Things to do in Knossos Palace
Seeping in history, mystery, and with a strong connection to Greek mythology, the ancient Knossos Palace is an enigmatic archaeological site located about 20 minutes south of modern-day Heraklion on the Greek island of Crete. Knossos Palace dates back to 1900 BC and is believed to have been the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan civilization. Knossos is also considered by some to have been the first city in Europe.
Knossos Palace is heavily associated with the Greek myth of the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull creature imprisoned in a labyrinth commissioned by King Minos and built by famed architect Daedalus. The palace is also connected to the story of Daedalus and Icarus.
Evidence suggests the area surrounding Knossos Palace was first settled by humans in the Neolithic period around 7000 BC. The palace itself was constructed in 1900 BC and mysteriously destroyed around 1380-1100 BC. The ruins were left abandoned until being discovered, excavated, and restored in the early 20th century by a team led by British archaeologist Arthur Evans.
Our recommendations in Knossos Palace
Knossos Palace and Heraklion Guided Tour with Transport
'The Palace of Knossos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete because it's where Europe's first civilisation began,' says Veta, one of our guides. A born and bred local, she knows a thing or two about the legends and myths surrounding the island's most popular attraction. You'll spend the day watching history come to life as you tour the grounds of the palace, before crossing over to Heraklion for some free time in the capital.Once the hub of Crete's Minoan civilisation, Knossos Palace sits in the heart of what's considered to be Europe's oldest settlement. You'll enjoy a guided tour around its treasures, stopping by the throne room, royal apartments, frescoes and more. There'll even be a chance to see the Labyrinth, where the fearsome half-man, half-bull creature known as Minotaur was said to have lurked. And with fast-track access, there's no waiting around in queues.It's then time to head to Heraklion, the island's capital. See the 17th-century Morozini Lions fountain and the 400-year-old Venetian Loggia – which is still the city hall – during a short guided walk around the city. We'll round the day off by taking you to the open markets for some free time. Poke around stalls laden with hand-made trinkets and fresh local produce or stop off for a coffee at a local café for some people watching. Other must-sees include the Koule Fortress and the Church of Agios Titos.
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Tour of Knossos Palace and Heraklion museum from Chania
Enjoy a tour of the Knossos Palace and Heraklion museum from Chania onboard of a premium-class vehicle and relax during a traditional Cretan wine tasting.
en, fr, de, ru, nl
Private Guided Tour with Knossos Palace & Heraklion
The ancient Palace of Knossos is Crete's most popular attraction. And for good reason – it's absolutely fascinating. Exclusively for you and your party, this private tour takes you to explore the island's most-prized archaeological gem and the Cretan capital, Heraklion.
de, en
Self-guided virtual tour of the Palace of Knossos
Discover Knossos from home with a virtual tour.
en
Knossos Palace and Heraklion Guided Tour with Transport
'The Palace of Knossos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete because it's where Europe's first civilisation began,' says Veta, one of our guides. A born and bred local, she knows a thing or two about the legends and myths surrounding the island's most popular attraction. You'll spend the day watching history come to life as you tour the grounds of the palace, before crossing over to Heraklion for some free time in the capital.Once the hub of Crete's Minoan civilisation, Knossos Palace sits in the heart of what's considered to be Europe's oldest settlement. You'll enjoy a guided tour around its treasures, stopping by the throne room, royal apartments, frescoes and more. There'll even be a chance to see the Labyrinth, where the fearsome half-man, half-bull creature known as Minotaur was said to have lurked. And with fast-track access, there's no waiting around in queues.It's then time to head to Heraklion, the island's capital. See the 17th-century Morozini Lions fountain and the 400-year-old Venetian Loggia – which is still the city hall – during a short guided walk around the city. We'll round the day off by taking you to the open markets for some free time. Poke around stalls laden with hand-made trinkets and fresh local produce or stop off for a coffee at a local café for some people watching. Other must-sees include the Koule Fortress and the Church of Agios Titos.
en
Tour of Knossos Palace and Heraklion museum from Chania
Enjoy a tour of the Knossos Palace and Heraklion museum from Chania onboard of a premium-class vehicle and relax during a traditional Cretan wine tasting.
