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The Heraklion Palace of Knossos is an ancient archaeological site, which once functioned as the administrative and political center of the Minoan civilization in the Bronze Age. The palace has a series of labyrinthine passageways adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting scenes from Minoan daily life, mythology, and spirituality. As you explore the court, you'll encounter remnants of Minoan grandeur, from the symbolic Throne Room to storage spaces hinting at a well-organized economy. Read on to know more about the palace, its history, how to book Knossos Palace tickets, and other information to plan your visit.
The Knossos Heraklion archaeological site offers a closer look at one of the earliest advanced civilizations in Crete, which thrived from around 2000 BCE to 1400 BCE. Many Greek myths have referred to this city, especially the legend of King Minos, the minotaur, and the labyrinth.
The Knossos Palace consists of the remains of labyrinthine passages, a complex drainage system, several multi-storeyed buildings, and advanced storage facilities, highlighting the advanced engineering knowledge of the Minoans. There are frescoes on the walls and objects, detailing scenes from the Minoan daily life.
The Knossos Heraklion archaeological site includes a number of monasteries and temples, offering visitors a window into their everyday activities, social customs, religious rituals, and even cooking practices. There are remains of trade networks and imported goods within the palace ruins, suggesting the role of Knossos in maritime trade.
Admire the expansive views of Mount Juktas from the south entrance corridor of the Minoan ruins. Beyond the Minoan Palace of Knossos, you can catch a glimpse of the fortified walls of the Old Town and also go down to the harbor. You can also see the Koules Fortress, known for its stunning views of the Aegean seafront and the city.
The Knossos Palace is one of the most well-preserved and accessible archaeological sites in the world. Although it has been weathered by the passage of time, the frescoes are almost as vibrant as they were in the past. There are top-notch amenities on the site and are easily accessible by bus from Heraklion.
The Royal Villa is a majestic section inside the Knossos Palace. It is filled with elaborate frescoes and storied chambers, showcasing the opulent lives of elite citizens and highlighting the Minoan civilization’s advanced artistry and architectural prowess.
Yes, the Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum combo ticket gives you access to both sites, letting you explore ancient ruins and dive deep into Minoan artifacts.
Certain ticket options include a 90-minute small-group guided tour with an expert English-speaking guide, while others let you add audio guides or self-guided entry for maximum flexibility.
With no more than 16 guests per tour, you avoid large crowds and enjoy personalized attention, deeper insights, and a chance to connect with your guide and fellow travelers.
The entry tickets and guided tours are valid for the day of purchase only, except for the Palace and HOHO combo, which gives you unlimited access to the bus tour for two days.
Absolutely, the audio guides come with offline access and detailed maps, so you won’t need to worry about internet connectivity while exploring.
While entry tickets don’t include transportation, the Palace and HOHO combo provides unlimited hop-on-hop-off bus access around Heraklion, helping you get to and from the palace easily.
Yes, we recommend booking your tickets online in advance, especially during the peak season from June to August, when daily visitor numbers are limited to protect the site, and tickets often sell out quickly.
Early mornings during weekdays, especially outside the peak summer months, tend to be the quietest times to visit.
The primary entrance for visitors is the west entrance, leading directly to the ticket booth and the main areas of the archaeological site. This gate is the most commonly used and is well-signposted along Knossos Avenue.
Yes, there are parking lots near the entrance, such as the Travel Point-We Guide meeting point, which serves both as a parking area and a meeting point for guided tours.
Expect to walk around 2km on uneven terrain, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare for moderate physical activity.
Journey into the 3,700-year-old Palace of Knossos, Europe’s oldest city, with expert-led tours, flexible audio guides, and optional museum access.
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Experience two of Crete’s most iconic archaeological sites—Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Knossos Palace—together in one convenient combo.
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Get in-depth insights with an expert-guided tour of Knossos Palace in a small, personalised group.
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You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Why wait? Fast-track your way into Knossos Palace, then hop on and off as you explore Heraklion’s hidden gems, all in one budget-friendly combo ticket.
Inclusions Knossos Palace
Heraklion HOHO pass
Please click here for a detailed map and boarding points. You can join a tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.
Heraklion line
Knossos Palace
Heraklion HOHO pass
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