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Mycenae opening hours: When to visit this historic site

How much time do you need to visit the Mycenae Archaeological Site?

You’ll mostly spend about 2 to 2.5 hours exploring the Mycenae archaeological site, including the citadel, museum, and the nearby Treasury of Atreus. The main citadel takes around 60–75 minutes to walk through at a comfortable pace, with time to pause at key points like the Lion Gate, Grave Circle A, and the Palace ruins. The museum next to the entrance adds another 30–40 minutes for those interested in the artifacts.

Don't miss the Treasury of Atreus, located just 5 minutes by foot or car from the main entrance. Allocate 15–20 minutes there. Add extra time if you're visiting during peak hours or want to explore lesser-known areas like the underground cistern or nearby tholos tombs.

Mycenae is a vast Bronze Age citadel that is located just 120 km from Athens. It draws thousands of visitors each year and the site offers sweeping ruins, royal tombs, and panoramic views. You’ll need at least two hours to fully explore this place. Mycenae’s opening hours vary by season, with shorter hours in winter and extended ones in summer. This guide covers all the timings so you can plan your trip perfectly.

Best time of day and season to visit Mycenae

Time of day

Visiting Mycenae early in the morning (right when it opens) is ideal. You’ll skip the tour bus crowds and explore in cooler, softer light which is perfect for photos, especially at the Lion Gate and Palace ruins. For dramatic lighting, late afternoon offers golden hour views with fewer visitors lingering on-site.

Best season

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are the best times to visit. The weather is mild, wildflowers bloom across the site, and the views over the Argive plain are especially lush. These seasons also align with the longer summer opening hours but avoid the scorching heat of July and August.

Holidays and peak days

Expect heavy crowds on summer weekends and public holidays, especially from late June through early September. Weekdays are generally quieter. For a more relaxed experience in summer, consider entering around midday when group tours leave for lunch. There may be little shade and it can get quite hot, but the trade-off is a much quieter and more peaceful experience.

Frequently asked questions about Mycenae timings

What time does Mycenae open and close?

The site opens daily at 8am. Closing is at 8pm in summer (April–October) and 3:30pm in winter (November–March). Last admission is 20 minutes before closing.

Is Mycenae open every day?

Yes, it's open 7 days a week, except on major Greek holidays like January 1, March 25, Easter Sunday, May 1, and December 25–26.

Are the museum and archaeological site open at the same hours?

Yes, the on-site museum follows the same seasonal schedule and holiday closures as the archaeological site.

Can I enter Mycenae just before it closes?

No, the final entry is allowed 20 minutes before the posted closing time. It’s best to arrive earlier to allow enough time to explore.

Are hours extended during summer?

Yes. From April to October, Mycenae stays open longer—typically until 8pm—thanks to longer daylight and higher visitor demand.

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