Getting to Mycenae

The highway from Athens to the Mycene area is new and well maintained. Once there you will find that Mycenae is a challenging site to navigate. Be prepared for a steep climb through the ruins and be prepared to endure the relentless sun rays that are impossible to avoid since there is hardly any shade. I spent about two hours surveying the entire site and photographing. You will want to dress very lightly with shoes that would be appropriate for climbing steep and rocky hills, and you absolutely must wear a hat. It was one of the few times that I did not take the kids along for the visit, and once there I was glad I didn't because of the physical challenge.

Mycenae: 22°45'E, 37°44' N Mycenae More Pictures Getting to Mycenae Mycenaean Artifacts Maps & satellite photo Related Links

Admittance to the site costs about 1500 Drachma (about US$4) and you can also buy a map and other books at the entrance. There is also a cantina on the parking lot and it is the only source of bottled water and sandwiches. I noticed that by 10:00 AM an armada of busses had descended to the site and unloaded an incredible number of tourists, resulting in full parking lots, long lines at the ticket counter, and a site that is difficult to photograph since there are always large groups of people in the shot you would want to take. The trick is to get to the site way before all the busses arrive!