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THE 10 BEST Knosos Tours & Excursions

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1. Full-Day Private Adventure: Knossos, Zeus Cave & Lassithi Plateau

2. Private Full-Day Adventure: Knossos, Museum & Melidoni Cave

3. Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Ticket (Shared Tour - Small group)

4. Private Day Tour Knossos-Lassithi Plateau-Cave of Zeus

5. Historical Heraklion City Tour with Knossos Palace & Old Market

6. Combo Tour: Knossos&Lasithi Plateau,Cave of Zeus&Olive mill Farm

7. Private Full-Day Knossos-Lasithi Plateau-Cave of Zeus

8. Archaeological Museum and Κnossos Palace Guided Tour Half Day

9. PRIVATE TOUR -Knossos Palace-Zeus Cave-Old Traditional Villages

10. Full Day Trip to Knossos Cave of Zeus and Olive Oil Factory

11. Labyrinth of Knossos Skip-the-Line Ticket with Tour Guide

12. Private Guided Tour to Knossos Palace & Zeus Cave from Heraklion

13. From chania : Knossos Palace & Archeological Museum Tour

14. Full Day Tour in Knossos palace,Lassithi Plateau and Zeus Cave

15. Knossos Palace & Heraklion City Tour

16. Unique Minoan Crete: Zeus Cave, Winery Visit, Knossos Palace

17. Guided Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion

18. Full Day Tour Lasithi Plateau Zeus Cave and Knossos Palace

19. Knossos Palace and Plateau of Lassithi from Heraklion Region

20. Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour in Heraklion

21. Knossos Palace & Archeological Museum: E-Tickets with Audio Tours

22. Mythical Escape: Zeus Cave & Knossos Palace with Lassithi Plateau from Heraklion

23. The Palace of Knossos with Optional Skip-the-Line Ticket

24. Knossos palace and Heraklion city walking food tour (small group)

25. Minoan Crete: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit and Lunch at Archanes

26. Private Full-Day Knossos-Lasithi Plateau-Cave of Zeus from Elouda

27. Knossos Palace Greek Mythology

28. Knossos and Heraklion City from Rethymno

29. Knossos - Lassithi

30. Knossos Private Full-Day Tour from Heraklion with Pick Up

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• Full-Day Private Adventure: Knossos, Zeus Cave & Lassithi Plateau
• Full Day Trip to Knossos Cave of Zeus and Olive Oil Factory
• Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Ticket (Shared Tour - Small group)
• Full Day Tour in Knossos palace,Lassithi Plateau and Zeus Cave
• Guided Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion
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Crete Full-Day Tour: Knossos Palace and Heraklion

• Knossos Palace
• Heraklion Archaeological Museum

• An in-depth view into Crete's archaeological sites for first-time or returning visitors
• Led by a local expert guide

• Knossos Palace – Delve into ancient Minoan history at Knossos Palace, an archaeological marvel and the legendary center of the Minoan civilization.
• Heraklion Archaeological Museum – Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Crete at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to an impressive collection of Minoan artifacts and historical treasures.
• Heraklion city center ( St. Minas Cathedral, St. Titus Church, Lion Square) – Experience the heart of Heraklion with its iconic landmarks, including the grand St. Minas Cathedral, historic St. Titus Church, and the vibrant Lion Square.
• Open-air market in Heraklion – Indulge your senses in the lively atmosphere of Heraklion's open-air market, where you can explore local flavors, vibrant colors, and the warm hospitality of the Cretan people.
• Private expert guide 
• Private vehicle and driver
• Admission Tickets

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ .

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The Minoan Tour of Knossos Palace & Museum

*choose between a shared or private option, why choose this tour, value for money.

Either you book the shared or the private option the huge history of Minoan civilization will surprise you without breaking your bank.

A unique experience

Explore Europe’s oldest city & discover the greatness of the ancient Minoans. Experience tour of Knossos & the Museum with a local guide.

You can't miss this place

A must-do of a visitor of Crete is the Knossos Palace tour. The ancient Minoan city and the archaelogical museum of Heraklion won't dissapoint you.

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Private tour overview, tour highlights.

• Explore Europe’s oldest city
• Walking in Heraklion city centre
• Unique museum exhibits and artefacts
• Learn everything from a local licensed guide
• Interactive guiding with educational material
• Learn about the Minoans and their every-day life
• Analytic descriptions for the ancient history of Crete
• Discover the secrets of the most ancient civilization in Europe

Description

Follow us and explore the oldest city of Europe and the first organized human civilization, the Minoans. Discover the greatness of the ancient Minoans and walk around the old stone-paths of Knossos, the cradle of Minoan civilization.

The palace of Knossos , the centre of Minoan civilization, was constituted the main force of the island’s population during the Bronze Age. Their society and the palace were possibly destroyed at the explosion of the Santorini Volcano. The excavation conducted by Arthur Evans 1900-1913 and 1922-1930 brought to light the grand palace of Knossos, along with other significant findings of immense importance concerning the culture and the life of the Minoans, which are, as of yet, kept at the archaeological museum of Heraklion.

In this private tour , you’ll have the chance to explore the most important monuments of the site such as The Palace of Knossos, the Little Palace, the Royal Villa, house of the Frescoes, Caravanserai, the “Unexplored Mansion”, the Temple Tomb, the House of the High Priest, the South Mansion, the Villa of Dionysos etc.

The trip starts from Chania (or any other region of Crete upon request). The pick-up is from your hotel’s lobby . Heading to Heraklion, which is approximately 2 hours away, you’ll enjoy the route and beautiful surroundings. The first stop is the palace of Knossos, and a tour by a professional licensed local guide is following. After the palace tour, you’ll reach the centre of Heraklion , and the tour of the archaeological museum starts. You’ll also have plenty of time to eat and shop . After approximately 3-4 hours stay in Heraklion, we head back to Chania (or any other Crete region).

• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Bottled water per person
• English speaking, local driver
• Licensed and professional local guide
• Ancient city and museum entrance fees
• Transport by air-conditioned minibus/minivan
• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• Private tour
• Gratuities (optional)

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PICKUPS

In our small-group and group tours we are picking up our guests from selected meeting points in Chania area and accecible by our vehicles hotels. Please select your pick up point according to your hotel’s location and don’t hesitate to contact us for any further clarification

Shared tour overview

• Discover the first civilization of Europe
• Explore one of world’s msot famous sites
• Live guiding experience by a local expert
• Learn about the ancient history of Crete
• Unique museum exhibits & descriptions
• Walk in Heraklion & Rethymno city

Explore the oldest city of Europe and the first organized human civilization. Discover the greatness of the ancient Minoans and walk around the old stone-paths of Knossos, the cradle of Minoan civilization .

The palace of Knossos has constituted the main force of the island’s population during the Bronze Age. Their civilization, as well as the palace, was destroyed at the explosion of the Santorini Volcano. The excavation conducted by Arthur Evans in the early 20th century brought to light the grand palace of Knossos, along with other significant findings of immense importance concerning the culture and the life of the Minoans. Most of them are as of yet kept at the archaeological museum of Heraklion.

The trip starts from Chania (or Rethymno). Picking you up from your hotel or a meeting spot, we begin driving to Heraklion (duration: 2.5-3 hours). On the way to Heraklion, we stop near Rethymno for a few minutes (WC-food-water stop). Then, the guided tour is starting from the palace of Knossos. You will explore the “Little Palace”, the “Royal Villa”, the “House of the Frescoes”, the “Caravanserai”, the “Temple Tomb, the “Villa of Dionysos” and a lot more exciting spots inside the palace.

Subsequently, we head to the centre of Heraklion to visit the archaeological museum. Your guide will explain the history of the museum artefacts, and you will admire up close murals and objects from the palace you have just visited.

After the museum guided tour, you have plenty of time for shopping or lunch in the city centre. In Heraklion, you will spend approximately 4 hours. On our way back to Chania, we’ll stop by Rethymno city for a short stop again. Finally, after an 8-9 hours trip, we return to Chania, dropping you off at the pick-up spots & hotels.

• English speaking guide
• Air-conditioned bus transportation
• Entrances fees of the Museum and the Palace (20€ per person)

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to content

• Knossos Short History
• Knossos Points of Interest
• Neolithic Crete
• Protopalatial Crete
• Neopalatial Period
• Legends of Knossos
• War Technology
• Marine Trade and Thalassocracy
• Minoan Religion
• Cultural Influences
• Volcanic Eruption of Santorini
• Facts & Tales
• Things to Do in Crete

Welcome to Knossos , the Minoan Palace

In Crete, lies the great remnants of Knossos Palace, home of King Minos and the legendary Minotaur!

Online Tickets for Knossos Palace

New bundle ticket: knossos palace & heraklion archaeological museum, tickets for april/may/june for knossos, knossos opening hours:.

08:30 - 17:00 Last Entrance to the Site at 16:00

16st to 31th October

08:00 - 18:00 Last Entrance to the Site at 17:30

Skip the line and show your smartphone Knossos Palace tickets at the entrance.

