A day trip to Mycenae from Athens

Mycenae, a former center of Greek civilization, is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Located just 120 kilometers away from Athens and overlooking the fertile land of Argolis, Mycenae’s fortified citadel marked a whole era. The so-called Mycenaean civilization sealed the Late Bronze Age in Greece (ca. 1600-1100 BC) and dominated mainland Greece, the Aegean islands, and parts of Asia Minor.

Therefore, a day trip from Athens to Mycenae will be one of the highlights of your journey to Greece. Mycenae (Greek: Μυκήνες, pronounced Mikines), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will give you a glimpse into the civilization of ancient Greece. In this short travel guide to Mycenae, I will present the archaeological site’s main landmarks, and I’ll offer some tips about your visit. Moreover, you’ll see plenty of photos, and straight after this introduction, you can also watch a 2-minute video I shot.

Before starting with my small guide to Mycenae, I’d like to add a note. I visited Mycenae a few weeks after the wildfire that broke out close to the area. The fire actually went through a part of the archaeological site, according to official statements. The Greek Minister of Culture stated arrogantly that “some dry grass got burned and had to be shaved.” One remains speechless after such statements. A landmark that has stood for millennia in the same spot deserves respect and political courage.

So, end of the rant, and let’s begin with the Mycenae guide.

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A day trip to Mycenae

After an easy two-hour drive from Athens, you’ll reach Mycenae. The citadel becomes visible shortly before your arrival. The photo that you see below is from the stop near the Tomb of Agamemnon. According to Greek mythology, the man who founded Mycenae was Perseus. He was the son of the Greek god Zeus and Danae, and before leaving Argos, he instructed the Cyclopes to build the walls of Mycenae.

On the other hand, the city is closely connected to King Agamemnon, the man who led the Greeks in the Trojan War (after which Homer wrote the Iliad).

Entering the Mycenae Citadel

Shortly after entering the archaeological site, you will have great views of the area surrounding the citadel. Mycenae is built 900 meters above sea level, and you can see the plains of Argolis no matter where you look. The vineyards occupy a big part of the area, and on the other side, you’ll also see the sea.

So, here’s actually the view as you walk towards the entrance of the archaeological site.

After paying the entry fee (more on that later), you’ll get a first impression of the citadel. The world-famous Lion Gate is not yet visible, but you’ll get a first idea about the architecture.

The Lion Gate

Shortly afterward, the Lion Gate becomes visible. The Lion Gate is actually the citadel’s main entrance, and it was erected in the 13th century BC. Apart from that, it’s the only monumental piece of the Mycenaean civilization that survived.

And here’s a quirky fact about the Lion Gate of Mycenae: there’s still speculation regarding the sex of the lions. The absence of genital organs creates debates, so we are still unsure if the animals depicted on the Gate are lions or lionesses.

Here is a close-up photo of the Lion Gate.

The Cyclopean Masonry

After walking through the Lion Gate, you’ll start exploring the main site of the Mycenaean citadel. There are several spots of interest, but you’ll also see a motive that deserves your attention. That’s the so-called Cyclopean Masonry (also known as Cyclopean Walls). The Cyclopean Masonry is a type of wall built with huge limestone rocks. There’s usually no mortar connecting them, and at first, they look unworked. However, archaeologists assume that there was some sort of process on these stones.

The term originates from the Cyclopes, the mythical one-eyed giants. They were supposed to be extremely powerful, and that’s why they were the only ones able to build the walls. Perseus supposedly asked them to build walls that no one could tear down. The whole fortification of Mycenae is based on the Cyclopean Masonry.

You can see one example in the following photo.

The landscape & other things to see

As I wrote earlier, the landscape is an organic part of Mycenae’s archaeological site. Therefore, on your way to the top of the citadel, you’ll also come across stunning viewpoints. Midway to the top, you’ll see landscapes like this one.

Or even like this one here.

Now, after reaching the top of the citadel, where the palace once stood, you can slowly walk down. There are a few more things to see. You can see the Tomb of Aegisthus, Grave Circle A, and the Tholos Tomb of Clytemnestra before heading towards the National Archaeological Museum of Mycenae.

