The largest Bronze Age site on Crete and the ceremonial centre of Minoan civilisation, with a partly reconstructed palace complex of courtyards, storerooms, the Throne Room and the Grand Staircase. Excavated by Arthur Evans from 1900; the reconstructed frescoes on site are copies, with originals in the Archaeological Museum. Standard adult ticket is reported as EUR 20 for 2026; EU under-25 and under-18 free-entry rules vary, so carry ID.
The Palace of Knossos stands on Knossou Avenue about 5 km south of central Heraklion, in the Kephala hill area of Crete, Greece. It was the ceremonial and administrative heart of Minoan civilisation, and the largest Bronze Age site on the island. Arthur Evans began excavating in 1900 and had parts of the complex reconstructed in concrete and colour, which gives visitors an unusually vivid, if debated, impression of how the palace may have looked. Visitors follow a marked route around the Central Court, the western storerooms with their giant pithoi jars, the Throne Room with its alabaster seat and griffin frescoes, the Grand Staircase, the Royal Apartments and the North Entrance with its bull fresco copy. The frescoes on site are reproductions; the originals are displayed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, so many visitors pair the two on the same day. A full visit takes two to three hours, and the site has very little shade, so the midday heat in summer is tiring. The best photo angles are from the raised walkway above the Central Court, the red columns of the Propylaeum and the North Entrance bastion. Crowds peak between about 10:00 and 14:00 when cruise-ship groups and coach tours arrive; arriving at opening time at 08:00 or in the last two hours before closing is far quieter. Guided tours with a licensed local guide are available at the entrance and help make sense of a site with few explanatory signs. The standard adult ticket is reported at EUR 20 and reduced tickets at EUR 10, with free-entry categories for some EU students and under-18 visitors, so carrying ID is advisable. City bus line 2 from Heraklion reaches the site in about 20 minutes, and taxis cost roughly EUR 10-12 one way. Facilities include a cafe and shop near the entrance.
| Admission | EUR 20 (about USD 23.00) |
|---|---|
| Typical visit | 2 to 3 hours |
| Best time | Opening time (08:00) or the last two hours before closing, to avoid cruise-ship and coach crowds and midday heat |
| Getting there | City bus line 2 from the centre toward Knossos (about 20 minutes; confirm the stop and fare at the Bus Station A information desk); taxi about EUR 10-12 (USD 11.50-13.80) one way |
| Address | Knossou Avenue, 71409 Heraklion, Crete, Greece |
Location
Knossou Avenue, 71409 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
35.2981, 25.1614 View on map
Highlights
- Throne Room with its alabaster seat and griffin frescoes
- Central Court and the Grand Staircase of the Royal Apartments
- Giant storage jars in the western magazines
- Reconstructed North Entrance and bull fresco copy
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at 08:00 opening or after about 17:30 to avoid cruise-ship and coach crowds.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen and water; shade on site is minimal.
- Buy tickets online at hhticket.gr to shorten entrance queues.
- Hire a licensed guide at the gate or use an audio guide, as signage is limited.
- Visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum afterwards to see the original frescoes.
- Carry ID if claiming a reduced or free-entry rate.
When to visit
Visit at 08:00 opening or in the last two hours before closing, ideally in spring or autumn. Midday in July and August is both the hottest and the most crowded.
Accessibility
The site has uneven stone paths, steps and slopes, and only parts of the route are suitable for wheelchairs. Visitors with limited mobility may find the main courts and walkways manageable but should confirm access with the Heraklion Ephorate of Antiquities.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Knossos take?
Most visitors spend two to three hours walking the site. Adding a guide or a museum visit extends the day to about half a day.
Is Knossos worth visiting with children?
Yes for older children interested in myths such as the Minotaur and the labyrinth, though the heat and lack of shade can be hard on small children.
Is photography allowed at Knossos?
Personal photography is generally allowed across the open-air site. Tripods and commercial shoots may need a permit from the antiquities authority.
How do I get to Knossos from Heraklion?
City bus line 2 takes about 20 minutes from the centre, and a taxi costs roughly EUR 10-12 one way.