A visit to Knossos Palace (sometimes spelled Cnossos) is a must on any trip to Crete. Associated with the legend of the Minotaur, it is the most visited site on the island. It offers a glimpse of the grandeur of Minoan civilization and a leap into Greek mythology.
Knossos Palace was renovated in the early 20th century by British archaeologist Arthur Evans… in a sometimes controversial manner. In fact, the latter used reinforced concrete and iron for the renovation, thus robbing the site of some of its authenticity. But despite this, Knossos remains a major archaeological site.
Tickets: fares and special tickets
Prices
Tickets to Knossos cost :
- 15 € full price
- 8 € reduced rate
- Free for people under 25 from an EU member state on presentation of proof of identity
Ticket sales
- You can buy online tickets for the archaeological site of Knossos on the official website of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. Please note that these tickets cannot be changed or refunded.
- You can also buy a ticket for the Knossos site on the GetYourGuide website. Here’s the link. As well as avoiding the queues, these tickets include an optional audio guide to Knossos and/or Heraklion, depending on which option you choose. Very practical! Or here, non-cancellable ticket and optional self-guided tour.
- And last but not least, combined tickets are available for the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Knossos Palace.
Guided tours of Knossos
Information panels on the site are fairly succinct. Visiting Knossos Palace with a guide is definitely a plus. This allows us to really understand the site, its architecture and the meaning of the frescoes.
At the entrance to the site, guides offer their services for private or group tours.
You can also book a guided tour in advance. We’ve spotted but not tested this tour of Knossos, whose reviews are excellent, or this guided walking tour of Knossos in English.
Visit Knossos Palace with an audioguide
How do I get to Knossos?
Knossos is easily accessible. It is located 5 kilometers south of Heraklion.
- by car : 15mn drive from Heraklion, 1h10 from Rethymnon and 2h from Chania. With a GPS, you can easily find the site. Otherwise, follow the signs… some are in Greek alphabet. Keep your eyes peeled, Knossos is spelled like this in Greek: ΚΝΟΣΟΣ (upper case) or Κνωσός (lower case). Paid parking is available at the entrance to the site.
- cab: from Heraklion, you can easily find cabs to take you to Knossos, like WelcomePickups.
- by bus : take the N°2 “Knossos” bus from Heraklion.
- by hop-on hop-off bus: This multi-stop sightseeing bus, which includes multilingual audioguide service, is very practical. Tickets are valid for 48 hours. This allows you to discover Heraklion and go as far as Knossos.
- as part of an organized tour: we particularly spotted this tour with air-conditioned bus transport and guide.
Opening hours and days
The site is open :
- summer (May – October) 08:00 to 20:00 daily (last entry 19:45). Flexible hours in September and October.
- winter (November – April) 08:30 to 17:00 daily
Schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check the official website a few days before your visit. Alternative contact: Phone +30 2810 231940, Email: efahra@culture.gr
Closed or special opening hours on the following days:
- January 1st: closed
- March 25: closed
- Good Friday: 12:00-17:00
- Holy Saturday: 8.00 am – 4.00 pm
- May 1st: closed
- Easter Sunday: closed
- August 15: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- October 28: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- December 25: closed
- December 26: closed
Free admission days :
- March 6 (in memory of Melina Mercouri)
- April 18 (International Monuments Day)
- May 18 (International Museum Day)
- The last weekend of September each year (European Heritage Days)
- October 28
- Every first Sunday from November 1 to March 31
Practical tips for visiting Knossos Palace
- What time of day should you visit the site? Knossos (Cnossos) is the most visited site on Crete. It welcomes half a million visitors every year. Some days in high season are very busy. We advise you to go either very early in the morning (really at the opening at 8 a.m. as groups usually arrive at 9 a.m.). Or at the end of the day, two hours before the site closes. This last option is our favorite, as the groups have left the site and the light at the end of the day with the declining sun is superb. It’s also a little cooler at the end of the day.
- It’s hot, very hot at Knossos, especially if you visit in summer. Remember to take water, sun cream, cap/hat and sunglasses.
- How long does the visit last? It all depends on the world and your interest in the site. Allow one to two hours.
- There are toilets inside the site (charge: €0.50).
- Some days, the queues are long. Buy an all-inclusive ticket prior to your visit.
Visiting the site with children: myths and legends
Knossos Palace is an ideal place to visit with children. Closely linked to the legend of the labyrinth and the Minotaur, this is a great opportunity to talk to your children about Greek gods and heroes:
- The Minotaur, the half-man, half-bull monster who fed on human flesh and was locked up at the bottom of the labyrinth.
- Daedalus, who built the labyrinth inside the Palace. King Minos had imprisoned him so that he would not reveal the secrets of the site.
- Icarus, son of Daedalus, locked up with his father by King Minos. dédale made wax wings for himself and Icare. Unfortunately, flying too close to the sun, Icarus’ wings melted… and the young man died.
- Theseus, the courageous hero who confronted and killed the Minotaur.
- Ariadne , who gave Theseus the way out of the labyrinth: unwind a thread on the way in, then follow the thread in the opposite direction on the way out.
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We hope you enjoy this site. Let us know what you think in the comments below this article.
Laure M.
