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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.

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 Original price€27
€25.65

5% off

Slide 1 of 11, Knossos Palace ruins and Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance in Crete.
Knossos Palace ruins and Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance in 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 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
€31.15

11% off

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.

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.

Combo (Save 8%): 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
€43.37

8% 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.

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 7, Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance with banners displaying sculptures and frescoes.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance with banners displaying sculptures and frescoes.

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
€31.50

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

Nancy A

United States
Couple
3 weeks ago
App was very easy to use. Please remember to download prior to getting to the siteAudio guide was a little confusing with directions. Also, mispronounced Knossos.

Knossos Palace Archaeological Site Tickets with Audio Guide

Emma H

United Kingdom
Couple
3 weeks ago

+4 more

We really enjoyed our tour, our guide was clearly passionate about Cretan history which made it both engaging and interesting. I particularly enjoyed the blend of Greek mythology with historical facts and also how much the views have been adapted overtime. There were 10 people in our group which worked well and we would definitely recommend this tour to our friends.

Knossos Palace Archaeological Site Tickets with Audio Guide

Eyal K

Israel
Couple
Sep 2026

+1 more

Using the audio guide app at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum was a fantastic experience that really enhanced our visit. The commentary was delightfully concise and focused perfectly on the museum’s main highlights. It kept us engaged without feeling overwhelmed by too much information. Our only minor challenge was occasionally struggling to locate the exact artifacts mentioned in the audio. Clearer visual cues or display numbers in the app would make this otherwise excellent tool absolute perfection.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum Admission Tickets with Multilingual Audio Guide

Chevet A

Group
Last week
We appreciated not having to wait in line at the entrance to Knossos. It's surely essential during peak season, but honestly, in October it's convenient but not essential. Otherwise, the visit itself is interesting even if you're not a history buff.

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

Alan M

Group
Sep 2026
Very informative interesting archaeological site. I love the history and presentation of the artifacts learned a lot with the audio

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

Bourdin O

France
Solo
3 weeks ago
Very well organized, information received beforehand on WhatsApp, meeting point easy to find, and our guide Akrotiri was truly very interesting and friendly. I learned lots of interesting things: why it's called the Aegean Sea, for example; as someone who knows Turkey well, I didn't know that little story! I really had a great time! The group size was ideal.

Knossos Palace Small Group Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

Serge B

France
Couple
Sep 2026
Very interesting visit to the Palace of Knossos. The site has archaeological treasures, and the Minoan civilization was advanced for its time.

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

Gailen M

United Kingdom
Couple
Sep 2026
Booked online with Headout for entry and audio guide to Knossos Palace . When we arrived no one from Headout was there . We were expecting headphones and a device to be handed to us but there were none . The audio guide was QR codes around the site , that were free for every visitor . So basically felt completely ripped off by Head out

Knossos Palace Archaeological Site E-Ticket with Audio Tour

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