Skip to main content
Knossos Palace
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌

How Headout makes choosing experiences effortless

We curate the best ways to experience

We research and organise all unique experiences - from tickets to tours to special combos - so you get all the choices without the clutter.

We partner with the best

Every supplier is vetted for quality, reliability, and value so you only get top rated experiences. No surprises, no disappointments.

All the best options, in one place

Each experience is thoughtfully organised to give you maximum availability, great value and an easy way to choose.

Book with complete peace of mind

Free cancellations, Flexible payments, and 24/7 support - thoughtfully designed for flexibility, assurance, and total peace of mind.

Slide 1 of 4

Slide 1 of 4

Quick overview

  • Ways to explore: Choose a 90-minute small-group guided tour or self-guided audio tours in multiple languages.
  • Additional access: Some options add entry to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum with its own audio guide.
  • Unique experiences: No after-hours or special-access experiences are currently offered in this assortment.
  • Queues & access: All options include Knossos Palace entry; e-tickets provide digital access, but skip-the-line entry isn’t specified.
  • When to book: Guided tours have limited group capacity, so book ahead if you want a fixed tour slot.
  • Good to know: Audio tours offer offline maps and narration; cancellation terms vary by ticket, so check before booking.
  • Best upgrade: Choose the small-group guided tour if you want expert context without navigating the site independently.

What to expect at the Palace of Knossos?

Family exploring Knossos Palace archaeological site in Heraklion, Crete.
1/5

Historical significance

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.

Architectural marvels

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.

Cultural insights

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.

Scenic beauty of the city

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.

Restoration efforts and easy accessibility

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.

Which Palace of Knossos ticket is best for you?

Ticket typeIncludesGuideWhy pick thisPrice from
Knossos Palace Archaeological Site E-Ticket with Audio Tour

Entry + audio tour + offline content

No

• Self-paced exploration • 5 audio languages

€31.50

Knossos Palace Archaeological Site Tickets with Audio Guide

Entry + optional museum, audio guide & tour

Optional

• Add museum entry • Flexible upgrades

€27

Knossos Palace Small Group Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

Entry + 90-min guided tour

Yes

• 90-min guided visit • Small group

€89

Combo: Knossos Palace + Heraklion Hop-on Hop-off

Palace entry + 2-day bus pass + audio guides

No

• 2 days of sightseeing • Covers Heraklion & Ammoudara

€44.65

Things to know before you book Knossos Palace tickets

  • We recommend booking your tickets at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance, particularly during the peak summer months from June to August, to avoid long lines and the heat.
  • Pick the ticket that fits your style best, whether it’s a multilingual audio guide, a live English-speaking tour, or an intimate small-group experience limited to 16 guests. For a deeper dive, consider a combo ticket that includes entry to both Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
  • If you’re visiting from the EU and under 25, you’re eligible for discounted tickets to Knossos. Plus, children under 18 and seniors over 65 from EU countries can enter for free, making it easier for families and older travelers to explore this incredible site.
  • If you are traveling from Heraklion, catch bus number 2, marked as ‘Knossos’ or ‘Κνωσσός’. The bus runs every 15 to 20 minutes, and the final stop drops you just outside the palace’s main west entrance, the primary entrance for visitors.
  • Take your time exploring the vibrant frescoes in the Queen’s Megaron, especially the ‘Prince of the Lilies’ and ‘La Parisienne’, and look out for the colorful columns that taper downward, a unique Minoan architectural feature.
  • The Palace of Knossos offers limited wheelchair accessibility, primarily via the main west entrance and a few flatter areas like the Central Court. However, much of the site features uneven terrain, stone pathways, and ancient staircases, so bring a manual or all-terrain wheelchair and a companion to assist you during your visit.

Navigate like a pro with our detailed Knossos map

Knossos Palace Map

​Wheelchair-accessible routes >

What's inside Knossos Palace?

The Royal Villa

The Royal Villa

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.

