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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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Knossos Palace
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.
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.
Book now, pay later
Flexible duration
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.

  • Fun fact: Not everything you see at Knossos is ancient. British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans reconstructed parts of the Palace in the early 1900s, blending archaeological finds with his own vision of how Minoan life might have looked.

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.

  • Fun fact: Not everything you see at Knossos is ancient. British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans reconstructed parts of the Palace in the early 1900s, blending archaeological finds with his own vision of how Minoan life might have looked.

from €27
€25.65

5% off

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.
Guided tour group exploring Knossos Palace Archaeological Site in Crete.
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.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr 30 min
  • 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 with no more than 16 guests, 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.

  • Fun fact: At Knossos, archaeologists discovered ancient plumbing systems, including flushing toilets, dating back nearly 3,700 years, centuries ahead of their time!

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 with no more than 16 guests, 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.

  • Fun fact: At Knossos, archaeologists discovered ancient plumbing systems, including flushing toilets, dating back nearly 3,700 years, centuries ahead of their time!

from €99
€89

10% off

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.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance with exhibition banners, Crete.
Bull's head rhyton from Knossos at Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
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.
Phaistos Disc at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete, with visitors in the background.
Fresco of a Minoan figure at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.
Ladies in Blue fresco at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, depicting three women in Minoan attire.
Flexible duration
Audio guide
  • Discover the wonderous 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 wonderous 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
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.
Flexible duration
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 €47
€43.37

8% off

Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance with banners displaying ancient artifacts.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance with banners displaying ancient artifacts.
Ancient artifacts displayed at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.
Phaistos Disc exhibit at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.
Fresco of a Minoan figure at Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Flexible duration
Audio guide
  • Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum–home to the most historic Minoan artifacts in Greece and in the world.

  • With an English audio guide – which you can download onto your smartphone–this is definitely a hassle-free and informative way to visit the 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, and Stone Bull's Head Rhyton while the most ancient frescoes include the Bull-Leaping Fresco, Prince of the Lilies, and much more.

  • Listen to your informative guide for both a history tour and 80+ interesting stories. You can even repeat this audio guide after your Museum visit.

More details

  • Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum–home to the most historic Minoan artifacts in Greece and in the world.

  • With an English audio guide – which you can download onto your smartphone–this is definitely a hassle-free and informative way to visit the 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, and Stone Bull's Head Rhyton while the most ancient frescoes include the Bull-Leaping Fresco, Prince of the Lilies, and much more.

  • Listen to your informative guide for both a history tour and 80+ interesting stories. You can even repeat this audio guide after your Museum visit.

from
€31.50
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.
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.
Flexible duration
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.

  • Fun fact: The palace was so large that it could have housed up to 100,000 scrolls, making it potentially one of the largest libraries of the ancient world.

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.

  • Fun fact: The palace was so large that it could have housed up to 100,000 scrolls, making it potentially one of the largest libraries of the ancient world.

from €35
€31.50

10% off

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

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What our guests say

Christopher C Light
US

Christopher

United States
Feb 2026

review-image
We enjoyed the us ot th audio guide. We weren't interested in following the large group from the cruise ship infrnt of us, so we jumped ahead quite a bit. The chapters could b nam e a bit closer to the information signs through out the site so it would be easier to find the right audio to play. Otherwise, it was easy to use and the two people useing one ear piece each individually worked the best.

Knossos Palace Archaeological Site Tickets with Audio Guide

Stephen Millward
GB

Stephen

United Kingdom
Oct 2025

review-image

review-image

review-image

+2 more

Remarkable ruins from the past. Pity about the crowds but understand that lots of people want to view what remains from so long ago.

Knossos Palace Archaeological Site Tickets with Audio Guide

Rachel Elvis
US

Rachel

United States
Feb 2026
Loved every minute of Knossos! I had previously opened the guide at home. On site, I could not get it to open, but we enjoyed it all the same. So beautiful!

Combo: Knossos Palace Archaeological Site Tickets + Heraklion Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Robert Verginia
US

Robert

United States
Oct 2025
Perfect form of transportation for getting around the island. The stops didn't seem to have much to offer except the palace and the city. Often take the HoHo's for this reason.

Combo: Knossos Palace Archaeological Site Tickets + Heraklion Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Silvia Ramirez
AR

Silvia

Argentina
Feb 2026
I have studied literature. And the first paper I wrote was about the Minotaure. This visit was somehow the conclusion of a cycle.

Knossos Palace Archaeological Site E-Ticket with Audio Tour

Graham Silcock

Graham

Oct 2025
having booked tickets reduced hassles entering exhibits, although managing the digital tickets on a small mobile phone presented some issues; overal a wortwhile way to visit these sights and get useful audio commentary

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

Victor Mojarrieta Blázquez

Victor

Oct 2025
The audio guide of the Museum is quite good, although sometimes it is not obvious where the objects are located. In the Palace the description could be improved and the map and route should be more obvious. Both places are very interesting, but I missed a reference to the labyrinth that we could not see because of it.

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

Betty Ann Horbul
CA

Betty

Canada
Oct 2025
Our guide Katrina had experience in archeology including at the site and could give personal examples of her work. She had excellent presentation skills. Katrina was aware of her audience's needs and made sure we were always in the shade. She encouraged questions and always responded clearly. Thank you for a great experience.

Knossos Palace Small Group Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

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