en, fr, de, ru, nl
Private Guided Tour with Knossos Palace & Heraklion
The ancient Palace of Knossos is Crete's most popular attraction. And for good reason – it's absolutely fascinating. Exclusively for you and your party, this private tour takes you to explore the island's most-prized archaeological gem and the Cretan capital, Heraklion.
de, en
Self-guided virtual tour of the Palace of Knossos
Discover Knossos from home with a virtual tour.
en
Tour of Knossos Palace and Museum with wine routes tour of Heraklion
Discover Knossos Palace and Heraklion museum from Heraklion onboard of a premium-class vehicle and enjoy a traditional Cretan wine tasting.
en, fr, de, ru, nl
VIP Zeus Cave and Knossos Palace Private Tour from Heraklion and Elounda
Discover Knossos Palace and the Cave of Zeus from Heraklion and Elounda during this tailored-made private tour.
en, fr, de, ru, nl
Knossos Palace, Rethymnon and Heraklion Tour
Thought to be the cradle of Europe's first civilization, the UNESCO-listed Palace of Knossos is one of the most important ancient sites in Crete. Let an expert bring history to life as you explore the island's most-prized archaeological gem. This trip also includes free time in the resorts of Rethymnon, plus a tour of the Cretan capital, Heraklion. Andreas, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Minoans were very advanced, and the Palace of Knossos showcases architectural techniques such as multi-storey buildings and a sophisticated drainage system that were ahead of their time.'You'll start the morning in Rethymnon's maze of colourful streets, where you can browse the shops, find a little cafe or head down to the harbour. Curving around the small bay, Rethymnon harbour is as pretty as it is old. The views of the Venetian-era Fortezza and out to sea are a delight. Next up is Crete's capital, Heraklion. Here, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the city's best bits, such as the Venetian lion fountain and the loggia. There'll be some free time to explore at your own pace, too.Last but by no means least, the last stop of the day is a guided visit of the Palace of Knossos. Admire treasures like the throne room, royal apartments, and the fabulous frescoes. The ancient frescoes are particularly impressive, depicting scenes of everyday life, religious rituals, and mythical creatures. You'll also experience the Labyrinth, where legend has it, the fearsome half-man, half-bull creature known as the Minotaur lurked.
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Private tour of Knossos Palace and Cretan villages from Chania
Discover Knossos Palace and the Cretan villages privately during this VIP tour with pick-up from Chania.
Knossos Minoan Palace & mountain pottery village
Visit the famous Knossos Minoan Palace and see how traditional pottery is produced.
en, fr, de, ru, nl
Knossos Palace and Heraklion foodie tour with transportation
Set off on your very own Cretan adventure with a guided tour around the marvelous Knossos Palace and a delicious food tasting experience.
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Private tour of Knossos Palace and Cretan villages from Heraklion
Discover Knossos Palace and the Cretan villages thanks to this private tour with guide and skip-the-line accesses to the archaeological areas.
How to get there
Knossos Palace
Heraklion
Greece
Reviews Knossos Palace
“Given incorrect pick up time. Meant I missed the only trip in English on offer that week. Joined the German version as I have a limited German vocabulary but guide had clearly not been briefed that I was a transfer. The tour of Knosses was amazing. Fortunately I new quite a bit about the history of the site, Loved the site and the interactive tablet provided. The on-site TUI team were great but I have received no apology or explanation as to why incorrect pick up time was on the documents.”
“The guide was very good. The coach was full and had to collect from several hotels so that took some time. Knossos was very busy and having a large group is limiting. It would be more enjoyable in a small group or on your own. We found the 3D augmented reality pads a bit of a gimic and wasn't a fan of the concrete early 20th century 'repairs' which I think detract from the site. It's a shame the heraklion part of the trip doesn't involve the museum as for us that was much more interesting.”
“Mealtime somewhat chaotic Drinks prices exorbitant Staff generally good trip to from airport too long Adequate but could have been better”
“Very long trip, but clean and comfy coach Group too big to get benefit from tour guide. Headset keep cutting out and couldn't really see what guide was talking about. Long queues as many groups at same time. Site itself ok, but historically disappointing as a lot of work done not necessarily historically accurate. Town tour nothing really interesting apart from museum.”