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Top things to do in Heraklion

Experience the best of Knossos Palace

Discover Ancient Greek civilization and its architecture starting at Knossos Palace, vital during Classical and Roman eras. Built 3700 years ago, it remains significant today. Explore the Throne of King Minos, Minoan Civilization murals, and more in this historic site.
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Slide 1 of 12, Guests exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.
Guests exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.
Family exploring Knossos Palace ruins in Crete, Greece.
Bulls Horns sculpture at Knossos Palace, Crete, with ancient fresco in background.
Knossos Palace frescoes and columns, Crete archaeological site.
Woman using phone with audio guide near brick wall.
Knossos Palace frescoes and ruins in Crete, Greece, with visitors exploring the site.
Knossos Palace fresco with dolphins and geometric patterns, Crete archaeological site.
Knossos Palace ruins with stone rooms and stairs in Crete, Greece.
Bull-leaping fresco at Knossos Palace, Crete, depicting ancient Minoan ritual.
Knossos Palace stone wall with red column in Crete, Greece.
Antique Minoan vases with rope patterns at Knossos palace ruins in Greece.
Ancient artifacts and replicas at a market near Knossos Palace, Crete.

Knossos Palace Archaeological Site Tickets with Audio Guide

Explore at your pace
Audio guide

  • Explore the 3700-year-old Palace of Knossos, Europe's oldest city, and customize your visit with optional upgrades like a guided tour, museum access, or a Heraklion city audio guide.

  • Walk through the labyrinthine ruins of Knossos Palace, see frescoes like the "Prince of the Lilies," and admire ancient artifacts like the Snake Goddess figurines at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

  • Enhance your visit with multilingual audio guides for Knossos Palace and Heraklion Museum, or stroll through Heraklion’s Old Town at your own pace with a detailed city audio tour.

  • Upgrade to include a 90-minute small-group guided tour of Knossos Palace or add full entry to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, giving you a deeper look into Crete’s Bronze Age wonders.

More details

  • Explore the 3700-year-old Palace of Knossos, Europe's oldest city, and customize your visit with optional upgrades like a guided tour, museum access, or a Heraklion city audio guide.

  • Walk through the labyrinthine ruins of Knossos Palace, see frescoes like the "Prince of the Lilies," and admire ancient artifacts like the Snake Goddess figurines at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

  • Enhance your visit with multilingual audio guides for Knossos Palace and Heraklion Museum, or stroll through Heraklion’s Old Town at your own pace with a detailed city audio tour.

  • Upgrade to include a 90-minute small-group guided tour of Knossos Palace or add full entry to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, giving you a deeper look into Crete’s Bronze Age wonders.

from
€27
Slide 1 of 11, Knossos Palace ruins and Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance in Crete.
Knossos Palace ruins and Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance in Crete.
Guests exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.
Knossos Palace interior with frescoes and red columns, Crete.
Minoan frescoes displayed in Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete, Greece.
Man with headphones listening to an audio guide in a museum exhibition.
Ancient storage jars inside Knossos Palace, Crete, showcasing Minoan pottery design.
Knossos Palace ruins with red columns and fresco in Heraklion, Crete.
Bull-leaping fresco at Knossos Palace, Crete, depicting ancient Minoan ritual.
Bull's head rhyton from Knossos at Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Phaistos Disc at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete, with visitors in the background.
Fresco of a Minoan figure at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.

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

Explore at your pace
Audio guide

  • Discover the history of two of the top historical attractions in Crete – the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the Knossos Palace.

  • With an in-depth English audio guide – downloadable onto your smartphone – this is definitely a hassle-free and informative way to visit two outstanding locations.

  • At the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, you'll see exquisite pieces of Cretan art, prehistory, and history, over 5,500 years old from the Neolithic period to Roman times.

  • Some significant exhibits include Phaistos Disc, Snake Goddess, Stone Bull's Head Rhyton, and much more.

  • Move through the corridors of the once-luxurious Knossos Palace, explore the South Propylaeum – showcasing everyday life in ancient times – and learn about the Minoan economy and trade networks at the West Magazines.

More details

  • Discover the history of two of the top historical attractions in Crete – the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the Knossos Palace.

  • With an in-depth English audio guide – downloadable onto your smartphone – this is definitely a hassle-free and informative way to visit two outstanding locations.

  • At the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, you'll see exquisite pieces of Cretan art, prehistory, and history, over 5,500 years old from the Neolithic period to Roman times.

