The immense size, little signage, and complex history of the Palace of Knossos means it’s worth visiting with a local guide. The best way to explore is on a guided walking tour, taking in highlights of the Minoan palace such as the Central Court, the Throne Room, the Tripartite Shrine, the Grand Staircase, and the Queen’s Hall. You can also combine your visit to the Palace of Knossos with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Choose between a standard entrance ticket or a combined ticket that includes access to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Plan to spend around two hours at the archaeological site, excluding wait times.
Ticket lines can be long in peak season—arrive early or book a skip-the-line tour to maximize your time.
Knossos Palace provides little shade, so you should bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, as well as comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven ground.
Many parts of the archaeological site are accessible for wheelchair users; entrance is free for visitors with disabilities.
Knossos is located 3 miles (5 kilometers) southeast of Heraklion in the north of Crete and is reachable by public transport and taxi from the city. However, most visitors opt for a guided tour with round-trip transportation from either Heraklion or Rethimno.
Knossos is open all year round, but the most popular months to visit are July and August. The site can get extremely busy, so arrive before opening at 8am or after 3pm if you want to avoid the crowds. Expect temperatures of up to 85°F (30°C) in midsummer.
Historic facts and Greek mythology intertwine at Knossos. While King Minos was believed to have been a real figure, the notorious Minotaur—the half-man, half-bull imprisoned in the palace’s labyrinth—and his creators, Daedalus and Icarus, are characters of Greek legend.
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