Family and Group Tickets

Up to 20 people - Mobile Use Skip the Line

Discover the cretan treasures at heraklion archaeological museum, visit the home of the minotaur at this ancient greek wonder, exploring knossos palace.

Situated a mere 5 km south of Heraklion, the majestic Knossos Palace is a top-tier attraction for travellers in Crete. Its accessibility by both car and bus adds to its appeal.

The palace traces its origins back to the Neolithic era, with its most notable development phase occurring during the Minoan period. As the cornerstone of the Minoan civilisation, Knossos Palace held significant importance and was highly esteemed.

Present day visitors can meander through the captivating remnants of this ancient palace, gaining insights into its intriguing history and the role it played. 

The Enthralling Ruins of Knossos Palace

The sprawling ruins of Knossos Palace are captivating, offering history aficionados a wealth of insights. Its remarkably preserved state provides an enchanting window into the everyday life of the Minoans. Besides being an architectural marvel, Knossos also housed the mythical Minotaur, according to legend, lending it an aura of enchantment. 

It was considered a mystical location by King Minos, who purportedly kept the Minotaur within a labyrinth here.

Furthermore, Knossos holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Linear A writing, an ancient form of script, which, fascinatingly, remains partially undeciphered. Those with a passion for ancient cultures and histories will find Knossos Palace an irresistible destination.

Knossos: More Than Just a Palace

Knossos Palace stands out in historical records not merely as a royal residence but as a vibrant epicentre for administration, trade, and culture. Its numerous in-house workshops were bustling hubs where craftsmen fashioned goods destined for trade across the Mediterranean. Adding to its significance, it served as a critical port city, owing to its strategic coastal location. This amalgamation of economic, political, and cultural functions renders Knossos one of Europe’s most essential archaeological sites.

A Journey to Minoan Period

The epoch known as the Minoan period draws its moniker from the mythical King Minos, whose rule over Crete is part of ancient lore. This era is frequently regarded as Crete’s golden age, with the construction of Knossos Palace being one of its most notable achievements. 

This grand palace was not just a vast residential complex but also functioned as the central government hub. It is widely believed that a volcanic eruption in 1450 BC led to the palace’s destruction. However, much of its remarkable art and architecture survived the ravages of time and can be experienced by present-day visitors.

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Knossos Official Tickets: What you will see at Knossos Palace

• Unearth the remnants of Royal Palace, unparalleled in its magnitude, splendor, and refinement. 
• Marvel at the intricate carvings on the walls, or wander through the courtyards and imagine what life was like in this ancient city.
• Appreciate the House of the Frescoes, famed for its mural artistry, and the Villa of Dionysos, a private residence boasting exquisite mosaic embellishments.
• Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion as well to see more artifacts discovered in the palace, like as ceramics, wall paintings, and figurines, to get the entire experience.
• See from close the world-famous Bull-Leaping Fresco and Leaping Dolphins adorning the Queen's Megaron.

Relieve the legend of Minotaur , which was kept in the labyrinth, and learn about the palace’s connection to this ancient creature.​

Knossos Archaeological Site Points of Interest

The South Propylaeum

This magnificent site, dating back over 3,000 years, is steeped in history and mythology. One of the most fascinating areas of the site is the South Propylaeum, a monumental structure that played a crucial role in ancient ceremonies and events. Join us as we delve into the secrets of the South Propylaeum and discover its importance to ancient Greek culture.

The Royal Villa at Knossos

Within the sprawling complex of Knossos lies the Royal Villa, a magnificent building that stands out for its unique architectural features and richly decorated interiors. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating history, architecture and cultural significance of the Royal Villa at Knossos, revealing some of the secrets of one of the world’s oldest civilizations

The Minoan Caravanserai

The Caravanserai, Built during the Neopalatial period, this two-story building served as a public reception venue for travelers and their goods. We will delve into its unique architecture, luxurious rooms, verandas, storerooms, central building and public function, plumbing system, and Stone Bath.

North Lustral Basin

During the Minoan period, many palaces and villas featured subterranean structures. Archaeologists have proposed several theories about the purpose of these structures, including storage, workshops, or even hiding places during times of war. However, many experts agree that the subterranean areas of Minoan palaces and villas were primarily used for purification ceremonies

The East Wing in Knossos Archaeological Site

The site is home to numerous structures, including the iconic East Wing, which was once the heart of the palace. The East Wing is an extraordinary architectural marvel and has fascinated scholars, archaeologists, and tourists alike for centuries. In this blog post, we will explore the history and significance of the East Wing, its architecture, and the various challenges involved in its preservation

The West Façade

As a significant cultural site dating back to the Bronze Age, the palace still holds vital clues to early Greek civilization and architecture. One of the most striking features of the Palace is the West Court and the façade that graces its wall.

Little Palace of Minoan Knossos

The Little Palace in Knossos, a magnificent edifice that served as a hub for palace administration, religious ceremonies, and social gatherings. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through the history, architecture, religious functions, and restoration efforts of the Little Palace. As we unravel the mysteries of this marvel of Minoan Knossos, you will discover why it is an ideal destination for cultural tourists and history buffs alike.

The Temple Tomb

Located south of the Palace of Knossos, the Temple Tomb is one of the most fascinating ancient ruins in Crete. While its original purpose remains unknown, the Temple Tomb was likely used for both funerary and cult functions during the Neopalatial period. Over time, the building underwent successive phases of repair, and it still offers insight into the rich cultural and religious practices of the Knossian community. This blog post will explore the Temple Tomb’s history, architecture, and significance, inviting international tourists to discover this window into ancient Cretan culture

16/3/1900 , Sir A.Evans began Knossos Excavation!

16/3/1900:Sir Atrhur Evans, led the excavation at the first strike at Knossos. In a short time he would bring to light one of the greatest

The Race to Elevate Minoan Palaces to UNESCO Glory!

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Knossos: Olives and grape leaves in a well of the 3rd millennium BC

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“Fathers” of the solar calendar the Minoans

Nineteen centuries before the Babylonians, the Minoans had discovered the solar calendar, as Professor Minas Tsikritzis reveals.The Cretan researcher, after many years of study and

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15 Things to Do near Knossos

Crete is a city that is full of life and culture. If you're looking for things to do in Crete at summer, you won't be disappointed! There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay.

How many days are enough? Things to Do in Crete.

This really depends on what you want to do while there. If you want to just relax on the beach, a few days is probably enough. However, if you want to explore all that the island has to offer, we would recommend spending at least a week there.

Crete as an international destination.

Crete is not only a beautiful destination for Greeks, but it is also an international one. In fact, Crete was recently voted as the “Best European Destination” by the prestigious Travelers’ Choice Awards. This is due to its wonderful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. 

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Knossos Palace (Heraklion): How to visit the archaeological site?

Palace of knossos (crete): the definitive guide to plan your visit.

You want to visit the Palace of Knossos (sometimes also spelt as Cnossos) during your stay in Crete ?

Great idea!

The most famous archaeological site on the island is one of the best places to visit near Heraklion .

To help you plan your visit, I have prepared this guide of Knossos, with all the practical information (how to get there, opening hours…) and my best tips . I will of course also tell you where to book your entrance ticket to Knossos palace or your guided tour.

In addition, you will also find in this article my list of the best places to see around the Minoan palace and my selection of the best hotels in Heraklion.

So, ready to plan your visit to the Palace of Knossos?

Visit of the Palace of Knossos: Booking your tickets

Where is the palace of knossos how to get there, opening times of knossos palace, rates for the minoan palace in knossos, ticket to knossos palace, combined ticket for knossos + heraklion archaeological museum, guided tour of the palace of knossos in english, private guided tour of the archaeological site of knossos, visiting knossos from chania: day trip, visiting the palace of knossos from rethymnon, history of palace of knossos, things worth seeing during the visit to the palace of knossos, how long does it take to visit knossos in heraklion, what is the best time to visit the palace of knossos in crete, the archaeological museum of heraklion, heraklion wine region, where to stay in heraklion, you’re traveling to crete these articles will help you.

If you only want to book your priority access tickets to visit Knossos at the best price during your tour in Crete , without reading the article (you should read it anyway to know everything!), here is the summary table of the existing tickets.

Click on the ticket names to buy them:

The Palace of Knossos: a must-see sight in Crete

How to visit the palace of knossos.

To prepare for your visit to the Palace of Knossos during your trip to Crete, I’ll start my guide with some practical information.

The Palace of Knossos is located in Heraklion , 5 km from the city centre.

Here are the different options to go to Palace of Knossos from Heraklion:

• By car: it takes 10 minutes from the centre. Large free parking on site.
• By public bus: the number 2 “Knossos” bus leaves from Heraklion Bus Station (200 metres from the archaeological museum) and takes you to Knossos in 15 minutes. There are departures very regularly.
• By taxi: you will find taxis in the centre of Heraklion.

Another very practical solution if you choose to visit Heraklion on the same day as the archaeological site of Knossos: take the multi -stop bus. There are stops at the Koules fortress or at the Archaeological Museum.

