Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the archaeological site of Mycenae is one of the most important and well-known in Greece.
Nestled in the Peloponnese, this city was at the heart of the Mycenaean civilization that dominated the Mediterranean between the 15th and 12th centuries B.C. Mycenae is also associated with Greek tragedy and bloodshed. Indeed, it has gone down in history as the site of one of mythology’s most violent episodes: the massacre of the Atrides.
Where is Mycenae?
Mycenae is in Argolid, in the north-east of the Peloponnese, 120km from Athens and 40km south of Corinth.
From Athens, Mycenae is reached by freeway to Nafplio, a picturesque and charming city that was Greece’s first capital after its liberation in 1829. Leaving Nafplio and after 41 km, you’ll reach the village of Phychtia. Next, the road on the left leads to the contemporary village of Mycenae. This is not really of interest. It has become a tourist destination, with hotels and taverns. Finally, 4km after the village, you’ll arrive at the Acropolis of Mycenae.
Visit the archaeological site
Mycenae opening times: the site is open every day (except public holidays: January 1, March 25, May 1, Orthodox Easter Sunday, December 25 and 26).
The site is open in winter (November 1 – March 31) from 8am to 3:30pm. From April to August, it’s open from 8am to 8pm; from September 1 to 15, from 8am to 7:30pm; from September 16 to 30, from 8am to 7pm; from October 1 to 15, from 8am to 6:30pm; and from October 16 to 31, from 8am to 6pm.
Schedules are subject to change, so check the official website before you visit.
Rates at Mycenae : reasonable rates, €12 full price, €6 concessions. In low season (November to March): single rate €6.
Free admission for EU citizens under 25 (upon presentation of ID).
For a few extra euros, you can also buy a ticket to Mycenae and its museum on Get Your Guide.
A €20 combined ticket is available for Mycenae (Archaeological Site, Museum and Treasure of Atreus), Tirynthe, Asini, Palamidi, the Museum of Nafplio and the Byzantine Museum of Argos. It is valid for three days from the date of issue.
Visiting on your own : you can visit the archaeological site on your own. But you’ll probably find it hard to understand the remains and appreciate the importance of this unique site. A visit to the museum may prove enlightening on certain points.
Download Mycenae guide
Traditional travel guides are often rather short on information about ancient sites.
That’s why we’re offering you this guide to Mycenae, downloadable as a pdf onto your smartphone for just €5.
It was written by Mania, an archaeologist friend of mine. It will help you find out more about the site. Illustrated with numerous photos, it provides a good historical background, as well as anecdotes about mythology and the discovery of the site.
Visit Mycenae with an official guide
Only official guides (licensed guides) are authorized to accompany tourists inside the archaeological site. Sure, it’s a big budget, but it’s exciting!
Prices are per group, so it’s best to have at least four people to avoid overcharging. Be aware that few guides speak English. We haven’t tried them out (yet), but we have spotted the following visits:
- From Athens: day trip to Mycenae and Epidaurus, with English-speaking guide . Cancellable and fully refundable up to 24 hours before the tour. This tour includes ticketed access to the site of Mycenae, transportation from Athens, entrance tickets to the site and a guide.
- From Athens: excursion to Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio, with English-speaking guide . This day trip can also be cancelled. It includes transport from Athens and the guided tour.
We also spotted this day trip to Corinth, Mycenae and Epidaurus also departing from Athens. The tour can be cancelled up to 24 hours before the visit and includes a stop at the Corinth Canal, a visit to the site of Mycenae, a lunch stop in Nafplio and a visit to the theater of Epidaurus. Entrance tickets to the sites are included, as is a tour guide who speaks both French and English.
Practical information about Mycenae
How to get there
- By car: Mycenae is only a 1h45 drive from Athens on the freeway that runs along the Gulf of Corinth. You can easily rent a car in Greece, as we explain in this article.
- By bus: you can take a KTEL bus.
- Tours organized from Athens: full-day tours are organized from Athens, with bus transport. These packages have the advantage of being very practical, as everything is included (transport, guide, lunch).
Where to stay ?
- In Mycenae: we recommend the establishment La Petite Planète located near the archaeological site. A beautiful hotel with swimming pool and views over the Argolid plain. Warm welcome in French.
- In Nafplio: just under a 30-minute drive from Mycenae, the town of Nafplio has a lot of charm. It’s the ideal place to spend a night or two. You’ll find plenty of hotels here.
Laure M.