You’ll also see the Lion Tomb on your way to the museum, which is named due to the Lion Gate’s proximity. That’s how it looks from above.

And here’s how it looks while walking towards it.

The Archaeological Museum of Mycenae

The last stop is the Archaeological Museum. The museum itself is pretty compact, and it doesn’t take that much time to go through it. The building has four galleries. The first one shows the findings from the Mycenaeans’ public and private activities. The second gallery is all about the kingdom of the dead, while the remaining two offer more educational material about the Perseid Dynasty.

Here you can see a photo of some items on display.

The Tomb of Agamemnon

After leaving the archaeological site of Mycenae behind, you’ll have to stop one more time. It’s actually the spot where I shot the first photo of this travel guide to Mycenae. There you’ll see the world-famous Treasury of Atreus or Tomb of Agamemnon.

This is a tholos tomb constructed around 1250 BC for King Agamemnon. The dromos, implying the corridor leading to the entrance, is 35 meters long and 6 meters wide. The Treasury of Atreus is a must-see for your day trip to Mycenae, and you shouldn’t miss it.

Practical info about your day trip from Athens to Mycenae

In this section, you’ll find practical information for your day trip from Athens to Mycenae, together with a couple of answers to the most common questions. I’ll also link to the official websites for updates regarding the time schedule and ticket prices.

Opening times of Mycenae

In wintertime, Mycenae remains open between 8:30 and 15:30.

On the other hand, between April and October, the times are different. Specifically:

April-August: 08:00-20:00
1st September-15th September: 08:00-19:30
16th September-30th September: 08:00-19:00
1st October-15th October: 08:00-18:30
16th October-31th October: 08:00-18:00

Admission fee

The tickets for visiting Mycenae include both the archaeological site and the museum. The full ticket costs 12 euros while the reduced one costs 6 euros.

Can I visit Mycenae for free?

There are actually a couple of days throughout the year that you won’t have to pay for your visit to Mycenae. These days are:

• 6th of March (in memory of Melina Mercouri).
• 18th of April (International Monuments Day).
• 18th of May (International Museums Day).
• The last weekend of September (European Heritage Days).
• 28th of October
• Every first Sunday from November 1st to March 31st.

For up-to-date info about opening times or contact info, please check the Ministry of Culture’s official website.

Can I combine my visit to Mycenae with another archaeological spot of interest?

Yes. Not far away from Mycenae, you can visit Nemea, an equally important location in Greek antiquity. Famous for the Nemean Games, Nemea is also home to the Temple of Zeus. It’s also where Hercules killed the Lion and concluded one more Labor. Read my guide to Nemea here.

Approximately half an hour before reaching Mycenae, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit Acrocorinth, one of the lesser-known spots of Greek antiquity. Located a couple of kilometers away from Ancient Corinth, in Acrocorinth, you will see the most well-preserved ancient castle in Greece.

When’s the best time to visit Mycenae

Greece enjoys wonderful weather all year long. The summers are hot, and the winters are usually short and mild. The best time for a day trip to Mycenae is early spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October). If I were you, I’d skip July and August due to excessive heat. Mycenae is located on top of a hill, and there’s no chance of finding some shadow. That said, if you want to spend several hours on-site, you might suffer from the heat.

However, if you are in Greece during the summer (which is when most people visit), it’s better to start early. Visiting Mycenae between 1 pm and 4 pm might be unpleasant.

Are there any organized tours to Mycenae?

Yes, there are. Several local tour operators offer day trips to Mycenae and the surrounding area. Most of the tours depart from Athens, and you’ll most likely spend the whole day on the road. They will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the archaeological site. The guides will offer you unique insights about Mycenae; they’ll explain the history and help you navigate this ancient landmark. Sometimes, the tours also include a meal in a nearby restaurant before they bring you back to Athens.

Below you can find some of the best tours to Mycenae. No surprise that bigger groups come with lower prices, while private tours tend to be expensive.

Day trip to Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Nafplio. This is a bus tour that will take you to all three locations. It’s one of the cheapest options because you’ll travel together with other people on a bus. The starting point is Athens. Check the current prices here.