If you wish to take the Hop-On Hop-Off bus to Knossos, you can book your ticket directly by clicking on the green button below:

The opening hours of the Palace of Knossos vary according to the season:

• From November to the end of March: From 8:30 to 17:00
• From April to the end of August: 8am to 8pm
• In September: 8am to 7pm or 7.30pm
• In October: 8am to 6pm or 6.30pm.

The last entry is always 1/4 of an hour before closing.

The Palace of Knossos is open every day from Monday to Sunday except:

• Easter Monday
• December 25
• December 26

Entrance fee for Knossos: €15 for the full Adults rate (between 25 and 65 years) if you buy it at the ticket office.

Reduced rate at €8 for people over 65 years old.

Free entry to the Palace of Knossos for children and people under 25 years of age living in a European Union country – Upon presentation of a proof at the ticket office.

Entrance to Knossos Palace is also free on certain days of the year for everyone: March 6 – April 18 – May 18 – Last weekend of September – October 28 – Every Sunday between November 1 and March 31.

To visit the Palace of Knossos , you must buy your tickets in advance on the Internet, and not at the ticket office. This will allow you to avoid the queue, which can be quite impressive at certain times of the day.

The priority access tickets and the guided tours to Knossos are available to book online , so you might as well enjoy them! I’ll give you the details below.

Book your ticket to the Palace of Knossos

To help you choose the different tickets for your visit to the Palace of Knossos, I’ll now explain all the options.

To avoid the queues at the entrance of the archaeological site, you must reserve your ticket to the Palace of Knossos by clicking on the green button below.

You will just have to show it directly at the counter on your smartphone to enter the site:

Since there are almost no explanatory signs on the site (this is a recurring problem in Greece …), if you want to have an explanation of what you are seeing , you can also buy a priority access ticket with audio guide or digital tablet:

1) For a visit to the Knossos Palace with an audio guide (available in English only), you must book your ticket by clicking here:

2) For a virtual tour of the Palace of Knossos with a digital tablet*:

The tablet allows you to admire certain places of the palace recreated in 3D and to view the places more clearly. There is also an audio guide available in English.

*Beware that this price is only for the tablet rental, you must also have a priority access ticket to enter the site.

During your stay in Heraklion, you must visit the Minoan palace of Knossos and the archaeological museum because both visits are really complementary. Indeed, some of the frescoes and objects discovered in Knossos are now displayed in the Heraklion museum.

In this case, you must buy a combined ticket in advance including:

• A ticket for Knossos Palace
• A ticket with priority entrance for the archaeological museum of Heraklion
• 2 audio guides with explanations in English (1 for each site). You will need to download them on your phone before going there.

It’s very easy to visit these 2 must-see sites on a road trip in Crete on the same day (no matter what the order) but you can also plan to do Knossos one day and the museum the next day or vice versa (your ticket will still be valid).

Opting for this combined ticket will also allow you to save a little money compared to buying 2 separate tickets.

To book your combined priority access ticket for Knossos and the museum , click on the button below:

If you want to know everything about the history of the Palace of Knossos to the smallest detail, you must book a guided tour. 

And good news this tour of Knossos is available in English. The guide is pleasant and professional. He knows his stuff perfectly and will tell you many anecdotes about Greek mythology and Minoan civilisation.

This visit to Knossos offers 3 other advantages:

• It takes place in small groups of up to 8 people
• It allows gives you priority access to the site
• The rate also includes entry to the archaeological museum of Heraklion (without a guide).

The guided tour lasts about 90 minutes but you can then take a tour of the archaeological site alone.

Book your guided tour of the Palace of Knossos in English by clicking on the button below:

Remember to book your guided tour of Knossos as early as possible  as there are only 2 or 3 slots a day and the 8 spots are quickly taken.

To enjoy a 90-minute private guided visit to Knossos Palace , you need to book by clicking on the green button below:

If you have not rented a car and plan to stay only in Chania, you can also visit the Palace of Knossos via an organised trip.

The day-trip includes:

• Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Chania
• A guided tour of the site of Knossos (In English)
• Free visit to the archaeological museum of Heraklion
• Free time to explore Heraklion.

If you aren’t necessarily planning to drive to Crete , this is the best way to get to the Palace of Knossos from Chania.

This trip can be booked directly by clicking on the button below:

The same guide tour to Knossos and Heraklion is also available from Rethymnon with pick-up service from your hotel.

For detailed information and to reserve tickets, just click here:

To better understand the things you’ll see during your visit to the Palace of Knossos, here’s a brief summary of its history. Of course, if you want a complete and accurate explanation, the best thing is to opt for a guided tour!

Crete’s most famous archaeological site was first discovered in 1878 by a Cretan antique dealer, but the actual excavations only began in 1900.

They were led by the British archaeologist, Sir Arthur Evans, who devoted much of his life and savings to the restoration of the place (with choices that were sometimes rather questionable).

It is he who chose to name the newly discovered civilisation in Knossos as “the Minoan civilisation”, in reference to King Minos*.

*Minos was a legendary king of Crete. In Greek mythology, he is the son of Zeus and it was he who locked the Minotaur in the maze.

The first traces of occupation of the site date back to the 8th millennium BC.  But it is only from the 3rd millennium that the place developed and that a palatial complex and many stone buildings were built.

There were the royal apartments, reception rooms, residences of civil servants, priests, offices, warehouses to store food, and also more modest houses on the outskirts for craftsmen and the population.

At its peak, Knossos was considered the political, religious and cultural centre of Crete.

You should know not to expect to see a palace when visiting the archaeological site of Knossos. All that remains are ruins and parts of it have been reconstructed according to Evans’ instructions, who let himself get a little carried away by his imagination.

However, here are the main things to see when visiting the Palace of Knossos:

• The old grain silos, called the “Kouloures” that are located directly on your left after the entrance of the site
• The shops where huge terracotta jars containing oil and wine were stored. Called “Pithoi”, you will be able see some of them still intact.
• The frescoes room where copies of the frescoes discovered in Knossos are displayed. The originals are exhibited in the archaeological museum of Heraklion.
• The throne room. Evans imagined that King Minos used to sit in the room, but archaeologists believe that the place had a religious use.
• The fresco of the Prince of Lillies, one of the most famous ones.
• The Queen ‘s Megaron, which is nothing more than her room. Here you can see the Dolphins fresco.
• The Northern entrance has been partially reconstructed with red and black columns and is home to the bull-leaping fresco. This is the place that you can see in all photos of Knossos.

For a quick visit to Knossos , it takes about 30 minutes.

To visit the Palace of Knossos with audio guide or digital tablet, it takes between 90 minutes and 2 hours if you stop at all the points of interest mentioned.

If you have decided to take a guided tour of Knossos , it takes about 90 minutes.

As the site is sunny in summer, you must reach there early in the morning or late in the day before closing. This will also allow you to avoid the crowds and group visits that arrive around 10:00 am as Knossos remains the most visited archaeological site in Crete.

If you choose to book a guided tour, you will have to follow the schedule anyway , but there is usually one tour in the morning around 9:00 am and one around 4:00 pm.

What are the things to do around Palace of Knossos?

Since Knossos is in Heraklion and the visit there does not take all day, you must take teh chance to visit the city and its surroundings.

To help you organise your visit to Heraklion, you must read my article listing the 13 unmissable things in Heraklion. Just click here: What are the things to do in Heraklion?

Here is my selection of places to see around the Palace of Knossos.

As I told you before, the visit to the archaeological museum of Heraklion really goes hand-in-hand and is unmissable since the objects and frescoes discovered in the Minoan palace are displayed there.

Here, you can admire the original frescoes of the Prince of Lillies or the Dolphins. Other famous objects include the snake goddess figurines , a vase shaped like a bull’s head with golden horns and the model of Knossos.

The museum is organised in a very modern way and and follows a chronological order from the Neolithic to the Roman period, with nearly 5,500 years of Cretan history to discover. And here we should acknowledge the presence of explanatory panels in English.

The museum being the most visited site in Heraklion after the Palace of Knossos , you really must buy your ticket in advance to skip the queues.

Here’s the link to buy the Knossos + Archaeological Museum ticket:

As the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is located in the heart of the city, before or after your visit, you must take a short walk to visit the main places of interest.

Things worth seeing in Heraklion:

• The Koules fortress , built in the 16th century, and which has recently been renovated. You will find an exhibition on the history of the place and you can access the ramparts.
• The old town , by taking the street that crosses it, the “25 Avgoustou” and then getting losing yourself in the nearby streets lined with small shops and taverns.
• Religious buildings like the Agios Titos Basilica and the Agios Minas Cathedral
• The historical museum of Crete which is really great, there is even an audio guide in English.

All the details to visit Heraklion can be found in my dedicated article: The 13 best things to do in Heraklion

Only a few miles south of Heraklion are the majority of the estates producing Cretan wines.

The latter, like the Lyrarakis estate or the Gavalas estate, organise tasting sessions if you are a fan of good wines.

