Hiking in a hidden ravine
A few minutes from the Square of the First National Assembly of Epidavros, where the first Greek constitution was born, the Vothylas Gorge opens up: a narrow ravine with steep cliffs of Mount Akros, hidden and strategic, exactly as history required.
The village of Nea Epidavros seems to be lost behind the folds of the landscape – it is not easily discernible, even when you are right next to it. This was, after all, the reason it was chosen as a safe refuge in 1821, with a secret exit to the sea.
The route follows the dry riverbed, passes by the ruins of watermills and an old aqueduct built into the vertical rocks, narrows, and requires caution during small descents. At the end, the gorge "opens" again, revealing the beach of Nea Epidavros and the plain with the orange trees.
The Nea Epidavros–Vothylas Gorge route is circular, with a total length of approximately 4 km and lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Its difficulty is rated as Grade B, with certain points requiring caution due to rocks and descents, while the total elevation difference is about 40 m.
Combine the hike with a walk through the alleys of Nea Epidavros and a swim at the beach at the end of the route. It is ideal for a short escape that unites nature, history, and the sea.
The village of Nea Epidavros seems to be lost behind the folds of the landscape – it is not easily discernible, even when you are right next to it. This was, after all, the reason it was chosen as a safe refuge in 1821, with a secret exit to the sea.
The route follows the dry riverbed, passes by the ruins of watermills and an old aqueduct built into the vertical rocks, narrows, and requires caution during small descents. At the end, the gorge "opens" again, revealing the beach of Nea Epidavros and the plain with the orange trees.
The Nea Epidavros–Vothylas Gorge route is circular, with a total length of approximately 4 km and lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Its difficulty is rated as Grade B, with certain points requiring caution due to rocks and descents, while the total elevation difference is about 40 m.
Combine the hike with a walk through the alleys of Nea Epidavros and a swim at the beach at the end of the route. It is ideal for a short escape that unites nature, history, and the sea.