  • Some significant exhibits include Phaistos Disc, Snake Goddess, Stone Bull's Head Rhyton, and much more.

  • Move through the corridors of the once-luxurious Knossos Palace, explore the South Propylaeum – showcasing everyday life in ancient times – and learn about the Minoan economy and trade networks at the West Magazines.

from
€59
Slide 1 of 10, Guided tour group exploring Knossos Palace Archaeological Site in Crete.
Guided tour group exploring Knossos Palace Archaeological Site in Crete.
Knossos Palace fresco and red columns under blue sky, Crete, Greece.
Woman exploring Knossos Palace with self-guided audio tour in English, French, and Italian.
King's chamber of Knossos with frescoes and stone throne, Crete, Greece.
Woman using phone with audio guide near brick wall.
Visitors taking a selfie at Knossos Palace, Crete, with ancient fresco and columns in view.
Visitors exploring the ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.
House of the Frescoes with vibrant dolphin paintings in Knossos, Crete.
Souvenirs depicting ancient Greek artifacts at Knossos Palace site.
Bull-leaping fresco with two women and a man at Knossos Palace, Crete.

Knossos Palace Archaeological Site E-Ticket with Audio Tour

Explore at your pace
Audio guide

  • Explore Knossos Palace, the largest Bronze Age site on Crete and the ceremonial hub of the Minoan civilization, an absolute feast for history enthusiasts.

  • With the pre-booked e-ticket, dive straight into your journey into the past, find a copy of “Prince of the Lilies” at the South Entrance Corridor and more.

  • The self-guided audio tour, available in 5 languages, lets you discover the beauty and trade secrets of Minoan times.

  • The cupbearers and procession frescoes at the South Propylaeum offer valuable insights into daily life and ceremonies in Minoan Crete.

More details

  • Explore Knossos Palace, the largest Bronze Age site on Crete and the ceremonial hub of the Minoan civilization, an absolute feast for history enthusiasts.

  • With the pre-booked e-ticket, dive straight into your journey into the past, find a copy of “Prince of the Lilies” at the South Entrance Corridor and more.

  • The self-guided audio tour, available in 5 languages, lets you discover the beauty and trade secrets of Minoan times.

  • The cupbearers and procession frescoes at the South Propylaeum offer valuable insights into daily life and ceremonies in Minoan Crete.

from Original price€35
€31.50

10% off

Slide 1 of 14, Knossos Palace ruins with red columns and fresco in Crete, Greece.
Knossos Palace ruins with red columns and fresco in Crete, Greece.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance with banners displaying sculptures and frescoes.
Enetiki Loggia in Heraklion city center with people walking nearby.
Tour group with guide at Knossos Palace, Crete, viewing ancient frescoes.
Passengers seated inside an air-conditioned tour bus.
Woman reading map at Knossos Palace ruins, Crete, Greece.
Aerial view of Rethymno city with Fortezza Castle and the Mediterranean Sea in the background.
Knossos Palace ruins with surrounding landscape in Heraklion, Crete.
Knossos Palace ruins with stone rooms and stairs in Crete, Greece.
Phaistos Disk with ancient symbols in Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Bull-leaping fresco at Knossos Palace depicting acrobats and a bull.
Antique Minoan vases with rope patterns at Knossos palace ruins in Greece.
Knossos Palace interior with frescoes and red columns, Crete.
Knossos Palace ruins surrounded by lush greenery, Crete, Greece.

From Chania: Knossos Palace & Heraklion Guided Day Trip with Hotel Pickup

12 hrs
2 more

  • See Knossos Palace, Heraklion and Rethymno in one full-day trip from Chania with hotel pickup and AC coach travel included, all handled for you.

  • An expert guide shares stories of Minoan Crete at Knossos, with provided headsets so you catch every detail without straining to hear.

  • At Knossos Palace, follow your guide through the palace ruins, tracing daily life and rituals of Minoan civilization as the complex comes to life.

  • Later in Heraklion, enjoy free time in the harbor and old town, or visit the Archaeological Museum, before coastal views through Venetian Rethymno.

More details

  • See Knossos Palace, Heraklion and Rethymno in one full-day trip from Chania with hotel pickup and AC coach travel included, all handled for you.

  • An expert guide shares stories of Minoan Crete at Knossos, with provided headsets so you catch every detail without straining to hear.

  • At Knossos Palace, follow your guide through the palace ruins, tracing daily life and rituals of Minoan civilization as the complex comes to life.