The best way to spend a day on the wine route of Crete is to through an organised trip. The bus will pick you up from your hotel in or around Heraklion.

You will then visit an olive oil producing estate (+tasting) and a winery where you will have the opportunity to taste 5 wines.

Other benefits: you will be accompanied by an English -speaking guide and you will enjoy an excellent lunch full of local specialities.

To book, click the green button below:

And if you want to go on a little more upscale trip, you can also choose to participate in a tasting of 15 different wines with a visit to 2 estates.

Guests can also enjoy an excellent gourmet lunch in one of the best restaurants in the area.

Click here to book!

To make the most of your stay in Heraklion, here is my selection of the best hotels near the Palace of Knossos and other places to visit:

• Intra Muros Hostel: Hostel located a 5-minute walk from the old town. Dormitory bed from 21€. Strong points: comfortable, warm welcome, cleanliness, roof terrace. The best choice for cheap accommodation in Heraklion!
• Kronos Hotel: Located just next to Heraklion fortress. Double room with impeccable cleanliness and balcony (some with a sea view) from 65€, breakfast included. Strong points: the location is perfect for visiting Heraklion, good breakfast and friendly staff.
• Atrion Hotel: Located in the historical centre. Comfortable and warm double room with balcony from 85€, breakfast included. Strong points: excellent location and excellent breakfast. It’s my favorite hotel for its excellent value for money in Heraklion!
• DOM Boutique Hotel: Located in the heart of the old town. Modern, spacious and elegantly decorated double room from 110€, breakfast included. Strong points: excellent breakfast, attentive staff, setting, very good bedding. This is my recommendation for an upscale stay in Heraklion!
• GDM Megaron: This 5-star hotel is also located in the centre of Heraklion, not far from the Venetian port. The hotel offers beautiful rooms with a balcony from 190€, breakfast included. Strong points: rooftop swimming pool, wellness area, exceptional breakfast, great staff. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Heraklion!

How to get to Heraklion

To get to Heraklion, the best is to take a flight.

Heraklion Airport is just a 10-minute drive from the city centre.

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices. You have to know that the flight prices to Corsica can vary a lot throughout the year!

So to check the rates and schedules, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

Heraklion can also be reached by ferries from the port of Piraeus in Athens . It’s 8h30 to 9h30 journey.

You can also get to Heraklion from many Greek islands of the Cyclades archipelago: Santorini , Naxos , Paros , Mykonos, Tinos .

And lastly, there is a boat that allow you to get to Heraklion from the island of Rhodes .

To check prices and schedules of ferries to Crete, simply click on the button below:

Are you planning to visit the Palace of Knossos during your stay in Crete?

Discover all my articles about Crete : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Crete are listed there.

• 27 Best things to do in Crete : All the best places to visit and activities
• Itinerary: 4-5 days in Crete – Itinerary to prepare a short stay in East or West Crete
• Itinerary: One week in Crete – The perfect itinerary to visit Western Crete
• Itinerary : 7 days in Crete – The best itinerary to visit East Crete in 1 week
• Itinerary: 10 days in Crete – How to visit Crete in 10 days
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Crete – The perfect itinerary for 14-15 days in Crete
• Road trip to Crete: The best itineraries for 5, 7, 10 and 15 days
• Chania : The 15 best places to discover
• Heraklion : TOP 13 places to visit
• Rethymnon: The 13 best things to do
• Balos Beach : All my best tips to visit Balos Lagoon!
• Elafonissi Beach : The definitive guide to discover Crete’s famous pink sand beach
• Palace of Knossos: The definitive guide to visit the most famous archaeological site of Crete
• Samaria Gorge : How to plan the best hike in Crete
• Where to stay in Crete? The guide to the best hotels, ordered by city and budget

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Discussion 2 comments.

Nice info! I don’t see your Tourist map at the end. It looks like the map and legend were meant to be links, but they don’t work.

Thanks Amy!

There is no map at the end of this article about Knossos Palace. I think you were talking about another article. Do you remember which one (so I can go and put it back)? Thank you.

Enjoy your stay in Heraklion and Crete!

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Everything You Need to Know About Knossos Palace

Key Takeaways

• Knossos Palace is Greece's largest and most important archaeological site , with a rich history dating back to the 7th millennium BC.
• The palace served as the ceremonial, political, religious, and economic center of the Minoan civilization .
• The palace's intricate structure, magnificent murals , and distinct sections make it a must-visit attraction on the island of Crete.
• The mythological tales of the Minotaur, Daedalus, and Icarus are closely associated with Knossos Palace.

The list of fascinating attractions on Greece’s largest and most historical island is long. However, at the top of the list, one finds none other than Knossos Palace .

This Minoan palace is a place of history, legends, and Crete’s most extensive and important archaeological site . 

The Minoan palace is the largest, most complex, and most fancy of all in Greece. It is located about 20 minutes south of Heraklion .

Knossos  Palace was inhabited for several thousand years, starting somewhere in the 7th millennium BC. It was abandoned after its destruction in 1375 BC, which also marked the end of the Minoan civilization .  

If you’re planning an excursion to Knossos Palace , one of the greatest landmarks in Greece , here’s everything you need to know before going!

Historical Background

Knossos Palace was the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan Civilization during the Bronze Age. Considered  Europe’s oldest city , Knossos was once the city-state of Crete ,  with the town surrounding the hill the Minoan palace is on.

The area actually has a very long history of human habitation, from the first Neolithic settlement around 7000 BC, until 1500 BC, when the surrounding city had a population of 100,000.

The palace suffered through an earthquake but then was reconstructed. It’s believed that the palace was abandoned around 1380 to 1100 B.C. for largely unknown reasons.

The excavation and exploration of the site have provided historians with a wealth of knowledge and insight into the Minoan Civilization .

Tools like clay and stone incised spools and whorls point to a cloth-making industry, and curvaceous female figurines indicate the worshipping of mother goddesses.

The Minoan palace structure we see today is not exactly as it looked in its original time due to reconstruction and renovation throughout the years, and some archaeologists consider it as a facsimile.

The Minoan palace complex is not believed to have just been the residence of the monarch but also the civic, religious, and economic center of Knossos. 

What is the Minoan Palace of Knossos famous for?

The Minoan palace of Knossos is divided into several sections, each of which has a separate use.

It was multi-story, built with carved structures, and decorated with magnificent murals depicting possibly religious ceremonies. It was accessible from three entrances located on the north, west, and south sides. Four wings develop around the central courtyard. 

Thus on the west wing of the Minoan palace, there are the ceremonial halls on the upper floors and the public storerooms.

Additionally, there are the sanctuaries, the treasuries as well as the throne room. In the southwestern part of the Minoan palace are the Western Courtyard and the Western Entrance leading to the Procession Corridor.

The latter was decorated with frescoes. On the left side of the corridor are the Propylaea and the famous Double Horns. The Double Horns are one of the sacred symbols of the Minoan religion.

On the east side were the royal apartments, which led to a large staircase, staff rooms, and a sanctuary. Among the most important rooms are the Double Ax and the Queen's Apartment with the dolphin mural.

To the queen's apartment, north and east, are the main warehouses and the Zatriki Corridor. In the Zatriki Corridor, the ancients used to play a type of chess called ‘Zatriki.’  Further east was the various workshops, as well as the royal warehouses.

The north wing of the Minoan palace is dominated by the "Customs," a tank of purges, and a stone theater. From the theater starts a Cobbled Road that leads to the small palace. Finally, in the south wing, there was the majestic south Propylos. 

Apart from its construction and architecture, the Minoan Palace of Knossos is most famous for its connection to Greek mythology. Namely, the tale of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur and the one of Daedalus and Icarus. We’ll unfold these mythological tales that relate to Knossos later on. 

Who built the Minoan Palace of Knossos?

The Minoan Palace of Knossos is the largest of the centers of Minoan power. This is a building complex that is developing in an area of 22,000 sq.m. It was the most impressive of the Minoan palaces, built on a largely artificial hill. It was the administrative center of Minoan Knossos.

According to Greek mythology, the famous architect Daedalus designed the Minoan palace with such complexity that none of those who entered could find the way out.

Daedalus is considered by most the greatest inventor of ancient Greece. He was simultaneously a real craftsman and an artist. Its artistic tendencies are even shown in his name. ‘Daedalus’ derives from the ancient Greek verb ‘daedalo,’ which means to ‘work with art.’  

The Labyrinth in Minoan Crete, the thread of Ariadne, the wooden cow of Pasiphae, the harpoon of Ariadne, the bow of the ships of that time, and the flying with wings of wax were all according to mythology inventions of Daedalus.

When was the Minoan palace at Knossos built?

The first palace on the small hill by the river was built around 1900 BC. in the ruins of previous settlements. It was first destroyed along with other first-palace palaces in Crete around 1700 BC, probably by a major earthquake or foreign invaders.

An even more complex was rebuilt immediately. Until its abandonment, it was destroyed several times during earthquakes and invasions.  

