If you’ve ever wondered where Mycenae is located, let me save you the scrolling: it sits in the northeastern corner of the Peloponnese, about 120 kilometers southwest of Athens. But knowing the coordinates (37°43′51″N 22°45′22″E) doesn’t tell you the whole story. I’ve visited this site three times, and each time I discover something new. The location is not just a dot on a map—it’s the key to understanding why this civilization became so powerful.
How to Get to Mycenae from Athens
Most travelers start from Athens. Here’s how I’ve done it and what I’d recommend.
By Car (Best Option)
Rent a car and take the A7/E65 highway towards Tripoli. Exit at “Mykines” (signposted). The drive takes about 1.5 hours (120 km). The road is smooth, but be careful of the last 5 km – it’s a narrow country road. Parking is free at the site (there’s a big lot). I suggest leaving Athens by 8 AM to avoid the rush and arrive before the tour buses.
By Bus
KTEL buses run from Athens’ Kifissos Bus Station to the town of Argos (2 hours, €12). From Argos, catch a local bus to Mykines (30 minutes, €3). But check the schedule – buses are infrequent, especially on weekends. I once waited 2 hours in Argos. Honestly, if you’re short on time, pay for a tour or rent a car.
By Organized Tour
Many day trips from Athens include Mycenae, Nafplio, and Epidaurus. Prices range from €60-90 per person. The downside? You get only an hour at the site – barely enough to see the Lion Gate and Treasury of Atreus. If you have a deep interest, go independently.
| Transport | Time | Cost (one way) | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car rental | 1h 30m | ~€50 (fuel + toll) | High – you control the stops |
| Public bus | 2h 30m – 3h | ~€15 | Low – limited schedules |
| Tour bus | 10h round trip | €70 on average | Medium – but rushed |
Pro tip: If you drive, take a detour to the nearby Mycenaean bridge of Kazarma – it’s one of the oldest bridges in Europe and totally off the tourist trail.
Best Time to Visit Mycenae
I’ve been in summer and early autumn. Summer (June-August) is brutal – temperatures hit 38°C, and there’s zero shade inside the citadel. The crowds are thick, especially when cruise ships dock. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are perfect. In May, the hills are covered in wildflowers, and you can hear the cicadas. I went in late October last year – only 20 other people at the site. The light was golden for photos.
Avoid Greek public holidays and weekends if possible. Mycenae is a popular day-trip destination, and weekends bring locals from Athens.
Opening Hours & Tickets
The site is open daily. Hours change with the season:
- Summer (April 1 – October 31): 08:00 – 20:00 (last entry 19:30)
- Winter (November 1 – March 31): 08:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Closed on major public holidays (like January 1, March 25, May 1, and December 25/26). Check the official Greek Ministry of Culture website before going.
Ticket prices (updated):
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Full (site + museum) | €12 |
| Reduced (EU students, over 65) | €6 |
| Free | Under 18, EU citizens under 25, first Sunday of each month (Nov-Mar) |
I always buy the combo ticket (€12) – it includes the on-site museum which houses the famous gold masks and Linear B tablets. The museum is small but well curated.
Top Sights at the Archaeological Site
Lion Gate
This is the entrance to the citadel, built around 1250 BC. The lions (actually griffins according to some scholars) are headless, but you can still see their muscular bodies. I stood there for 15 minutes just staring – the limestone blocks are massive, and the relief is carved from a single stone. Not many people notice the small triangular relieving arch above the lintel – it’s an engineering marvel that prevented collapse.
Treasury of Atreus (Tomb of Agamemnon)
This is a tholos tomb about 400 meters outside the citadel. The dome is 13.5 meters high, built with corbelled stones. I walked inside, and the acoustics are incredible – a whisper echoes like thunder. The tomb was probably not a treasury but a royal burial. The lintel stone weighs 120 tons – I still can’t believe they moved it without machines.
Cyclopean Walls
The name comes from the belief that only the Cyclopes could lift such stones. The walls are up to 7 meters thick in places. Walk along the northern section – you’ll see the cistern carved into the rock, which supplied water during sieges. It’s a 30-meter-deep shaft, and you can still see water at the bottom.
Grave Circle A
This is where Schliemann found the gold masks, including the famous “Mask of Agamemnon” (though it’s actually earlier). The circle is inside the citadel, and six shaft graves are exposed. I knelt down and peered into the graves – they’re deep, about 4 meters. There’s no barrier, so be careful not to drop anything.
Where to Stay Near Mycenae
Most visitors stay in Nafplio (30 min away), but I recommend the village of Mykines for an immersive experience.
| Hotel | Location | Price per night | Why I liked it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petite Planete | Mykines village, 400m from site | €70-120 | Rooftop view of the citadel; homemade breakfast with local olives. |
| La Petite Planète (same chain, different style) | 1 km from site | €50-90 | Quiet garden; the owner gave me a free map with walking trails. |
| Nafplia Palace (in Nafplio) | Nafplio old town | €130-250 | Luxury option; combines Mycenae with seaside charm. |
I stayed at Petite Planete – the owner told me that the village has only a few tavernas, and the best one is To Kati Allo (try the lamb kleftiko). Book dinner early because they run out of dishes fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
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