Skip to main content‌

Best time to visit Knossos Heraklion | Opening hours, duration, & more

Today

Open 08:00–20:00

Last Admission

19:00

Knossos Palace

#
  • The Knossos Palace is typically open from 8am to 6pm throughout the year.
  • During the longer summer months, between June to August, the site is open until 7:30pm to 8pm on most days.
  • Between November to February, the site closes at 5:30pm on most days.

Sep 1 TO Dec 31 Timings

Days (Sep 1 TO Dec 31)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday08:00–20:0019:00
Tuesday08:00–20:0019:00
Wednesday (Today)08:00–20:0019:00
Thursday08:00–20:0019:00
Friday08:00–20:0019:00
Saturday08:00–20:0019:00
Sunday08:00–20:0019:00

Jan 1 TO Mar 31 Timings

Days (Jan 1 TO Mar 31)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday08:00–17:0016:45
Tuesday08:00–17:0016:45
Wednesday08:00–17:0016:45
Thursday08:00–17:0016:45
Friday08:00–17:0016:45
Saturday08:00–17:0016:45
Sunday08:00–17:0016:45

Apr 1 TO Aug 31 Timings

Days (Apr 1 TO Aug 31)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday08:00–20:0019:45
Tuesday08:00–20:0019:45
Wednesday08:00–20:0019:45
Thursday08:00–20:0019:45
Friday08:00–20:0019:45
Saturday08:00–20:0019:45
Sunday08:00–20:0019:45
#
  • The last admission to the Knossos archaeological site is 15 minutes before the closing hours.
  • The closing time may vary according to special occasions and public holidays. On Good Friday the site opens at 12pm and closes at 5pm. On Holy Saturday, the palace is open from 8am to 4pm.
  • The Knossos Palace remains closed to visitors on 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Easter Sunday, 25, and 26 December.

Best time to visit the Knossos Palace

Weekday vs Weekend

#
  • Weekends: Whether you plan a visit to the Knossos Palace on weekdays or weekends, you cannot escape crowds. Even during the shoulder seasons, between March to May, the site greets a considerable number of visitors. There may be a surge in hotel and restaurant prices. Parking spots are limited, however, you can use public parking spaces nearby.
  • Weekdays: Weekdays are comparatively less crowded than weekends. If you reach the site early in the day, you can avoid the 10am rush of group visitors. You can also visit around late afternoon. You may have to wait around an hour, but you can cut down the wait time with priority access tickets.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant
Crowded
Very Crowded
Closed

Peak season vs low season

#
  • Peak season (June to August): Most families and students vacation during the summer holidays. The warm temperatures are ideal for exploring outdoor sites like the Knossos Palace.
  • Mid-season (April to June, September to October): The temperatures are pleasant and the crowds are more manageable, making these the best months to visit the site. You can comfortably explore the palace without risking a heatstroke.
  • Low season (November to March): The weather in Crete is rainy and cold around this time, with very few tourists. If you choose to visit around this time, you can have a relaxed tour of the site. You can also enjoy reduced hotel prices and discounts in restaurants.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season
Moderate Season
Peak Season

How long should I spend at the Knossos Palace?

You can breeze through the palace ruins in around an hour if you visit only the popular attractions like the Throne Room, Central Court, and the courtyard. This will give you a basic sense of the site's size and layout, but you won't have much time to delve into the details.

Ideally, you must keep at least 3 to 4 hours on hand for a detailed, in-depth tour of the Heraklion Palace of Knossos. You can wander about the palace ruins comfortably without rushing from one spot to another, take pictures of the wall frescoes, and read through the information signs.

​About the Minoan Palace of Knossos

Tips to note when visiting the Heraklion Palace of Knossos

  • Arrive early: The Knossos archaeological site attracts hundreds of visitors throughout the year. You will find crowds in most rooms and courts on your tour. To avoid the morning rush around 10am, consider arriving at the site by 8pm. You can also visit in the late afternoon, after 2pm, for a quieter visit and somewhat manageable crowds. 
  • Consider booking guided tours: The Knossos Palace once functioned as the primary administrative center of the Minoan civilization. To know more about their daily life, artistry, and social customers, consider purchasing guided tours. There are small-group guided tours, providing a more in-depth look at the Knossos site.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: The palace complex is vast and there's a lot of walking involved. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes with good traction, as the ground can be uneven and dusty.
  • Carry sun protection: The Heraklion Palace of Knossos is situated atop a hill without many shaded areas. Carry a hat, and sunglasses and wear sunscreen to protect your skin, especially if you are considering a visit between June and August. 
  • Be prepared for limited facilities: There are restrooms in the visitor information center near the main entrance to the Knossos site. However, there aren’t any restroom facilities and refreshment centers throughout the site. The Knossos site is spread across a large area, so make sure you use the restroom before your visit. 

Frequently asked questions about the Knossos Heraklion opening hours

The Knossos Heraklion opening hours are between 8am to 6pm during the spring and summer months, from March to August. On the days when daylight hours are longer, the Knossos archaeological site closes around 7:30pm to 8pm. During the winter months, November to February, the site is open from 8:30am to 5pm. The last admission to the Heraklion ruins is around 15 minutes before the closing hours.

More reads

About Knossos Palace archaeological site

Myth of Theseus and the Minotaur

Plan your visit to the Heraklion Palace of Knossos