Finally, it was destroyed in 1450 BC. by the huge volcanic eruption of Santorini and the invasion of the Mycenaeans. The invasion led to Knossos being used as their capital on the island of Crete until 1375 BC.

The throne room of King Minos in Knossos Palace

The throne room of Knossos was located on the north side of the sacred apartments. The entrance to it was from the main courtyard with a quadruple multi-door and four steps.

On one far side of this room stood a stone throne, built to mimic wood. One mural depicts a pair of griffins framing the throne. On the opposite side was a tank of purifications, indicating the sacred character of the space.

The throne room is a unique find with a purely Minoan character, although there are similarities with the Mycenaean mansion, as is known from the palace of Pylos.

The throne was considered the seat of King Minos, and the throne room as the hearing room of the citizens. Newer interpretations, however, that take into account the theocratic character of the leadership in Minoan Crete, tend to characterize the throne as hieratic and not as the throne of the Minoan leader.   

It is believed that it was mainly used as a concentrator of King Minos and the priesthood. There, they used to decide on matters of law.

Mythical Background of the Minoan Palace of Knossos

It is believed by some that the Minoan Palace of Knossos is the same palace that Greek mythology refers to in the Minotaur story .

According to legend, Theseus , a prince from Athens, whose father was an ancient Greek king named Ageaus  -whom the Greek sea is named after- sailed to Crete , where he was forced to fight a terrible creature called  Minotaur .

The Minotaur was a half-man, half-bull and was kept in the Labyrinth – a maze – by King Minos , ruler of Crete, who lived in his palace at Knossos. It was said that the Minotaur was the King’s son.

However, the king's daughter, Ariadne, fell in love with Theseus. When he entered the Labyrinth to fight the Minotaur, Ariadne gave him a ball of thread which he unwound so that he could find his way back by following it. 

Theseus killed the Minotaur, and then he and Ariadne fled from Crete, escaping her angry father. 

Knossos Minotaur

As we have already mentioned, the Knossos Palace has been associated with two of the most well-known tales of Greek Mythology. One of them is the tale of the Labirynth and the Minotaur.

According to mythology, King Minos was the child of the Phoenician princess of Europe, who was kidnapped by Zeus in the form of a bull. He had been given the right to be king and to make all the laws by his divine father, whom he consulted every nine years.

Zeus was strongly associated with Crete, having been born and raised here (in Psiloritis), and is sometimes believed to have been the island's first ruler. The Cretans even have his tomb here.

Minos was married to Pasiphae. When the people of Crete once defied their right to the throne, Minos replied that the gods decided to be this King.

As a sign of this, Poseidon sent a bull to sacrifice the king, but he was so handsome that Minos decided to keep him, sacrificing one of his own bulls.

This infuriated the god of the sea and made Pasiphae fall in love with the divine bull. The result of this bond gave birth to a child, the Minotaur.

The famous architect and inventor Daedalus, who worked for Minos, built a labyrinth for the king, for which he would close the Minotaur, who was half human and half bull. Minos' son Androgeos had gone to Athens to compete in the games there.

He won, but the king of Athens sent the young man to kill a bull in Marathon. However, the bull killed Androgeos, and when Minos found out, he declared war on Athens. Zeus destroyed the city, and its king was forced to do whatever Minos asked him to escape the wrath of the god.

Minos asked the king of Athens to send seven young girls and seven young boys to Crete to be sacrificed to the Minotaur every nine years. This continued until the hero Theseus stood as one of the young men to be sacrificed.

Minos' daughter Ariadne fell in love with him, and together with Daedalus, they helped him defeat and kill the Minotaur. Afterward, Theseus took Ariadne with him on the return journey to Athens but left her in Naxos.

Minos punished Daedalus and his son Icarus by locking them in the labyrinth, where they later escaped with the wings that Daedalus had made.

Daedalus' escape from Crete is one of the most famous stories in Greek mythology. He made wings for himself and his son with candle and bird wings, and so they flew to freedom.

However, despite his father's warnings, Icarus flew very close to the sun, and the candle with which his wings were stuck melted, and Icarus fell and drowned in the sea, which has since been named after the Icarus Sea.  

Daedalus arrived in Sicily and found refuge in the court of King Kokalos. Minos set out to hunt down Daedalus, but when he arrived in Sicily, he was killed by the daughters of King Kokalos. After his death, Minos became one of the lords of Hades.

Daedalus and Icarus

The other popular tale related to Knossos is one of 'Daedalus and Icaros.' Minos was terribly angry when he learned that Daedalus made it easy for Pasiphae (his wife) to satisfy her insane love affair with the bull of Poseidon (from this paradoxical union, the Minotaur was born).

Enraged, Minos definitively forbade the departure of Daedalus and his young son Icarus from Crete. Daedalus had acquired Icarus with Nafsikrates, one of the slaves of Minos.

Daedalus began devising ways to escape them. Escape from the sea was impossible. Armored ships patrolled the Cretan coast. Only from the air would their escape be possible. But how;

Daedalus' inventive mind did not take long to find the solution. He made giant feathers from wicker twigs and cloth and glued them with wax.

He advised his son how to fly, waxed his wings on his shoulders, and flew together over Crete's high mountains for freedom. The spectacle they witnessed was unique, and the trip to the ethers was unrepeatable.

The man tore the blue horizon for the first time and conquered the celestial roads. They left slavery behind and traveled to distant and dreamy places.

Like a newly hatched bird, flooded with happiness, Icarus sometimes flew high, greeting the bright Sun, and sometimes low, cooling its wings in the blue waters of the sea. In vain, his father shouted at him not to approach the bright disk of the Sun.

Evil came quickly. The hot rays of the Sun softened the candle and melted the bindings of the wings. The unfortunate young man fell into the sea near an island and drowned. Fate stood hard for the mindless and reckless young man.

Daedalus, in agony, came down and looked around the dead body. The island that was buried was named Ikaria, and the sea that Icarus drowned in was named 'Ikario.' 

Uncomforted, Daedalus arrived in Kymi, where he built a temple in honor of the god Apollo, to whom he dedicated the wings that gave him freedom.

Knossos’ artifacts at the Αrchaeological Μuseum of Heraklion

Once you have finished your tour of the ruins of this great civilization, it will be time to visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and get an even better taste of Minoan grandeur.

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is ranked second in terms of traffic, nationwide, after the Acropolis Museum.

It is considered one of the most important museums in Europe. It is located in the heart of the city of Heraklion. During the Venetian occupation, the catholic monastery of St. Francis was located here. It was destroyed by the earthquake of 1856.

It was the most important and richest monastery in Crete, decorated with exceptional Byzantine frescoes. Construction of the museum began in the early 20th century and was completed in 1940.

On the museum's ground floor, there are 13 rooms open to the public, while on the first floor, there are pieces from the original murals from the Minoan Palace of Knossos.

All the exhibits of the Museum of Heraklion come exclusively from the archeological sites of Crete, and their exhibition has been done over chronological periods.

The famous Disk of Phaistos is unique in its kind, with hieroglyphic writing points and ideograms. The contents of our album are unknown. 

Remarkable is the gold jewelry found in Minoan necropolises, the mirrors with ivory handles, the eyebrow tweezers, the ivory combs, as well as the swords with golden handles.

Excavations of the Palace of Knossos

Excavations have shown that there was a settlement here in the 8th millennium BC, perhaps even before, and that a palace existed as early as the 4th millennium BC.

The foundations of many palaces have been found, and most of what we see today belong to the period between the 16th - 14th centuries BC. It has later constructions after the end of the Minoan civilization, but this does not mean the end of the inhabitants here.

Knossos palace was to become an important settlement during the Mycenaean period, as well as during the Hellenistic and Roman eras, and was not abandoned until the Middle Ages.

The 1st Excavation at Knossos, Heraklion by Minos Summer

The first major excavation was carried out in 1878 by the wealthy art lover from Heraklion Minos Kalokairinos, while Crete was still under Turkish occupation. Minos Kalokairinos excavated part of the western warehouses and brought to light many large 'pithos.'

Excavations by British archaeologist Arthur Evans

In March 1900, Arthur Evans excavated not only the palace but also the wider area of ​​Knossos. The excavation lasted until 1931, while the palace complex was excavated in 5 years, a time that is considered minimal with current methods and techniques.

Arthur Evans proceeded with the restoration of the palace with cement, a technique that is today criticized as arbitrary and aggravating for the Minoan edifice. Since then, archaeological research has been ongoing, and a program has been launched to maintain the palace from damage.

From the findings of the excavations, we find that a female deity was worshiped in Knossos. The figures with a topless woman holding snakes in her hands are believed to have been the goddess of the ancient Cretans.

Another was the sacred symbol of the double ax and the bull that was also worshiped here. There were toys, the bullfights, where young men and women jumped over the bulls, while many works of art with horns and bullheads have been found in Knossos.

Also, the variety of building materials, the colored mortars, the orthomarbling, and the murals that adorn rooms and corridors made an impression.

