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    Best time to visit Knossos Heraklion | Opening hours, duration, & more

    Today

    Open 8am–6:30pm

    Last Admission

    6:15pm

    Knossos PalaceTimings

    Knossos Palace

    • The Knossos Palace is typically open from 8am to 6pm throughout the year.
    • During the longer summer months, between June to August, the site is open until 7:30pm to 8pm on most days.
    • Between November to February, the site closes at 5:30pm on most days.

    Jan 1 TO Mar 31 Timings

    Days (Jan 1 TO Mar 31)

    		TIMINGSLast Admission
    Monday 8:00am–5:00pm 4:45pm
    Tuesday 8:00am–5:00pm 4:45pm
    Wednesday 8:00am–5:00pm 4:45pm
    Thursday 8:00am–5:00pm 4:45pm
    Friday 8:00am–5:00pm 4:45pm
    Saturday 8:00am–5:00pm 4:45pm
    Sunday 8:00am–5:00pm 4:45pm
    Knossos Palace of Heraklion
    • The last admission to the Knossos archaeological site is 15 minutes before the closing hours.
    • The closing time may vary according to special occasions and public holidays. On Good Friday the site opens at 12pm and closes at 5pm. On Holy Saturday, the palace is open from 8am to 4pm.
    • The Knossos Palace remains closed to visitors on 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Easter Sunday, 25, and 26 December.

    Best time to visit the Knossos Palace

    Weekday vs Weekend

    • Weekends: Whether you plan a visit to the Knossos Palace on weekdays or weekends, you cannot escape crowds. Even during the shoulder seasons, between March to May, the site greets a considerable number of visitors. There may be a surge in hotel and restaurant prices. Parking spots are limited, however, you can use public parking spaces nearby.
    • Weekdays: Weekdays are comparatively less crowded than weekends. If you reach the site early in the day, you can avoid the 10am rush of group visitors. You can also visit around late afternoon. You may have to wait around an hour, but you can cut down the wait time with priority access tickets.

    Mon

    Tue

    Wed

    Thu

    Fri

    Sat

    Sun

    Pleasant
    Crowded
    Very Crowded

    Peak season vs Low season

    • Peak season (June to August): Most families and students vacation during the summer holidays. The warm temperatures are ideal for exploring outdoor sites like the Knossos Palace.
    • Mid-season (April to June, September to October): The temperatures are pleasant and the crowds are more manageable, making these the best months to visit the site. You can comfortably explore the palace without risking a heatstroke.
    • Low season (November to March): The weather in Crete is rainy and cold around this time, with very few tourists. If you choose to visit around this time, you can have a relaxed tour of the site. You can also enjoy reduced hotel prices and discounts in restaurants.

    Jan

    Feb

    Mar

    Apr

    May

    Jun

    Jul

    Aug

    Sep

    Oct

    Nov

    Dec

    Off Season
    Moderate Season
    Peak Season

    How long should I spend at the Knossos Palace?

    You can breeze through the palace ruins in around an hour if you visit only the popular attractions like the Throne Room, Central Court, and the courtyard. This will give you a basic sense of the site's size and layout, but you won't have much time to delve into the details.

    Ideally, you must keep at least 3 to 4 hours on hand for a detailed, in-depth tour of the Heraklion Palace of Knossos. You can wander about the palace ruins comfortably without rushing from one spot to another, take pictures of the wall frescoes, and read through the information signs. 

    About the Minoan Palace of Knossos

    Tips to note when visiting the Heraklion Palace of Knossos

    • Arrive early: The Knossos archaeological site attracts hundreds of visitors throughout the year. You will find crowds in most rooms and courts on your tour. To avoid the morning rush around 10am, consider arriving at the site by 8pm. You can also visit in the late afternoon, after 2pm, for a quieter visit and somewhat manageable crowds. 
    • Consider booking guided tours: The Knossos Palace once functioned as the primary administrative center of the Minoan civilization. To know more about their daily life, artistry, and social customers, consider purchasing guided tours. There are small-group guided tours, providing a more in-depth look at the Knossos site.
    • Wear comfortable shoes: The palace complex is vast and there's a lot of walking involved. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes with good traction, as the ground can be uneven and dusty.
    • Carry sun protection: The Heraklion Palace of Knossos is situated atop a hill without many shaded areas. Carry a hat, and sunglasses and wear sunscreen to protect your skin, especially if you are considering a visit between June and August. 
    • Be prepared for limited facilities: There are restrooms in the visitor information center near the main entrance to the Knossos site. However, there aren’t any restroom facilities and refreshment centers throughout the site. The Knossos site is spread across a large area, so make sure you use the restroom before your visit. 

    Frequently asked questions about the Knossos Heraklion opening hours

    What are the opening hours of the Heraklion Palace of Knossos?

    The Knossos Heraklion opening hours are between 8am to 6pm during the spring and summer months, from March to August. On the days when daylight hours are longer, the Knossos archaeological site closes around 7:30pm to 8pm. During the winter months, November to February, the site is open from 8:30am to 5pm. The last admission to the Heraklion ruins is around 15 minutes before the closing hours.

    When is the palace closed to visitors?

    The Heraklion Palace of Knossos is closed on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday, 25, and 26 December. Typically, the Knossos archaeological site closes to visitors around 6pm during the fall months. Around summer, between June to August, the daylight hours are longer, so the palace is open until 7:30pm and 8pm on most days.

    Do the Knossos archaeological site’s opening hours vary by season or special event?

    While the Knossos Royal Palace is open to visitors until 6pm on most days of the year, the site has varied timings on a few occasions. On Good Friday, the palace is open from 12pm to 5pm. And, on Holy Saturday, the site is open from 8am to 4pm. The Heraklion ruins are open from 8am to 8pm on 15 August and from 8:30am to 3pm on 28 October.

    Can I visit the palace at night?

    The Knossos Palace typically closes around 6pm throughout the year. Only for a few days of the year, when daylight hours are longer, the palace is open until 8pm. You cannot visit the palace grounds after its closing time. The last admission to the site is 15 minutes before its closing hours.

    How can I avoid large crowds at the Knossos Palace?

    The Heraklion Palace of Knossos opens at 8am almost every day of the year. Arrive early to the site to get a headstart. The Knossos archaeological site skip-the-line tickets allow you to enjoy priority access to the venue. The site is very popular and attracts hundreds of visitors. Expect to find crowds in every other room. Plan a visit during the winter months, between November and February for slightly manageable crowds and cooler temperatures.

    How long does a visit to the site take?

    We recommend you keep at least 3 to 4 hours for a visit to the Knossos archaeological site. While you can breeze through the Heraklion ruins in about 2 hours, the most popular frescoes and rooms are crowded. Even if you arrive at the Knossos Palace before 8am, expect to find a few visitors in the popular rooms like the Central Court, Royal Apartments, and others.

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