Visit Knossos Palace – Your Helpful Travel Guide
As one of the main sights in Northern Crete, a visit to Knossos Palace couldn’t be missed during our time on the island.
As a fan of Greek mythology and archaeology, it sounded like the perfect place for me – a mix of fascinating ruins and old legends about kings, labyrinths, and the Minotaur.
Exploring the site gave me a small glimpse into what life might have been like back then, with remnants of frescoes and ancient structures still visible today.
If you’re heading to Crete soon and put Knossos Palace on your itinerary, this blog post includes everything you need to know – from how to get there to opening times, highlights, and how much time to plan.
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History of Knossos Palace
Before diving into what there is to see and some practical tips, let’s first get a better understanding of this place, because Knossos isn’t just another set of ruins.
It’s considered one of the oldest cities in Europe and was once the center of the powerful Minoan civilization, which thrived here over 3,500 years ago.
The palace you see today was built around 1900 BC and later expanded after an earthquake. At its peak, it was a huge complex with over 1,000 rooms, used for political, religious, and economic activities.
It had advanced features for its time – like a drainage system and beautiful frescoes that still impress even today.
Knossos is also deeply tied to Greek mythology. According to legend, it was the home of King Minos and the famous Labyrinth where the Minotaur was kept. While no actual labyrinth has been found, the maze-like layout of the palace might have inspired the story.
The site was rediscovered in the late 19th century, and much of what we see today was reconstructed by a British archaeologist.
How to Get to Knossos Palace
Knossos Palace is located just a few kilometers southeast of Heraklion, the capital city of Crete. It’s super easy to reach, whether you’re staying in the city or somewhere nearby.
From Heraklion’s center, it’s about a 5 to 10-minute drive or a short bus ride.
If you’re driving yourself, just follow the signs pointing to Knossos once you get near Heraklion — the roads are well marked, and there are plenty of free parking spaces at the site.
If you prefer public transport, local buses run regularly from Heraklion’s main bus station directly to Knossos Palace. The bus ride takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
If you’re staying further away in other popular towns in Northern Crete, like Chania or Rethymno, plan for about 2 –2.5 hours by car.
I won’t recommend taking public transport from these towns since it takes even longer. Instead, you can opt for a guided tour to Knossos Palace if you don’t have a rental car.
Tours you might find interesting:
Opening Times & Entrance Fee
Knossos Palace is open daily, but hours vary by season. From April to October, it’s open 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. In the low season (November to March), hours are shorter, usually 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The entrance fee is €24 for a full ticket, with reduced tickets around €12 for EU citizens aged 18 to 25. Children and teens under 18 enter free, as do seniors over 65. EU citizens under 25 usually have free entry, so be sure to bring your ID to qualify.
To get a better feel for the site, you can join a guided walking tour, but we chose to just buy a regular ticket since there are info boards at all the main spots.
Just make sure to buy your tickets online in advance. Queues can get long, especially in summer, so having your ticket ahead of time helps you skip the wait and head straight inside.
What to See at Knossos Palace
Throne Room
The Throne Room is one of the most famous parts of Knossos Palace. It contains a stone throne thought to be used by King Minos or a high priest.
The room’s walls are decorated with frescoes, including scenes of griffins, which symbolize power and protection. It’s believed this room was used for important ceremonies and gatherings.
Grand Staircase
The Grand Staircase connects several levels of the palace and shows the Minoans’ practical architectural skills.
Its wide steps and sturdy structure made it a key route between important areas like the Throne Room and residential quarters.
Queen’s Megaron
The Queen’s Megaron was the private area for the queen or other high-ranking women.
It features well-preserved frescoes, including the famous dolphin scene that highlights the Minoans’ bond with nature and the sea.
This section also includes private rooms and baths, showing a more personal side of palace life.
Storage Magazines
The Storage Magazines are large rooms filled with big clay jars called pithoi. These jars held important supplies like olive oil, wine, and grain, essential for the palace’s economy and food needs.
The size and number of these rooms show how the Minoans managed their resources carefully.
Frescoes
Knossos is famous for its vibrant frescoes that decorate many areas of the palace.
These detailed paintings capture scenes from nature, religious rituals, and everyday Minoan life, using bright colors and flowing lines.
The artwork often features bulls, dolphins, and floral patterns, which were important symbols in Minoan culture.
South Entrance
The South Entrance was one of the main access points to the palace complex. It’s less grand than the North Entrance but still shows impressive architectural features.
This entrance likely controlled access to the southern part of the palace, linking to important storage and working areas.
North Entrance
The North Entrance is the most famous gateway into Knossos Palace, known for its massive stone blocks and the remains of a complex door system.
Nearby, you’ll find the iconic red columns that taper downward– a distinctive feature of Minoan architecture. This area also includes the Lustral Basin, a sunken chamber used for ritual purification.
How Much Time to Plan & Last Words
For your visit to Knossos Palace, plan to spend at least an hour to see the main highlights like the Throne Room, the Queen’s Megaron, the frescoes, and the entrances without rushing.
If you’re really into archaeology or history, you might want to spend a bit longer soaking in the details or joining a guided tour.
Keep in mind that much of the site is outdoors and there isn’t much shade, so especially in the summer months, sun protection is essential.
We visited at the end of May, and the sun was already very strong. It got quite hot walking around, so make sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay comfortable during your visit.
Knossos Palace gives a unique glimpse into Minoan civilization and is a must-see when visiting Crete.
Being honest, I’ve seen more impressive archaeological sites like the Roman Ruins of Jerash or the Acropolis in Athens. Plus, since much of Knossos Palace is reconstructed, it doesn’t have quite the same authentic feel.
Still, it’s fascinating to step into the world of the Minoans and imagine how life might have been here thousands of years ago.
If you’re interested in Greek history and mythology, it’s definitely worth a visit!
Check out:
Northern Crete Travel Guide – What to See & Where to Stay
Best Time to Visit Greece – A Month-by-Month Guide
How to Be Vegan in Greece – Your Ultimate Travel Guide
14 Quiet Greek Islands For a Relaxing Summer Holiday
Visiting Patmos – A Peaceful Greek Island Full of Charm
Holidays on Tinos – A Quiet & Authentic Greek Island
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