These ruins of the old town of Mycenae (the city state of Agamemnon, c. 1500 B.C.) is worth all the time. The drive there from Athens is very nice through stunning landscapes and winding mountain roads. It is easily combined with Epidaurus or Argos, which lie closeby. It is a winding, rather steep climb, that is still very doable. The view from the town, which lies on a rocky outcrop surrounded by even higher mountains, is great (you can actually see the sea). Don't forget to visit the closeby Tholos (tomb) of Atrius/Agamemnon, which is an incredible piece of architecture from that age. The museum is disappointing and we dearly missed a place to eat or sit in the shadow with a drink. On the parking lot (too small even in November) there is a booth which sells drinks but no seats. A little further along the road back to Athens there are many restaurants, but the quality is not that great. If you drive a few minutes further (towards Athens) you will see, hidden among trees at the left side in a bend of the road, a local place with a nice terrace overgrown with vines and trees, where they serve better quality for far less money and in a much better atmosphere. It is called Το χάνι του Ανέστη το παλιό in Dervenakia.

The place is fascinating. It could be an easy trip from Nafplio. Listen to the legends about Perseus (son of Zeus and Danae) and Cyclopes. about Trojan war, about Homer poems "Iliad" and "Odyssey". Go through the Lion's gate (1300 B.C.!). Look at the graves. Golden masks discovered here by famous Heinrich Schliemann could be seen in National Archeological Museum in Athens. The mountains surrounding the place are very beautiful.

Even if you feel that you have seen enough Greek ruins already, this site takes it to a new level. The shaft graves are amazing, and the view from the top of the citadel is breathtaking. This is a must see in this part of Greece!

A fantastic archaeological sites of ruins of a palace from the 12th century b.c. set amongst some beautiful mountains with great views. It is a large site and there is plenty to walk round. There are even some very rare tombs. It is especially great value if you buy a special ticket (that only lasts 3 days) to see other wonderful nearby sites that are well worth seeing such as Tiryns, Asini, Palamidi Fortress and some museums.

This is a significant and interesting site. It represents a unique lost culture and complements artifacts in the national archaeological museum in Athens. The lion gate is the stuff of legends. Entry into an intact tomb is fascinating and unique. Overall, this is a significant and unique archaeological site.

Well worth the trip. We arrived just before the site opened at 8am, we the only tourists there. Light was good, it us a spectacular site and the archeology museum really cemented my understanding of the historical importance. Highly recommended

Our journey through Greece took us to Mycenae, a site rich in legend and history. Visiting the Acropolis of Mycenae and the Tomb of Atreus felt like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into one of the ancient world’s most powerful civilizations. These UNESCO World Heritage sites revealed the lives and legacies of the Mycenaeans, who significantly shaped Greek culture. Our visit began at the Acropolis of Mycenae, a fortified citadel perched on a hill, where the imposing Lion Gate greeted us, symbolizing Mycenae’s power. The scale of the site, with its Cyclopean masonry and palace ruins, highlighted the engineering prowess of the Mycenaeans. The breathtaking view from the top, with olive trees and vineyards stretching out to distant mountains, underscored the strategic importance of this fortress. Next, we visited the nearby Tomb of Atreus, a monumental tholos tomb built around 1250 BCE and one of the most impressive examples of Mycenaean architecture. Named after the legendary king Atreus, the tomb’s grand entrance and awe-inspiring beehive-shaped chamber spoke to the Mycenaeans’ reverence for their rulers and belief in the afterlife. Our visit to Mycenae was a journey through the rich history of one of Greece’s earliest civilizations. The grandeur of the Acropolis and the tombs left us with a deep appreciation for the ingenuity and artistry of the ancient Greeks. For anyone interested in ancient history, Mycenae is a must-visit, offering an awe-inspiring connection to a civilization that shaped Western culture.

These thousands year old ruins are fascinating and definitely worth a visit. Highly recommend going as early as possible. The parking lot is small and fills quickly with buses. Don't miss the museum which gives more information about how this area was discovered and excavated.