Small-Group Tour. This tour is similar to the one above (it visits the same places), but this time, you are part of a very small group of people. Quite obviously, it’s a more expensive option. It also starts in Athens. Check the Small Group Tour here.

From Nafplio. If you are in Nafplio (don’t miss the Palamidi Fortress!) and you’d like to visit both Mycenae and Epidaurus, this is probably the best tour available. You will visit both places on a guided tour, and you’ll return at night to Nafplio. Check the tour from Nafplio here.

Can I visit Mycenae by car?

Yes. If you don’t like traveling in big crowds and you’d like some flexibility, you can always rent a car. It takes approximately two hours to reach the archaeological site of Mycenae from Athens. The biggest part of your journey will be on the motorway, which is in excellent condition. Start early to avoid the heat and groups visiting the site.

Where to stay close to Mycenae?

Shortly before the archaeological site of Mycenae, you’ll also find the homonymous modern settlement. It’s actually a small town that, honestly, isn’t something really spectacular. However, there are a couple of accommodation options, and if you want to start early in the morning, you might consider spending a night in one of them.

However, in a 30-kilometer/mile radius, you’ll find much nicer options -and you’ll still be close to Mycenae. Therefore, if you are on a road trip to Peloponnese, it might deserve to spend a night nearby.

You can find a full list of hotels for your stay here. One of the best options to stay close to Mycenae is Nafplio. It’s just 18 km away from the archaeological site, and you’ll also spend time in a beautiful small city. The third option in this list is very close to Mycenae itself. So, your best options are:

Agamemnon Hotel. In the heart of Nafplio, Agamemnon is a beautiful hotel with nice sea views. Check the Agamemnon Hotel here.

Ilion Hotel. One more hotel in downtown Nafplio. This is a place with history: back in the 19th century, it used to be the house of a former mayor of Nafplio. See the Ilion Hotel here.

La Petite Planete. That’s actually the only hotel you can find at Mycenae. The Petite Planete is just a kilometer away from the archaeological site in a tranquil spot. See the Petite Planete here.

Books about Mycenae

There are a couple of books that you can read before your day trip to Mycenae. Some of them offer plenty of info about the site, and they’ll explain how and why Mycenae collapsed. Here’s a small selection:

Mycenae: Agamemnon’s capital. This excellent book by Elizabeth French offers a rare insight into the Mycenaean civilization. Apart from exploring the legends associated with Mycenae, French also examines the evidence for the pre-palatial and post-palatial periods. You can buy Elizabeth French’s book here.

Mycenae: From Myth to History. This book takes readers into Mycenae’s heart and attempts to explain how the Mycenaean civilization flourished and declined. It has lively text, stunning photography, and an original take on Greek history and mythology. You can buy From Myth to History here.

Greece: The Peloponnese. If you are on a road trip to Peloponnese, you should have the best travel guide. I have used the Bradt guides for over a decade, and their guide to Peloponnese includes excellent info about Mycenae. You can check their guide about the Peloponnese here.

A day trip from Athens to Mycenae: Conclusion

Mycenae is one of the most legendary areas of ancient Greece. Apart from being one of the most prosperous cities of antiquity (Homer described it as “rich in gold“), Mycenae was also the epicenter of a whole civilization. Well-preserved and full of landmarks, a day trip to Mycenae from Athens is a recommended activity for your journey to Greece. So start early, take that two-hour drive to Mycenae, and get to see how ancient Greece really was.

Apart from the historical aspect, your day trip to Mycenae will also expose you to the fertile land of Argolis. The landscape is an organic part of every civilization, and the area around Mycenae remains unchanged. The fresh air, the vineyards, and the proximity to the sea will help you immerse in another era.

Everybody talks about the Greek islands, but the Peloponnese region is one of the most beautiful rural areas in Europe. Mycenae, the epicenter of the Mycenaean civilization, is one of the places you can’t miss if you love Greece and its ancient history.

More about Greece: Greek islands on a budget, Greek ferries guide, 1-week itineraries in Greece

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Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by George Pavlopoulos