Visit Knossos Palace | Opening Hours, Routes, & Visitor Tips

Knossos Palace | Visitor information at a glance

When does the Knossos Palace open? The Knossos Palace is open daily from 8am to 8pm during summer months, with shorter hours of 8am to 5pm in winter, and may vary on public holidays.
Where is Knossos located? Knossos is located just 5 kilometers south of Heraklion, the capital of Crete, situated in a valley surrounded by low hills.
How many entrances does the Knossos Palace have? The Knossos Palace has four main entrances, located on the north, south, east, and west sides. The west entrance is the primary access point open to visitors, leading directly to the ticket booth and the main areas of the archaeological site.
How many visitors does it welcome per year? Knossos draws over a million visitors each year, making it one of the most visited archaeological sites in Greece.
Where is the nearest parking? The closest parking options to Knossos Palace are Travel Point - We Guide, just a short 11-meter walk from the entrance, and Knossos stop, only 33 meters away.

Opening hours

April to October (summer months): 8am to 8pm
November to March (winter months): 8am to 5pm
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing time

Duration of visit: 1.5 to 2 hours to explore some of the key areas like the Throne Room, the Grand Staircase, and the iconic frescoes, and 3 to 4 hours for those looking to delve deeper into Minoan history.

Detailed Knossos Palace timings

Best time to visit

Peak season vs off-season

The best time to visit Knossos Palace is during the off-season (November to March) when the crowds are smaller, allowing you to explore the site at a relaxed pace. The cooler weather during this time is also more comfortable for walking around the open-air ruins. In contrast, the peak season (April to October) tends to be crowded with tour groups, and the intense summer heat can make the visit more tiring and less enjoyable.

Weekend vs weekday

Visiting Knossos Palace on a weekday is the best way to avoid large crowds, as weekends often attract more local visitors and families. Weekdays, especially during school or work hours, are typically quieter, offering a more peaceful and relaxed experience. If you can only visit on a weekend, plan to arrive early in the morning or closer to closing time to avoid the busiest periods.

Where is Knossos located?

Address: Knossos 71409, Greece
Find on maps

Knossos is located just 5 kilometers south of Heraklion, Crete’s capital, in a valley surrounded by low hills. It’s easily accessible via Knossos Avenue(Leoforos Knossou), the main road leading out of the city. Along the route, you will pass through quiet residential neighborhoods, local shops, and cafes, offering a glimpse of everyday life in Crete. The palace is near the dry bed of the ancient Kairatos River, which once supported its advanced irrigation systems. Close to the site, you will also find roadside stalls selling souvenirs and refreshments.

Knossos Palace directions and routes

How to get to Knossos?

The most popular option is bus number 2, which departs from the main bus terminal near Heraklion Port and goes directly to Knossos. It runs every 15 to 20 minutes, with a travel time of about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Tickets cost around €1.50 to €2 and can be purchased at kiosks near the terminal or directly from the driver.
Another option is taxi sharing, where taxis may pick up passengers heading to Knossos along Knossos Avenue. This can reduce costs if shared with others, with prices typically around €10 to €15 per person. The journey is faster than buses, taking only 10 to 15 minutes from the city center, and can be arranged at the main bus terminal or through local taxi apps.
You can also use the Intercity Bus (KTEL Service), which connects Heraklion to various regions and stops at Knossos on certain routes. While less frequent than local buses, these intercity buses can be a good option if the schedule aligns with your plans.

Best for: Independent travelers and families who value flexibility and enjoy exploring at their own pace with scenic stops along the way.
From: Heraklion (5km away from Knossos)
Travel time: 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic

Follow Knossos Avenue (Leoforos Knossou) south of Heraklion to reach the Palace of Knossos. The road passes landmarks like the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, shops, and cafes before transitioning to quieter areas with olive groves. Clear signs lead to parking and stalls near the palace entrance.

Parking facilities:

Travel Point- We Guide meeting point and parking lot (11m away): Serves as both a parking lot and meeting point for guided tours.
Knossos Stop (33m away): Ideal for quick and easy access to the palace.

Know before you go

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Accessibility features: The site offers accessible parking and restrooms, and while some areas are wheelchair-friendly, the uneven terrain of the ruins may pose challenges for visitors with mobility issues.
Free parking: A complimentary parking lot is available just a short walk from the entrance, making it easy for visitors to access the site.
Restrooms: Clean and well-maintained restrooms are conveniently located near the entrance for visitor use.
Cafe: A small cafe near the entrance serves refreshments, snacks, and ice cream, perfect for a quick break after exploring the palace.
Gift shop: The gift shop at the entrance offers a variety of souvenirs, from books and replicas of Minoan artifacts to locally crafted keepsakes.
Companion guides: You can download detailed companion guides or e-books to enrich your understanding of the site and its history during your visit.

