Mycenae and Nafplio sit about 120-135 km southwest of Athens in the Argolid region of the Peloponnese. The drive takes under 2 hours, making this a comfortable full-day excursion. Most visitors combine both in a single trip, often adding Epidaurus as a third stop.

What to See at Mycenae

Mycenae was the most powerful kingdom in Greece during the late Bronze Age (roughly 1600-1100 BC). This is the civilisation that launched the Trojan War, at least according to Homer. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Lion Gate -- The main entrance to the citadel, built around 1250 BC. Two carved lionesses (their heads are missing) stand above the massive stone lintel. It's the oldest monumental sculpture in Europe and the symbol of Mycenae.

The Cyclopean Walls -- The fortification walls are built from enormous limestone boulders, some weighing several tonnes. The ancient Greeks believed only the Cyclopes -- mythical giants -- could have moved them.

The Treasury of Atreus (Tomb of Agamemnon) -- A spectacular tholos (beehive) tomb just outside the citadel walls. The doorway lintel alone weighs an estimated 120 tonnes. The interior chamber, 13 metres high, was the largest domed structure in the world for over a thousand years until the Pantheon in Rome.

Grave Circle A -- Where Heinrich Schliemann discovered the famous gold death masks in 1876, including the so-called "Mask of Agamemnon" (now in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens).

The Museum -- Small but well-curated, with finds from the site including pottery, weapons, and jewellery. Worth 30 minutes.

Allow about 1.5-2 hours for Mycenae in total.

What to See in Nafplio

Nafplio is 25 km south of Mycenae and feels like a different world -- a lively, handsome seaside town with Venetian, Ottoman, and neoclassical architecture layered over centuries of history. It served as the first capital of independent Greece from 1829 to 1834.

Palamidi Fortress -- Looming over the town from a rocky hilltop, this massive Venetian fortress was built in the early 1700s. You can drive up or climb the famous 999 steps (actually closer to 857). The views from the top are outstanding.

Bourtzi Castle -- A small Venetian fortress on an islet in the harbour. It looks like it's floating on the water. Boats run out to it in summer.

The Old Town -- Narrow streets, neoclassical buildings, bougainvillea-covered walls, small squares with cafes. Syntagma Square and Staikopoulou Street are the main hubs. It's a lovely place to wander.

Arvanitia Beach -- A small pebble beach below the Akronafplia fortress, walkable from the old town. Good for a quick swim if the weather is warm.

Allow 2-3 hours in Nafplio, more if you want to climb Palamidi and have a leisurely lunch.

The Corinth Canal

If you're driving, you'll cross the Corinth Canal on the way -- a 6.4 km cut through solid rock that separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. There's a pedestrian bridge where you can stop for photos. The canal is 80 metres deep and only 21 metres wide at water level. It's an impressive sight, and the stop takes just 10 minutes.

How to Get There

By Car (1.5-2 hours)

Take the A8/E94 motorway west from Athens towards Corinth. Cross the Corinth Canal, then follow the E65 south towards Argos/Nafplio. Mycenae is signposted off the main road about 20 km before Nafplio. Expect 2-3 motorway tolls totalling around 8-10 EUR.

This is the best option if you want to control your own schedule and combine stops flexibly.

By Guided Tour

The most popular option. Full-day tours from Athens covering Mycenae, Nafplio, and often Epidaurus run daily. Typical structure:

  • Depart Athens 08:00-08:30
  • Stop at Corinth Canal (photos)
  • Mycenae (1.5-2 hours with guide)
  • Lunch in Nafplio (free time)
  • Optional Epidaurus stop
  • Return Athens by 18:00-19:00

Group tours run 50-90 EUR per person. Small group and private options are available at higher prices.

By Bus

KTEL buses run from Athens (Kifissos station) to Nafplio several times daily. The journey takes about 2.5 hours and costs around 15 EUR. From Nafplio, you'd need to arrange local transport to Mycenae (taxi or local bus) -- it's not the most convenient option for a day trip.

Entrance Fees (2026)

Site Full Reduced
Mycenae (site + museum) 12 EUR 6 EUR
Palamidi Fortress (Nafplio) 8 EUR 4 EUR

Free for EU citizens under 25 and non-EU citizens under 18.

Mycenae opening hours: 08:00-20:00 (summer), 08:00-17:00 (winter).

Practical Tips

  • Visit Mycenae first, Nafplio second. Mycenae is best in the morning before it gets hot, and Nafplio is perfect for lunch and an afternoon stroll.
  • Mycenae is exposed. Very little shade, uneven ground, steep paths. Wear decent shoes, bring water and a hat.
  • Nafplio has excellent restaurants. Skip any included tour lunch and eat independently in the old town. Fresh fish, local wine, and traditional dishes are significantly better than bus-tour restaurant fare.
  • Palamidi is worth the effort but it's a serious climb if you take the steps. Driving up is also an option. Go early or late to avoid the midday heat.
  • Nafplio is also the first capital of Greece -- a fact that surprises many visitors. The town has a proud history and a different character from the islands.

Adding Epidaurus

If time allows, Epidaurus is only 30 km east of Nafplio and can be added to make a triple stop. Its 4th-century BC theatre, seating 14,000, has acoustics so precise you can hear a coin dropped on the stage from the back row. If you're doing this independently, the Mycenae-Nafplio-Epidaurus loop works well by car.

Most organised tours from Athens include all three.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and autumn are best -- comfortable temperatures for walking exposed archaeological sites, and Nafplio is pleasant without summer crowds.

Summer works but Mycenae is punishing in the heat. Start very early.

Winter is fine for Nafplio (it's a year-round town) but Mycenae can be cold and wet. Fewer tourists, though.

Mycenae is 120 km from Athens (1.5 hours by car). Nafplio is 135 km (2 hours). Both are in the Argolid region of the Peloponnese.