The high technical knowledge of the Minoans is confirmed by original architectural and construction inventions, such as skylights and multi-doors, the use of beams to strengthen the masonry, as well as the complex sewerage and water supply network.

It is not certain what people lived here from the depths of prehistory. The Achaeans invaded in the 15th century BC., and their culture brought the Minoan civilization to its peak.

They spoke Greek, had Greek gods and used Knossos as a center. They also used the so-called Linear B script, which has been found on clay tablets.  

The end of the Minoan civilization was probably caused by natural disasters. The earthquake that sank half of Santorini in 1450 BC seems to have destroyed most of the buildings in Crete.

What to expect in the Palace of Knossos

The archaeological site of Knossos Palace comprises about 20,000 square meters and over 1,500 rooms , as well as old village ruins in the surrounding hillsides of the palace complex. Be prepared to walk a lot!

The most important part of the site is the Great Palace . The palace’s wings are arranged around a central courtyard containing the royal quarters, workshops, shrines, storerooms, repositories, the throne room, and banquet halls.

Then there’s the Little Palace , located west of the Great Palace and the second biggest building at Knossos.

The Bull’s Head , a famous archaeological find made of steatite, was found in one of its chambers and is now exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion . In the House of the High Priest, a stone altar was found, surrounded by double ax swords.

The Caravan Serai is located opposite the Great Palace, and it was the official entrance to the palace. It served as public baths with running water so that the traveler or visitor of Knossos could bathe before visiting the legendary King. 

The Royal Temple Tomb-Sanctuary is located south of the Palace, and it is considered to have belonged to one of the last Minoan Kings.

How to get to the Palace of Knossos

The archaeological site of Knossos, Heraklion, is extremely easy to access, adding one more reason why it is so popular among the crowds.

It is very easy to get to Knossos from Heraklion. It’s a 15-minute car drive, or you can take a bus from the main bus station at the Heraklion port. Simply take bus number 2 and stay on it until it reaches its final stop: Knossos.

The public buses are cheap at around €1.50 one-way. Be careful; there are two bus stations in Heraklion. The bus to Knossos leaves from Bus Station A.

All buses to the East of Crete also leave from this station. The buses to the Knossos Palace ran daily in the high-season summer months, every 20 minutes from 8 am to 7 pm.  

During winter, the routes are fewer and run only until 5 pm. If you’re spending time in Heraklion , it’s a worthy detour. 

Knossos Tours; exploring Minoan Crete

If you want to experience the grandeur of Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, look no further.

You will enjoy guided tours across the famous archaeological site by joining one of our Greece tours . Furthermore, you’ll hear about untold stories of ancient Crete and marvel at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion exhibits.

Opt for From Heraklion: Knossos Palace and Archaeological Museum Tour, Including Transportation for a comprehensive Knossos experience.  

Alternatively, you can combine Crete’s history and gastronomy with Knossos Delights: Knossos Palace & Heraklion Food Tour with transportation . You won't be disappointed no matter which one you choose to go for!

Final Thoughts

There is no denying that visiting Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After all, it is no coincidence that this magical site is included in all of our Greece vacation packages , including the island of Crete.

Now you have all the information you need to upgrade your experience in Crete. 

It’s time to appreciate the ancient glory of the island to its full potential!

Happy exploring!

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is knossos palace.

Knossos Palace has a history dating back to the 7th millennium BC, making it over 9,000 years old.

Can you go inside Knossos Palace?

Yes, visitors can explore the site and walk through the reconstructed portions of Knossos Palace. However, some areas may be off-limits for preservation purposes.

Are there any artifacts on display at Knossos Palace?

Many artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations at Knossos Palace are on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which is located nearby.

Can I take photos inside Knossos Palace?

Yes, photography is allowed inside Knossos Palace for personal use. However, commercial photography may require special permissions.

Is Knossos Palace accessible for people with disabilities?

Efforts have been made to improve accessibility at Knossos Palace, but due to the nature of the ancient site and its uneven terrain, there may be limitations for individuals with mobility issues. It is recommended to check with the site management for specific accessibility information.

Dave's Travel Pages

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Visiting Knossos Palace In Crete

These tips on visiting Knossos Palace in Crete will help you make the most of your time at Knossos Archaeological site just outside of Heraklion.

Minoan Palace Of Knossos Archaeological Site

Knossos was once the beating heart of the mysterious Minoan civilization on the Greek island of Crete . If the mythology is true, Knossos was also the home of King Minos, the Labyrinth and the Minotaur!

The largest and most prominent of the Minoan palaces, Knossos flourished during the Bronze Age, particularly around 2000-1350 BCE. The decline of Knossos and the ancient Minoan civilization is believed to have been influenced by natural disasters, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, as well as possible invasions from outside forces.

Nowadays, Knossos is an archaeological site open to the public, and one of the most popular places to visit in Crete. In fact, Knossos is the 2nd most visited historic site in Greece !

If you are planning to see Knossos palace during your time in Crete, this travel guide is an essential read. I’ve visited Knossos perhaps half a dozen times now during my various trips to Crete, and have put all the information I think you need to know in order for your Knossos visit to go smoother.

2024 Update : Up until now, you have been able to buy a combined ticket for both Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion . From April 1st 2024, this may no longer be available as ticket prices for ancient sites in Greece were recalculated and most combined tickets discontinued.

How To Get To Knossos Palace From Heraklion

The Palace of Knossos, Crete is located about 5.6 kms from the center of Heraklion Old Town. You can see it on the map here: Knossos Ancient Site

Despite the relatively short distance, it will take at least 20 minutes to get there from the center of Heraklion no matter which way you choose to travel to Knossos due to the traffic.

Taxi : The quickest way to get from Heraklion to Knossos is by taxi. It’s also the more expensive, and a taxi ride from Heraklion center to Knossos will cost 14-20 Euros.

Driving : If you’ve rented a car in Crete, you’ll be pleased to know there is a large parking lot just outside the site of Knossos where you can leave your car. Google maps works fine as a navigation tool to get you there. (Also read: Do you need to rent a car in Heraklion ).

Public Bus : This is the slowest way of getting from Heraklion to Knossos. The bus is the route 2 bus, although confusingly, the bus itself may have a number 20 on it. See photo below!

Hop On Hop Off Bus : All the various Hop On bus companies in Heraklion include stops at Knossos on their routes. You can buy a ticket here: Heraklion Hop On Bus

Walking : I don’t recommend walking to Knossos from Heraklion as it’s a long, pointless hike out and back along a quite boring road. Take the bus instead.

Knossos Guided Tours | Day Trips

I would say that most people arrive at Knossos as part of an organized tour. These run out of Heraklion as well as other main cities like Rethymnon and Chania. If you take a guided tour to Knossos, I’d suggest getting one which includes a stop at the excellent Archaeological Museum in Heraklion as well.

Note: Most guided tours in Greece do not include the entrance fee to the ancient sites, so you may have to factor in paying extra for this.

Here's some good tours that visit the Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion:

• From Chania: Knossos Palace & Heraklion Full-Day Tour
• From Rethymno: Full-Day Knossos and Heraklion Tour

Best Time To Visit Knossos

The best time to visit the Palace of Knossos in Crete is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Visiting early helps avoid the crowds and the heat, while a late afternoon visit should be planned at least 2 hours before closing.

My key tip to visit Knossos, is to go early.  The tour buses tend to arrive at around 9.00 am, so if you can get there before then, you will have an hour of peace. The second best option is to go later on, when the tours have all left.

Actually, my real main advice is to visit out of season if you can travel whenever you want to. Most of the photos of Knossos on this page were taken in October when there are far fewer visitors to Crete.

Knossos Palace Opening Hours

Below is the most recent information for the Knossos Palace hours of opening. Things can and do change though. If in doubt, ask at your hotel before planning your day!

Please note that opening hours may change, so it's advisable to inquire at your hotel before planning your visit.

1st April to 31st August:

• Daily: 08:00 AM – 08:00 PM

From 1st September:

• Daily: 08:00 AM – 07:30 PM (Last admission at 07:15 PM)

From 16th September:

• Daily: 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM (Last admission at 06:45 PM)

From 1st October:

• Daily: 08:00 AM – 06:30 PM (Last admission at 06:15 PM)

From 16th October:

• Daily: 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM (Last admission at 05:45 PM)

Easter Hours (Greek Easter):

• Good Friday: 12:00 PM – 05:00 PM
• Holy Saturday: 08:00 AM – 04:00 PM

Free Admittance Days at Knossos:

• 6 March (in memory of Melina Mercouri)
• 18 April (International Monuments Day)
• 18 May (International Museums Day)
• The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)
• Every first Sunday from November 1st to March 31st

Knossos Palace Closure Dates:

• 1 January: Closed
• 25 March: Closed
• 1 May: Closed
• Easter Sunday: Closed
• 25 December: Closed
• 26 December: Closed

Knossos Tickets

On my last visit, Knossos palace tickets cost 15 Euros for regular entry. At the time, there was also a combined ticket price for Knossos which included entrance to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum as well for 20 Euros.

