 3 h 57 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Sounion and the Argolid: Corinth, Mycenae and Epidaurus start and end?
It starts in Athens and ends in Nafplio.
Which countries does Sounion and the Argolid: Corinth, Mycenae and Epidaurus pass through?
Greece.