  • Later in Heraklion, enjoy free time in the harbor and old town, or visit the Archaeological Museum, before coastal views through Venetian Rethymno.

from
€43
Slide 1 of 9, Guests exploring Knossos Palace ruins with frescoes and columns in Crete.
Guests exploring Knossos Palace ruins with frescoes and columns in Crete.
Woman exploring Knossos Palace with self-guided audio tour in English, French, and Italian.
Throne room at Knossos Palace with stone seat and frescoes.
Knossos Palace ruins with stone rooms and stairs in Crete, Greece.
Visitors exploring Knossos Palace ruins in Heraklion, Crete, with iconic red columns.
Knossos Palace ruins with red columns and ancient stone structures in Crete, Greece.
Ancient stone structures and trees in the yard of Knossos Palace, Crete.
Knossos Palace ruins surrounded by lush greenery, Crete, Greece.
Group of tourists at Knossos Palace, Crete, with ancient ruins and fresco in the background.

Knossos Palace Small Group Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

1 hr 30 mins

  • Take a 90-minute small-group guided tour through Knossos Palace and hear how Minoan myths, rituals, and royal secrets shaped Europe's earliest civilization.

  • Enjoy a relaxed, small-group experience where you can ask questions, explore hidden corners, and get personalized insights from your guide.

  • See the grand Throne Room where King Minos is believed to have ruled, the Grand Staircase connecting multiple levels, and frescoes depicting lively processions and bull-leaping.

  • Hear fascinating stories of sacred bull-leaping ceremonies, the Palace’s underground storerooms filled with giant pithoi jars, and the dramatic collapse of the Minoans that sparked legends across the Greek world.

More details

  • Take a 90-minute small-group guided tour through Knossos Palace and hear how Minoan myths, rituals, and royal secrets shaped Europe's earliest civilization.

  • Enjoy a relaxed, small-group experience where you can ask questions, explore hidden corners, and get personalized insights from your guide.

  • See the grand Throne Room where King Minos is believed to have ruled, the Grand Staircase connecting multiple levels, and frescoes depicting lively processions and bull-leaping.

  • Hear fascinating stories of sacred bull-leaping ceremonies, the Palace’s underground storerooms filled with giant pithoi jars, and the dramatic collapse of the Minoans that sparked legends across the Greek world.

from Original price€99
€89

10% off

Slide 1 of 11, Knossos Palace interior and Heraklion hop-on hop-off bus tour in Crete, Greece.
Knossos Palace interior and Heraklion hop-on hop-off bus tour in Crete, Greece.
Guests exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.
Family exploring Knossos Palace ruins in Crete, Greece.
Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off bus with tourists near a cruise ship.
Tourists enjoying Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with sea view and map.
Knossos Palace frescoes and ruins in Crete, Greece, with visitors exploring the site.
Knossos Palace fresco with dolphins and geometric patterns, Crete archaeological site.
Antique Minoan vases with rope patterns at Knossos palace ruins in Greece.
Heraklion tourists discussing with guide near Hop-On Hop-Off bus.
Group of tourists at Heraklion harbor with Venetian fortress in the background.
Lion fountain detail in Heraklion, Crete, on a sightseeing bus tour.

Combo (Save 5%): Knossos Palace Archaeological Site Tickets + Heraklion Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Explore at your pace
Audio guide

  • Enjoy 1+1 day of unlimited bus rides through Heraklion's ancient streets and get fast-track entry to Knossos Palace, with a convenient bus drop nearby!

  • Journey back in time with fast-track tickets to Knossos Palace, a 3,700-year-old archaeological site, boasting the grandeur of the Minoan civilization.

  • Marvel at the untouched Throne of King Minos and the enigmatic murals of 'Linear A' language, which remains undeciphered to date.

  • Explore 18 top sites, from Ammoudara's beaches to Koules Castle. Your ticket includes one day of unlimited hop-on hop-off rides plus a bonus free day!

  • See Heraklion from the ultimate viewpoint of an open-top bus tour with 8-language audio guides, free earphones, and maps bringing the city's stories to life.

More details

  • Enjoy 1+1 day of unlimited bus rides through Heraklion's ancient streets and get fast-track entry to Knossos Palace, with a convenient bus drop nearby!

  • Journey back in time with fast-track tickets to Knossos Palace, a 3,700-year-old archaeological site, boasting the grandeur of the Minoan civilization.

