Can I visit both the Palace and the Museum with a single ticket?

Yes, the <experience tgid="17068" type="Popup" title="Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum combo ticket" id="v5sPDGyv" /> gives you access to both sites, letting you explore ancient ruins and dive deep into Minoan artifacts.

Are guided tours included in my ticket, or do I need to book separately?

Certain ticket options include a <experience tgid="28282" type="Popup" title="90-minute small-group guided tour" id="UQJmUA4n" /> with an expert English-speaking guide, while others let you add audio guides or self-guided entry for maximum flexibility.

How does the small-group tour improve my visit compared to solo exploring?

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.

Are my Knossos tickets valid for multiple days?

The entry tickets and guided tours are valid for the day of purchase only, except for the <experience tgid="28709" type="Popup" title="Palace and HOHO combo" id="XSSb3tdr" />, which gives you **unlimited access to the bus tour for two days**.

Can I use my audio guide offline while touring Knossos Palace?

Absolutely, the audio guides come with **offline access and detailed maps**, so you won’t need to worry about internet connectivity while exploring.

Does the ticket cover any transportation to or from Knossos Palace?

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.

Should I buy tickets in advance?

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.

Are there any quiet times or days when Knossos Palace is less crowded?

Early mornings during weekdays, especially outside the **peak summer months**, tend to be the quietest times to visit.

Which entrance should I use to access the palace?

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.

Are there parking facilities available at Knossos Palace?

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.

How much walking is involved in a typical Knossos Palace visit?

Expect to walk around **2km on uneven terrain**, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare for moderate physical activity.

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Tickets

Knossos Palace Archaeological Site Tickets with Audio Guide

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.

Everything you get: Depending on your selection, enjoy entry to Knossos Palace, a 90-minute small-group guided tour, multilingual audio guides, offline access with rich content and maps, entry to Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and an immersive audio guide of Heraklion city.
Why choose this: Skip the planning stress with expert tours, flexible audio guides, and easy access to Heraklion’s treasures, explore Minoan history your way, hassle-free.
Upgrades: Choose a guided tour for a richer story-led experience, add entry to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, or enhance your visit with a Heraklion city audio guide.

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Audio guide

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Tickets

Combo: Knossos Palace & Heraklion Archaeological Museum Tickets with Audio Guides

Audio guide

Bring a charged smartphone and headphones, as the audio guide is available in English and German.
Ensure you have at least 350 MB of free storage on your phone to download the audio guide.
The audio guide is incompatible with Windows Phones, iPhone 5/5C or older, iPod Touch 5th generation or older, iPad 4th generation or older, and iPad Mini 1st generation.
Download the ticket and audio guide in advance while connected to Wi-Fi, as mobile signal strength at the site may be unreliable.
After booking, you'll receive an email with instructions on how to access and download your audio tour—check your spam folder if you don't see it.

Concession eligibility

Non-EU citizens below 18 and EU Citizens below 25 have free entry. Free entry ticket collection process on site may take long due to queues.
Senior citizens: Individuals over 65 years old from Greece or other EU member states are eligible for a reduced admission fee upon presenting a valid ID or passport.
Persons with disabilities: Individuals with an 80% disability or more, regardless of nationality, and one escort (if applicable) can access free admission upon presenting a valid disability certificate along with their ID or passport.
Greek citizens (special categories): Greek families with many children (with children up to 25 years old, or any age if they have disabilities) are eligible for free admission upon presenting a valid large family certificate and disability certificate (if applicable). Greek unemployed citizens can also receive free admission with a valid unemployment card and ID.

Additional information

With timed entry at Knossos Palace, be sure to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to ensure you're on time. After visiting the Palace, you can explore the archaeological site and the museum at your own pace.
Maximize your visit by following the recommended schedule: Knossos at 8am, followed by the Heraklion Archaeological Museum at 1pm.
Your Heraklion Museum entry is scheduled 5 hours after your Knossos tour begins: 8am tour → 1pm entry, 9am tour → 2pm entry, 10am tour → 3pm entry, 11am tour → 4pm entry.
Wear comfortable shoes to both attractions. Comfortable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen during the hot summer months would help during a visit to the Knossos Palace.
If you have mobility issues, stick to the main pathways in Knossos. About half of the site is accessible, but the ruins can get tricky in rougher areas. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
Carry a photo ID such as a passport, government ID, or a driver’s license.
Suitcases or trolleys are not allowed inside Knossos or the museum.

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Audio guide

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Tickets

Knossos Palace Archaeological Site E-Ticket with Audio Tour

What to bring

Don’t forget your trusty earphones for an immersive audio guide experience.

Accessibility

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible from the entrance of the Palace up to the Central Court.

Additional information

It’s recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Ages 17 and younger are not permitted.

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Explore at your pace

Audio guide

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Guided Tours

Knossos Palace Small Group Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

Get in-depth insights with an expert-guided tour of Knossos Palace in a small, personalised group.

Everything you get: Enjoy direct entry to Knossos Palace, a 90-minute guided tour led by an expert English-speaking guide, and a small-group experience.
Why choose this: With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll explore at a relaxed pace, ask questions freely, and uncover hidden insights into life nearly 3,700 years ago. Learn about fascinating Minoan rituals, court life, and the dramatic collapse of one of Europe’s first great civilizations, all in an intimate setting that ensures a richer, more personal experience.

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Free cancellation

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1 hr 30 mins

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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?

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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 type	Includes	Guide	Why pick this	Price 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

Wheelchair-accessible routes >

What's inside Knossos Palace?

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.

Plan your visit to the Heraklion Palace of Knossos

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

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.

Pasiphae restaurant: Offers Mediterranean, Greek, and vegetarian-friendly dishes
Minotavros restaurant and cafe: Specializes in Mediterranean, Greek, vegan, and vegetarian-friendly dishes
Rousakis restaurant: Serves Mediterranean and Greek dishes, and alcohol, and also has outdoor seating.
The Little Garden: Offers Mediterranean, Greek, and vegetarian-friendly dishes
Picadillo Burger Nest: Specializes in American, fast food, barbecues, and Greek food

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.

Experience the best of Knossos Palace

Knossos Palace Archaeological Site Tickets with Audio Guide