The South Propylaeum
The Minoan Caravanserai
North Lustral Basin
The East Wing

Plan your visit to the Heraklion Palace of Knossos

Knossos Palace entry

March to August: Typically 8am to 8pm
September to February: Typically 8am to 5pm
Last admission: 15 minutes before closing time
Closed on: 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday, 25, and 26 December

  • Duration of visit: 3 to 4 hours
  • Best time to visit: March to May and September to October are the best months to visit the Heraklion Palace of Knossos for manageable crowds and pleasant temperatures. If you are planning a visit between June to August, reach early in the morning or visit after the sun goes down for fewer visitors. Weekdays are comparatively less crowded than weekends and public holidays.
Detailed Knossos Palace opening hours

Address: Φειδίου 8, Iraklio 714 09, Greece

​Find on maps

  • By bus: Board the line 2 bus from Heraklion to reach the Knossos Palace. It takes around 36 mins to reach the attraction from Heraklion.
  • By taxi: Another convenient way to reach the Knossos Palace is to grab a taxi from Heraklion. It takes around 5 mins in a cab to reach the palace. 
  • By foot: Knossos Palace is a long way from Heraklion. The roads are busy, hence we recommend you board a bus or get a taxi to reach the palace. 
North Lustral Basin at Knossos Palace, ancient Minoan ceremonial site in Crete, Greece.
  • West entrance: Situated closer to the modern visitor center and ticket office, it’s the primary access point for most visitors. Once the main ceremonial gate, it leads directly to the Central Court, the heart of the palace, and provides the clearest path to key highlights like the Throne Room, Royal Apartments, and Grand Staircase.
  • South entrance: Found on the southern perimeter of the palace, this entrance served as a secondary access point, primarily leading to the lower town area and storage quarters. It is usually closed to visitors and only opened during special guided tours focusing on the palace’s economic and functional areas.
  • North entrance: While not commonly used as a main entry, the northern gate leads to the West Magazines and the palace’s administrative and religious areas. Nearby, you’ll find the remains of the famous ‘Charging Bull’ fresco and the iconic red columns that define Minoan architecture.
  • East entrance: Facing away from the city, the eastern entrance is believed to have been a more private or service entrance, potentially used by palace staff to access specific parts of the complex. It leads to the east side storage rooms and some residential quarters.
Facilities Available at the Knossos Palace
  • Wheelchair accessibility: The Knossos Palace offers accommodations and assistance to help visitors with limited mobility navigate their premises. It may be challenging to cross the uneven terrain and ruins on wheelchairs, however, you can go around almost 50% of the site comfortably. They also have an accessible toilet near the entrance.
  • Photography: You can click pictures inside the Knossos Palace, however, please refrain from using tripods and other commercial photography equipment, as they may disrupt others’ viewing experience. 
  • Restrooms: You can access public toilets at the Heraklion Palace of Knossos. However, please be mindful that restrooms are limited around the entire Knossos archaeological site. Make sure to use the restroom before starting your tour.  
Where to Eat Near the Knossos Palace?
Attractions near the Knossos Palace
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Home to a vast collection of Minoan artifacts, this museum offers a vivid journey into Crete's ancient past, showcasing its rich history and cultural heritage.
  • Fortress of Koules: Guarding Heraklion's harbor, this Venetian fortress embodies centuries of maritime history and military architecture, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the city's past.
  • Venetian Loggia: A striking Venetian-era structure, the Loggia is a testament to Heraklion's Venetian heritage, serving as a historic backdrop for events and a reminder of the city's architectural legacy.
  • Cathedral of St.Minas: Dominating Heraklion's skyline, the Cathedral of St. Minas honors the city's patron saint. This Byzantine-revival cathedral features intricate frescoes and religious artworks that reflect its spiritual and cultural significance.

Tips & guidelines

  • Plan your visit: Set aside at least 90 minutes if you’re taking the guided tour; self-guided options let you explore at your own pace.
  • Choose your format: Pick the small-group tour for expert commentary, or use an audio guide for a self-paced visit.
  • Use offline content: Download your audio tour content and maps in advance to avoid relying on mobile data during your visit.
  • Audio languages: Knossos audio tours are available in English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish, depending on the ticket.
  • Combine your visit: The combo ticket places Knossos near Stop #9 on the Heraklion hop-on hop-off route, making it easy to pair with city sightseeing.
  • Museum add-on: If you want to see more of Crete’s archaeology, select the ticket option that includes entry to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
  • Check your ticket: Entry, tour, audio-guide language, museum access, and cancellation terms vary by option, so verify your selected ticket before booking.

Frequently asked questions about Knossos Palace tickets

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.