  • Marvel at the untouched Throne of King Minos and the enigmatic murals of 'Linear A' language, which remains undeciphered to date.

  • Explore 18 top sites, from Ammoudara's beaches to Koules Castle. Your ticket includes one day of unlimited hop-on hop-off rides plus a bonus free day!

  • See Heraklion from the ultimate viewpoint of an open-top bus tour with 8-language audio guides, free earphones, and maps bringing the city's stories to life.

from Original price€47
€44.65

5% off

Slide 1 of 7, Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance with banners displaying sculptures and frescoes.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance with banners displaying sculptures and frescoes.
Ancient artifacts displayed at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.
Visitors examining artifacts at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete, Greece.
Fresco of a Minoan figure at Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Man with headphones listening to an audio guide in a museum exhibition.
Phaistos Disc exhibit at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.
Minoan artifacts displayed in Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete, Greece.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum Admission Tickets with Multilingual Audio Guide

Explore at your pace
Audio guide

  • Follow a clear path through the museum as curated stops highlight the most important pieces, so you make the most of your time inside.

  • Present your ticket on arrival and walk straight into the museum, beginning your visit in the first galleries at a pace that suits you.

  • Your access covers all museum sections plus an English tour on your smartphone, offline text and maps, and time to explore independently.

  • Follow the on-screen stories to connect highlights like the Minoan frescoes and the Phaistos Disk as you move between rooms and build your own route.

More details

  • Follow a clear path through the museum as curated stops highlight the most important pieces, so you make the most of your time inside.

  • Present your ticket on arrival and walk straight into the museum, beginning your visit in the first galleries at a pace that suits you.

  • Your access covers all museum sections plus an English tour on your smartphone, offline text and maps, and time to explore independently.

  • Follow the on-screen stories to connect highlights like the Minoan frescoes and the Phaistos Disk as you move between rooms and build your own route.

from
€27

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Beat the crowds by arriving early in the morning when the palace opens. Not only will you have more space to explore, but you'll also capture the best photos without throngs of tourists in the background.

The palace grounds span a considerable area, and you'll be doing a lot of walking, so opt for comfortable footwear.

Crete's Mediterranean climate can be scorching, especially during the peak tourist season. Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated as you explore the extensive ruins.

Please refrain from touching or climbing on the ruins, and be mindful of signage indicating restricted areas. Help preserve this archeological wonder for future generations to enjoy.

Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the palace's history and significance. Knowledgeable guides can unravel the mysteries of Minoan culture and point out hidden details you might otherwise overlook.

Similar things to do in Heraklion

About Knossos Palace

Knossos Palace stands as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Minoan civilization. It is the largest Bronze Age archeological site in Crete and features labyrinthine passageways adorned with vibrant frescoes that depict scenes from everyday life in Minoan times.

AddressKnossos 714 09, Greece
Founded bySir Arthur Evans
Visitors per year1000000
Expected wait time - Standard30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

Knossos Palace is renowned as the place where Linear A writing originated. It is an ancient script that, intriguingly, remains only partially deciphered to this day.

Remarkably advanced for its time, Knossos Palace had an intricate plumbing system featuring clay pipes and drainage channels.

Minoan society held a deep appreciation for artistic expression, and Knossos was its grand canvas. Artisans showcased their exceptional craftsmanship and creativity through exquisite pottery, intricate jewelry, and stunning metalwork found within the palace grounds.

Evidence suggests that Knossos, along with other settlements, faced destruction due to a massive volcanic eruption on the nearby island of Santorini. This natural disaster reshaped the landscape and spelled the decline of the Minoan civilization.

Why visit Knossos Palace?

Great historical significance

As the center of the Minoan civilization, this site offers a unique window into the past, showcasing the lifestyle, art, and culture of one of the earliest European civilizations.

An architectural wonder

Discover the ingenuity of Minoan architects as you wander through the intricate layout of the palace. The advanced infrastructure and the sheer scale of the complex are nothing short of extraordinary.

Houses artistic treasures

Feast your eyes on the stunning frescoes that adorn the walls, depicting scenes of everyday Minoan life, ceremonies, and mythical creatures. These artworks provide a vivid snapshot of Minoan society and are a treasure trove for history and art enthusiasts.

Connected to the legend of the Minotaur

Explore the legendary labyrinth where, according to Greek mythology, King Minos confined the Minotaur, a creature with the body of a human and the head of a bull.