Stay on designated paths: To protect the archaeological site, please remain on marked paths and avoid entering restricted areas.
Don’t touch the artifacts: Refrain from touching or leaning on ancient structures and artifacts.
No smoking: Smoking is prohibited within the site to prevent fire hazards and maintain a clean environment.
No outside food and drinks: Consuming food or beverages is not allowed within the archaeological areas; there is a cafe within the site for for refreshments.
Photography restrictions: While photography is generally permitted, the use of tripods or professional equipment may require special permission.

Arrive early: Reach early in the morning, right when the site opens around 8am, to avoid crowds and escape the midday heat.
Wear comfortable footwear: The terrain can be uneven, so sturdy, comfortable shoes are recommended for navigating the ruins.
Bring sun protection: With limited shade on-site, carrying sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses will help protect you from the strong Cretan sun.
Carry cash: While most shops outside the palace accept digital payments, it’s best to keep cash handy if you want to pick up knick-knacks from small vendors.
Stay hydrated: Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during your visit; there are kiosks near the entrance if you need to purchase one.
Consider a guided tour: We recommend booking small-group Knossos Palace tours, including a local guide, for deeper insights into the history and significance of the palace, enriching your experience.

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Minotavros Restaurant Cafe (Right outside the palace entrance): Known for its traditional Greek dishes such as calamari, Greek salads, moussaka, and hearty souvlaki platters.
Rousakis Restaurant (18m away): Serves authentic Greek and Mediterranean favorites like dolmades, grilled lamb chops, and tzatziki with freshly baked bread, all in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The Little Garden (21m away): A cozy spot offering fresh, local Cretan cuisine, featuring dishes like dakos, grilled halloumi, and seasonal vegetable stews, perfect for a relaxing meal.
Pasiphae Knossos (220m away): Highlights homemade recipes inspired by ancient Greek gastronomy, including dishes such as lamb with artichokes, Cretan pies, and slow-cooked rabbit in wine.
Picadillo Burger Nest (1.5km away): This modern eatery offers a twist on casual comfort food with gourmet burgers, crispy Greek fries, and creative sides influenced by Mediterranean flavors.

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Budget stays:
Blu Maison (4.6km away)
Candia Suites and Rooms (5.9km away)
Castello City Hotel (6.6km away)
Mid-range hotels:
GD Gallery Suites (2.4km away)
Galaxy Hotel Iraklio (4.2km away)
Raise Kornarau City Stay (5.2km away)
Luxury stays:
Luxury Villa Karteros (10.5km away)
Sentido Unique Blue Resort and Villas (10.6km away)
Ammos Eco Residence (11.7km away)

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Koronekos Olive Mill (3.7km away): This family-owned mill offers insightful tours and delightful tasting experiences, showcasing traditional olive oil production methods. To get there from Knossos Palace, drive northwest via Knossos Avenue and EO Aerodromiou Kastelliou; the trip takes about 20 minutes by car.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum (5.9km away): Renowned for housing the world's most significant collection of Minoan artifacts, this museum offers an unparalleled glimpse into ancient Cretan civilization. To reach the museum from Knossos Palace, take the Line 2 bus heading towards Heraklion; the journey takes approximately 15 minutes and costs between €1 and €2.
Koules Fortress (6.1km away): A 16th-century fortress located at Heraklion's old port, the Venetian or the Koules Fortress offers panoramic sea views and a glimpse into the island's Venetian past. From Knossos, drive northwest on Knossos Avenue towards the Heraklion port area; the journey takes approximately 20 minutes by car.

Frequently asked questions about planning a visit to Knossos

How long should I spend at Knossos Palace?

Plan to spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the site. Set aside extra time if you are taking a guided tour or want to linger at specific sections like the Throne Room or frescoes.

What should I wear when visiting Knossos Palace?

Wear comfortable walking shoes as the site has uneven surfaces and steps. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for summer visits since much of the site is exposed to the sun.

Can I bring a stroller for my child?

While strollers are allowed, the site has uneven terrain and stairs that can make navigation difficult. Baby carriers are a better option for infants and toddlers.

Is Knossos Palace wheelchair accessible?

Certain areas of the palace are accessible via ramps, but some sections have uneven terrain and stairs. Visitors with mobility challenges can explore specific parts of the site. We recommend bringing along a friend or caregiver to navigate smoothly.

What facilities are available at Knossos?

The site offers restrooms near the entrance, a small gift shop for souvenirs, and a cafe for light snacks and refreshments.

What are the must-see highlights of Knossos Palace?

Be sure to explore the Throne Room, the Queen’s Megaron adorned with its iconic Dolphin fresco, the impressive Grand Staircase, and the expansive Central Court. These highlights not only showcase the palace’s impressive architecture but also highlight its importance as the heart of the Minoan civilization.

Is there Wi-Fi available at the palace?

Wi-Fi is not available at the Knossos archaeological site. It’s best to download any necessary guides or maps beforehand.