Athens
Central Greece, Greece

Antiquities galore, contemporary culture, scintillating nightlife and fantastic food: there’s something for everyone in Greece’s cosmopolitan capital that’s continuously reinventing itself.
Travel bucket list idea:
This world-class performing arts festival, a summer highlight since 1955, is staged in several venues – most notably the Herod of Atticus amphitheatre in Athens and the Epidaurus amphitheatre in the Peloponnese.
Expect to see ancient Greek drama, contemporary dance, world music, and experimental theatre performed by an eclectic line-up of international stars, such as Willem Dafoe, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Foo Fighters and Sting.
Ticket sales open three weeks prior to any event, and major events sell out fast. Seats at the ancient Herod Atticus and Epidaurus theatres aren’t allocated, so arrive early.
Book online, by phone, or at the box office (39 Panepistimiou Street, inside the Pesmatzoglou Arcade). Tickets are also on sale outside the Odeon of Herod Atticus and Peiraios 260 converted factory.
Seating at the ancient theatres of Herod Atticus and Epidaurus is on the original, backless stone benches – so you might want to bring a small cushion.
There are special chartered buses leaving from Athens to Epidaurus on festival nights.
Events take place from June to October.
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Central Greece, Greece
Antiquities galore, contemporary culture, scintillating nightlife and fantastic food: there’s something for everyone in Greece’s cosmopolitan capital that’s continuously reinventing itself.