Visiting Knossos Palace: The Complete Guide to Crete's #1 Attraction

The Palace of Knossos is not just Crete's most visited archaeological site — it's one of the most important in all of Europe. As the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization (Europe's first advanced civilization), Knossos offers a window into a world that flourished 4,000 years ago.

A Brief History

The Minoans built the first palace at Knossos around 1900 BC. After an earthquake destroyed it, a grander palace was constructed around 1700 BC — the ruins you see today. At its peak, Knossos was a complex of over 1,300 rooms, featuring advanced plumbing, multi-story buildings, and elaborate frescoes.

The site is deeply connected to Greek mythology: this is said to be the palace of King Minos and the location of the Labyrinth that held the Minotaur — the half-man, half-bull creature slain by Theseus.

British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans began excavating in 1900 and controversially reconstructed parts of the palace using concrete and paint. While debated academically, these reconstructions help visitors visualize the grandeur of the original structure.

What to See

Key highlights within the palace complex:

• The Throne Room: The oldest throne room in Europe, featuring a stone throne flanked by griffin frescoes. Still remarkably intact.
• The Grand Staircase: An impressive multi-story stairway with light wells — evidence of sophisticated Minoan architecture.
• The Bull-Leaping Fresco: The most famous Minoan artwork, showing athletes vaulting over a charging bull. (Original in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.)
• The Queen's Megaron: Features the famous dolphin fresco and what may be the world's first flushing toilet.
• Royal Road: The oldest paved road in Europe, leading to the "Little Palace."
• Storage Magazines: Rows of giant pithoi (clay jars) that stored olive oil, wine, and grain — evidence of Knossos as a major economic center.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Summer (April–October): 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
Winter (November–March): 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Closed: December 25, January 1, March 25, Easter Sunday, May 1

Tickets

Full price: €15
Reduced: €8 (EU students, seniors 65+)
Free: Under 25 from EU countries, on select dates
Combined ticket: €20 — includes the Heraklion Archaeological Museum (valid for 3 days)

Tip: Buy tickets online at the official e-ticketing platform to skip the queue, especially in July–August.

Duration

Allow 1.5–3 hours depending on your interest level. A guided tour (about 1.5 hours) is highly recommended — without context, the ruins can look like random walls.

How to Get There

Knossos is located 5 km south of Heraklion center.

• By bus: Bus #2 from Heraklion's bus station runs every 20 minutes (€1.70, 20-minute journey).
• By taxi: About €10–12 from Heraklion center.
• By private transfer: The most comfortable option, especially if combining Knossos with the Archaeological Museum or other sites. Your driver waits while you explore.

Tips for Your Visit

• Go early: Arrive at opening time to beat the crowds and the heat. By 10 AM, large tour groups start arriving.
• Wear sun protection: There is very little shade at the site. Hat, sunscreen, and water are essential.
• Wear comfortable shoes: The site involves uneven terrain and steps.
• Hire a guide: On-site guides are available, or book a private tour that includes transport and a licensed guide.
• Combine with the museum: The Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses the original frescoes and artifacts found at Knossos. The combined ticket is excellent value.

Combine Knossos with a Full Day Tour

Many visitors pair Knossos with a tour of Heraklion city — the Venetian fortress, the old harbor, the market, and the Archaeological Museum. A private half-day tour makes this effortless and gives you time to absorb the history without rushing for a bus.