Highlights

The Royal Villa

Explore the intricately designed Royal Quarters, where you can envision the opulent lifestyle of the Minoan elite. Wander through the residential chambers, adorned with colorful frescoes and intricate carvings, offering insights into ancient Minoan beliefs, customs, and rituals.

The South Propylaeum

The South Propylaeum is a monumental gateway into the Knossos Palace. It is a testament to Minoan engineering prowess, boasting columns and decorative motifs that underline the site's cultural and administrative significance. 

The Minoan Caravanserai

Discover the bustling hub of trade and commerce at the Minoan Caravanserai. Here, ancient market stalls, storage rooms, and remnants of trade connections unveil Knossos's role as a pivotal player in the ancient Mediterranean trade network.

North Lustral Basin

This sunken area, believed to be used for purification ceremonies, offers insights into the spiritual realm of the Minoans. Its layout and symbolism hint at the intricate interplay between architecture and Minoan belief systems.

The East Wing

The East Wing of the palace has interconnected rooms adorned with captivating frescoes. These frescoes narrate the daily customs, spiritual practices, and cultural expressions of the Minoans. 

The West Facade

The West Facade is the exterior face of Knossos Palace. Stand before its monumental entrance, adorned with intricate decorative elements and feel intrigued by the aesthetic prowess of the Minoans.

The Little Palace

Adjacent to Knossos Palace, the Little Palace unveils the affluent lives of Minoan elites beyond the main structure. Immerse yourself in the opulence displayed through intricate frescoes, multilevel architecture, and private quarters. This glimpse into Minoan domestic life adds layers to your understanding of this ancient society, making the visit to the Little Palace an essential part of your Knossos experience.

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What our guests say

Maria C

Italy
Couple
Jun 2026

+7 more

I didn't use HeadOut because I paid too much for the tickets. A six-euro commission per ticket is way too much! On top of that, I didn't get to use the audio guide. I gave stars for the archaeological site, which I found interesting.

Knossos Palace Archaeological Site Tickets with Audio Guide

Denise P

Brazil
Couple
May 2026

+3 more

Everything worked perfectly. Buying tickets in advance with Headout saved us a lot of time waiting in line. The tickets arrived on time and the audio guide was very helpful for a complete visit (because without the audio guide it's difficult to find your way around). The after-sales service is also very good because, when I needed to contact them to resolve a question, they promptly responded and solved my problem. And the Palace of Knossos is a must-see; a thrilling dive into history.

Knossos Palace Archaeological Site Tickets with Audio Guide

Nancy H

Couple
Mar 2026

+1 more

Unbelievably fabulous place to view ancient items from Knossos Palace, other palaces on Crete & caves. This is also a MUST SEE place to visit & worth every penny to view history. Don't miss the slide presentation at the end. So must history is explained for those who are not history buffs.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum Admission Tickets with Multilingual Audio Guide

Brian L

United States
Solo
2 days ago
The history is what made this visit so great! Walking through the ancient site and learning about the Minoan civilization really brought the experience to life. I highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting while cruise ships are in port. We were able to skip the long ticket lines and get ahead of the crowds. The lines were VERY long once the cruise-ship passengers arrived. The audio guide was also a great addition—it gave much more context to what we were seeing and made the visit even more interesting. Tip: Buy your tickets ahead of time and beat the cruise-ship crowds!

Knossos Palace Archaeological Site E-Ticket with Audio Tour

Chiara B

Italy
Couple
6 days ago
A very interesting visit to the Palace of Knossos. Immersing yourself in the myth of the Minotaur is a unique experience, and the site is fascinating. The audio guide included with the ticket proved to be essential: clear and full of details.

Knossos Palace Archaeological Site E-Ticket with Audio Tour

Robert W

United States
Couple
5 days ago
Our guide, CMATZIGEORGIOU M. AKRIVI was informative, interesting, knowledgeable & kind. I would highly recommend her. She kept us in the shade as much as possible on a very hot day.

Knossos Palace Small Group Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

Elizabeth O

Australia
Couple
Last week
What is there not to love about the tour - only 6 of us moving and a good but not fast pace - time to take everything in and come back after - our tour guide not only liked her job but truly loved it and passing on old, myths and new information to challenge our preconceived thoughts - I would recommend this tour to everyone

Knossos Palace Small Group Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

Orlane C

France
Couple
Last week
It was easy to get the tickets, even though the websites were convinced that combo tickets didn't exist! Very convenient

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

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