There has recently been some proposed law changes in Greece to ticket prices, and Knossos is set to lose its combined ticket from the 1st of April onward. This means you will need to buy a separate ticket for Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological museum for the summer of 2024. No word yet as to if the individual ticket prices for each place will rise as well – let’s hope not!

Due to the popularity of the ancient ruins of Knossos, (it is the 2nd most visited site in Greece after the Acropolis in Athens , and ahead of Lindos in Corfu), you can expect queues at the ticket office.

In the summer, you may be able to use machines just outside the site of Knossos to buy an entrance ticket to avoid the queue. Unlike the Acropolis, you don’t need to pre-book a timeslot for Knossos – yet!

Entering Knossos Site

Once you have bought your ticket to Knossos, and have walked through the barrier, you may notice some official licensed guides waiting on the inside of the site offering tours. Typically, it is 10-15 Euros per person, and they gather a small group of 8-10 people together before beginning the tour.

You don’t necessarily need a guide tour of Knossos, but if you feel like it on the day, why not! Also in the entrance area, you will see a small cafe and toilets.

Knossos Digital Guide (Free!)

When I was last there, you could also see download links for a digital app which acts as a digital guided tour of the Palace of Knossos. If you are reading this on a laptop, you should be able to scan the QR code with your phone from the photo below and it will take you through to where to download the app.

This is an official Knossos digital guide and totally free, provided with additional funding from the EU. The app is not super-intuitive, but give it a couple of minutes, as it has a lot of very useful information for visiting the Palace of Knossos.

If you don’t want to install an app on your phone, there is an online version of the Knossos digital tour here .

Walking around the ancient city of Knossos

There is more or less a one way system to walk around the site of Knossos, although you can easily backtrack if you think you missed an area, or want to return to get better photos of sights with fewer people in them.

As you explore Knossos, you will find some information boards in front of places of interest. I first visited Knossos about 40 years ago, and I’m pretty sure that these boards are the same from back then!

If you haven’t taken a walking tour around Knossos, these information boards along with the digital guide or a guide book will give you all the information you need about Knossos, the Minoan civilisation, and its fascinating history.

Sir Arthur Evans and Knossos Reconstruction Controversy

Sir Arthur Evans, the British archaeologist who led the discovery, excavation, and reconstruction of the Palace of Knossos, is at the center of a controversy regarding the reconstruction work he carried out at the site.

Evans' restorations are considered important for preserving and restoring much of Knossos, but they are also very contentious and, in some cases, damaging.

Critics argue that some of Evans' interpretations of the Minoan civilization were influenced by his personal beliefs and cultural biases of his time. Some of the techniques applied at that time, such as using wax and other substances to preserve frescoes, have since been considered inappropriate and potentially causing long-term damage to the artifacts. Evans' decision to restore the Bronze Age palace using modern building materials like concrete is also controversial.

This leads to the interesting question – what are we actually looking at in Knossos? Many of the important finds including wall paintings are in the archaeological museum of Heraklion. There is no real evidence the palace ever looked like the reconstruction or was coloured in the same way, and we can only really infer what Minoan culture was like.

Labyrinth and legendary minotaur

The legendary Labyrinth, which housed the Minotaur in Greek mythology, is traditionally associated with the Palace of Knossos. It’s easy to see why, as I am sure in its heyday, it would have been easy to get lost wandering around the streets and alleyways of the Royal Residence.

Certainly the site of Knossos is strongly associated with several key symbols you could link to the myth, such as bulls and double-headed axes. Was there really a Minotaur though?

I personally found the link between Knossos and Bulls to be quite curious. It reminded me a lot of some Hindu temples in India, and some people draw links with Bulls in mythology and The Age of Taurus.

I also think the people of ancient Knossos might have had a festival similar to the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. One of the famous Knossos frescoes – the bull leaping fresco – might back my theory up.

Minotaur and the Maze Myth

The myth tells the story of the Minotaur , a creature with the head of a bull and the body of a man, being imprisoned in a complex maze at Knossos. It also involves the Athenian hero Theseus who makes a journey to the island of Crete, and eventually slays the mythical Minotaur with the help of the legendary King Minos' daughter, Ariadne, and her ball of thread, which he used to find his way out of the Labyrinth.

The association of the Labyrinth with the Palace of Knossos is a subject of both myth and archaeological interpretation. While the archaeological evidence does not conclusively prove the existence of a physical maze-like structure at the site, the myth and the historical significance of Knossos have been intertwined for centuries.

How To Visit Knossos Palace FAQ

Readers planning a trip to the palace of Knossos often ask questions such as:

How much time do you need in Knossos?

To visit Knossos, it is recommended to spend at least 2 hours at the site. The best time to visit is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat

Is Knossos Palace worth visiting?

The Palace of Knossos is considered a must-visit for anyone interested in history and archaeology. It is the largest Minoan palace complex on the island of Crete and is permeated with legends, myths, and different historical facts.

How much does it cost to go to Knossos Palace?

The entrance fee for Knossos is 15€, and tickets cannot be purchased online although there may be some ticket sales machines operating just outside the entrance. From the 1st of April 2024, a combined ticket for Knossos and Heraklion Archeological museum will no longer be available.

Do you need to book the palace at Knossos?

Booking the Place of Knossos is not necessary, although there may be some queues for tickets in the busy summer season. Any skip the line tickets for Knossos you see online are sold by third-parties with a mark-up and are not from an official website.

Where was the home of the Minotaur in Crete?

The legendary Minotaur was said to be imprisoned in the Labyrinth, which is traditionally associated with the Palace of Knossos, located just outside of Heraklion which is the modern capital of Crete.

More Articles About Crete

Crete is the largest Greek island with a fascinating history and lots to see and do.

• As well as visiting the Palace in Knossos, you might also like to choose some of these other things to do in Crete .
• If you are based in Heraklion, these day trips from Heraklion are a great way to see Crete.
• If you are planning to spend longer on the island, why not try a road trip around Crete ?
• Arriving by air to Crete? Here's my guide to transfers from Heraklion airport .
• Where is Crete?
• Best time to visit Crete
• Crete in October for autumn sun
• Athens to Crete All Possible Ways
• Athens to Crete (Chania) by ferry
• Is Chania or Heraklion better?
• Transfers from Heraklion airport
• Heraklion Airport to Heraklion city center
• How many days do you need in Heraklion?
• How to get from Chania to Heraklion

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• Travel Guides

Knossos: the centre of Minoan Crete

Rebecca Hall

• Visiting Knossos in Crete

Planning on visiting Knossos? Book a guided tour for more insight into the ruins.

Crete is the largest Greek island, and as you’d expect, there are several ancient sites to see there. Easily the most famous is the Minoan Palace of Knossos, home to the legendary Minotaur – the half-human, half-bull that lived in the labyrinth of Knossos, built by King Minos, the King of Crete.

Knossos was first settled around 7,000 BCE, however, the palace and site became prominent during the Minoan period - from 2,600 to 1100 BCE. The Minoans were known for their magnificent palaces, colourful frescoes and sophisticated culture, all of which are on show throughout Knossos.

Nowadays, Knossos is one of the best-known ancient sites and is extremely popular with tourists In fact, it's the second most-visited site in Greece , after the Acropolis in Athens . In the summer of 2022, Knossos received a record number of visitors - an average of 5,000 per day.

The site is just 5km from the Cretan capital of Heraklion and is easily accessible to visitors. Just keep in mind that it can get extremely busy, particularly in the summer months, so time your visit accordingly. 

• The Minoan Palace of Knossos

Knossos is, quintessentially, a journey through the Minoan period–referred to as the Golden Age of Crete.  The palace is not just one site, but rather a complex of buildings and courtyards used as residences, government buildings and, of course, the Palace itself.

Alas, a volcanic eruption in 1450 BCE is thought to have destroyed much of the Palace, but there’s enough left of its architectural wonder to see. Nowadays, many peacocks have taken up residence and roam freely, calling to each other and often attracting more photographic interest than the site itself!

Knossos was originally excavated by a Cretan businessman, Minos Kalokairinos, in 1878, however he seldom receives credit for his work. Instead, documented evidence focuses on the work of a British archaeologist almost 25 years later.

 In 1904, Sir Arthur Evans continued the reconstruction through the 1920s to what you see today. A recent Guardian article points to changes afoot to remedy this lack of acknowledgement, and in 2019, a bust of Kalokairinos was erected alongside Evans at the site’s entrance.

Despite this, Evans is held in high esteem by the Greeks, essentially for creating a site that’s so popular. It’s worth noting that what you see of the site today includes several reconstructions by Evans, which are his interpretation of the site, and not necessarily how it was originally. 

While controversial for several reasons, including potentially imagined details and hindering the natural light in the palace, his reconstructions give visitors a visual representation of the lost grandeur of Knossos.

Highlights of Knossos

Knossos is a vast archaeological complex with a fascinating history. Many of the treasures of Knossos are displayed at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, so be sure to visit the museum as well. Below are just a few of the buildings you can see at this remarkable site.

