Between two hills on the arid plains of the northeastern Peloponnese, Mycenae is one of the most significant ancient sites in Greece and therefore a popular day trip from Athens. Interpreting these enigmatic ruins on your own can be a struggle, so visit with a guide to enhance your experience—audio guides are also available. There’s also an on-site museum that exhibits pottery, burial urns, clay figurines, and a replica of the death mask once thought to be Agamemnon.
Some tours combine Mycenae with the ancient site of Epidaurus, while others add on the Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, and Nafplio. Pair culture with cuisine on a wine tasting and history tour, which typically stop at Mycenae, or take a deep dive into ancient Greece on a multi-day tour that features Mycenae, Epidaurus, Delphi, Olympia, and Meteora.
Mycenae is located 56 miles (90 kilometers) south of Athens, and can be reached by car or bus from the capital city in around 1.5 hours via the A8 and E94 roads. Choose a tour that includes transport to avoid the hassle of navigating or coordinating public transportation.
The ruins of Mycenae are open every day except major holidays. Temperatures soar at midday, so time your tour for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat. The on-site museum offers a bit of refuge during the hottest hours of the day.
The ruins at Mycenae were excavated in 1874 by Heinrich Schliemann, who also worked at Troy. Highlights include the Lion Gate, carved with figures of mythical lions; the Treasury of Atreus, aka the Tomb of Agamemnon; the scant remains of the Royal Palace; and the Cyclopean Walls, whose massive stone blocks are all that remain of the original fortifications. The true showstoppers, however, are the grave circles, believed to be the burial sites of Mycenaean royalty thanks to the numerous precious gold, silver, bronze and ivory artifacts excavated around the tombs.
