iLoveGreece

Monuments

Knossos Palace, Crete: How to Visit the Minoan Labyrinth

Tips for visiting Knossos near Heraklion: timing, guides, what you are seeing and the museum.

By the iLoveGreece editorial team · Last reviewed 2026-11

Quick answer

Knossos is the largest Minoan palace, 5 km south of Heraklion, and the legendary home of King Minos and the Minotaur's labyrinth. The adult ticket is €20 (free for EU citizens under 25 and non-EU visitors under 18). Arrive at opening or late in the afternoon, allow about 2 hours, and pair it with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, where the original frescoes are.

Getting there

  • City bus line 2 runs from Heraklion centre to the site in about 20–30 minutes.
  • By car, it's 15 minutes from Heraklion; there is paid parking by the entrance.
  • Taxis from Heraklion are quick and good value for two to four people.

What you'll see

  • The Throne Room, with a stone throne that may be the oldest in Europe.
  • The Grand Staircase and the royal apartments, including the Queen's Megaron with the dolphin fresco (a copy).
  • The North Entrance with the charging-bull relief.
  • Huge storage jars (pithoi) in the west magazines.
  • Arthur Evans excavated the site from 1900 and rebuilt parts in concrete. You see a mix of real ruins and his reconstructions.

Tips

  • There's little shade: water, hat and sunscreen from May to October.
  • A licensed guide at the entrance, or a good audio guide, makes the ruins much easier to read.
  • Book tickets on hhticket.gr to skip the ticket queue in summer.
  • Then visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum for the original frescoes, the Phaistos Disc and the snake goddesses.
  • Knossos is part of the Minoan Palatial Centres listed by UNESCO in 2025, with Phaistos, Malia and Zakros.

FAQ

How long do you need at Knossos?

About 1.5–2 hours. Add 2 hours for the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Is Knossos worth visiting?

Yes, especially combined with the museum. It's the best place to understand Europe's first great civilisation.

Can you visit Knossos without a car?

Yes. City bus line 2 runs from central Heraklion to the entrance.

Crete without a car →Crete road trip →

Related guides

Updated 2026-11. General planning guidance. Check with operators and local authorities.