The Royal Villa

Built around 1900-1700 BCE, the Villa is thought to have been the residence of the royal family of Knossos, the most powerful rulers of the Minoan society. 

The three floors are connected by a spiralling, stone staircase around an open-air courtyard. They are believed to have housed grand reception halls, residential apartments, cult rooms and storerooms.

These are impressive enough as it is, but it’s the Pillar Crypt beneath the Minoan Hall that causes much intrigue. Some scholars maintain that the Pillar Crypt was used for ritual purification, even human sacrifices. 

The Villa also has frescos showcasing daily Minoan life - hunting and war - and huge columns featuring elaborate Linear A script, which has yet to be deciphered.

The South Propylaeum

The South Propylaeum was the formal entrance to the palace from the southern side, leading visitors and residents to the central courtyard and main part of the palace. It seems to have played a critical role in ancient ceremonies and events, and its design and layout indicate it was a significant pathway for ceremonial processions.

Several frescoes show people in what appear to be ceremonial or ritualistic poses, suggesting that the area was used for or witnessed ceremonial activities. For instance, the "Cup-Bearer" fresco could represent individuals who played roles in religious or ceremonial events.

Its reconstruction by Sir Arthur Evans used giant limestone blocks and wooden beams to support the structure. These building materials and methods were typical of the time and can also be seen in other reconstructions at the site.

The Minoan Caravanserai

A two-story building serving as a public reception venue for travellers and their goods, the Minoan Caravanserei could be perceived as the Minoan equivalent of modern-day luxury accommodation. 

The upper floor was the most luxurious. The walls were colourful with open verandas, providing visitors with views of both the Vlychia stream below and the Palace. It’s thought the rooms here served as accommodation for the upper class.

The East Wing had underground chambers for storage, and the Stone Bath with its plumbing system was a revolutionary innovation of the time. The basin here was connected to the plumbing and drained to a waste hole, indicating its use for ritual purposes.

As water was thought to be the sanctuary’s most significant element, the Stone Bath was a symbol of the Minoans’ social sophistication.

Set in the northwest part of the complex, away from the palace’s official area and close to a major crossroads, the location of the Caravanserai allowed communication and trade between the palace and the wider world.

North Lustral Basin

This underground structure is thought to have been used for purification ceremonies at the complex.

The Minoans believed that the purity of a person’s soul was essential for good life, and cleansing the body through water was a vital part of these purification rituals. The North Lustral Basin was one such place where these ceremonies took place.

Little Palace of Minoan Knossos

Constructed in the late 16th century BCE, the Little Palace was the hub for palace administration, religious ceremonies and social gatherings. Of all the structures of the complex, the Little Palace is probably the most interesting with its many functions and layout.

During the Neopalatial period (15th-14th century BCE), there were several expansions on the complex’s west side. Once complete, the Little Palace had several interconnected buildings including a central court, west wing, domestic quarters and a storeroom.

The central court was the heart of the palace and was surrounded by a porch with sixteen square pillars. The west wing encompassed the throne room, banqueting hall and reception hall.

Numerous rooms for the royal family and their attendants were located in the domestic quarter, including a bathroom with a flushing toilet and a sophisticated drainage system.

The storeroom housed large storage jars, called pithoi, which contained food, wine, oil, and other commodities. There was also a cult room, which contained ritual vessels such as libation cups, clay figurines and miniature boats.

Knossos tours and tickets

With so much to see and take in, it’s recommended to take a tour around Knossos.  This is especially relevant in high season when queuing at the entrance to buy your ticket can take as much as an hour or so. 

A pre-booked guided tour usually includes return transfers to your hotel in Heraklion and a qualified guide to give you commentary and history.  Note, some tours don't include the entrance fee to the site, so check when you book.

It’s possible to book your ticket in advance online via your smartphone to skip the lines too, and for those that have a group of 5 or more, you can hire a licensed guide to meet you at the entrance of the site to show you around.  

You can also buy a combined ticket to Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum where many artifacts from the site are displayed.

At the time of writing, in 2023, the general admission ticket is 18 euro with reduced pricing available onsite for 65+ EU citizens, and young people (6-25) with current ID to prove age. 

The reduced ticket costs keep changing, so be sure to bring your relevant ID if eligible and enquire at the entrance.

Of course, tours will be extra.

Getting to Knossos

Knossos is easily accessible from Heraklion­ - Crete’s capital city - by public transport.  Bus number 2 goes from the port roughly every 20 minutes from 5.20 am (in the high season) and the journey takes about 25 minutes.

A taxi would take you about 14 minutes.

Heraklion is home to Crete’s international airport and busy port, so you can easily visit Knossos when you arrive or leave from the island.

The prettier, coastal towns of Chania and Rethymnon to the west are 2hrs 10 mins and 1hr 5 mins away by car, respectively.  Although further away, they do make for a more aesthetically pleasing place to base yourself, and you can make a day trip to Knossos from Rethymnon.

Best time to visit Knossos

The Complex is open year-round, opening times vary from year to year but are generally daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the summer and in the winter, it closes at 5 pm. 

As summer temperatures continue to rise and can see the mercury hitting over the 30 Celsius mark during the day, as there’s virtually no shade at Knossos then the spring–March to May, and autumn–September to early November are the best months.  Winters can be cold and wet.

If you must visit in the summer, get there early to beat both the hot weather but also the crowds.

Where to stay near Knossos

As Heraklion is the nearest city to Knossos, it makes a good place to stay when you visit. There’s a range of accommodation to choose from:

The  Olive Green Hotel is one of Heraklion’s popular choices as it’s a ‘smart’ hotel with sustainable and eco-friendly policies.  It’s in the heart of the Old Town, very near the Archaeological Museum .

For a cheaper option, Heraklion’s Youth Hostel is a good bet with its single-gendered dorm rooms and central location.

• Where to next

From Heraklion, you can spend some time exploring the island of Crete . Basing yourself in Chania and Rethymnon for a few days will also allow you to explore their Old Towns and Venetian harbours -  both have magnificent lighthouses dating back to the 16th century.

It’s best to head to the Old Town of Chania if you’re using this as your base, as there’s a huge selection of small, quaint boutique-style hotels, and the same goes for Rethymnon.

• Introduction
• Tours and tickets
• Getting there
• Best time to visit
• Where to stay

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Author - Rebecca Hall

 Rebecca Hall is a Greece-based travel writer and author who writes about culture, gastronomy and all things Greece for inflight magazines, digital and print media, among others. She is also a Lonely Planet and Rough Guide guidebook updater and creator.

Her debut novel Girl Gone Greek (available on Amazon) has been written into a double award-winning screenplay. When not travelling or writing, Rebecca enjoys spending her downtime sampling the many different coffee shops in Athens.

Last Updated 5 March 2024

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Chania to Knossos Palace & Archaeological Museum – Book with Strata Tours

Minoan legends- the labyrinth and minotaur, no visit to crete is complete without a trip to the palace of knossos and archaeological museum of heraklion..

Crete is the cradle of European civilization with its rich and fascinating Minoan history dating back 4,000 years. Discover Cretes’ archaeological treasures and immerse yourself in the legends of the labyrinth and minotaur with our informative guided tours.

There are two choices  when visiting Knossos

1. organized guided bus tour.

• Every Sunday 6:00 am
• Organised guided  tour
• Visit Knossos and the Archeological Museum
• No meal included
• Free time in Heraklion for shopping or coffee
• Short stop in Rethymnon for refreshments

85 €   42 €   Children under 8 years old From Kissamos area 85 €   42 €   Children under 8 years old From East of Kolymbari Extras to pay 15 euro entrance fee to palace (mandatory) and 5 euros entrance to archaeological museum (optional)

Organised Tour in Heraklion

• Early morning departure to drive East to Knossos on the outskirts of Heraklion city, the capital of Crete
• En route there is a short refreshment/comfort stop
• Arrival at Knossos palace at approx 10.00
• A guided tour follows with lots of information about Minoan civilization, culture, architecture and art
• Short transfer to Heraklion city centre where you can either spend your free time (about 2 hours) exploring, shopping, dining or visit the archaeological museum which is highly recommended
• On the return journey there is a one hour stop at Rethymnon town, one of the most charming towns of Crete
• Arrival back to Kissamos at approx 20:30

2. SMALL GROUP OR PRIVATE MINI BUS TOUR

• Flexible schedule

Price dependent on number of passengers.

Private Tour to Heraklion

• Pick up from your hotel at an agreed time
• Short rest stop on the way to Heraklion
• Meet your private guide at Palace of Knossos
• Transfer to the city of Heraklion where you can either spend  your free time exploring, shopping or visit the archaeological museum (optional – extra)
• Transfer back to your hotel. Short stop in Vrysses (optional)

• Minoan history comes to life with the informative guide at the palace of Knossos
• An opportunity to see Heraklion the capital city of Crete
• Archaeological museum full of amazing artefacts

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