Guests exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.
Family exploring Knossos Palace ruins in Crete, Greece.
Bulls Horns sculpture at Knossos Palace, Crete, with ancient fresco in background.
Knossos Palace frescoes and columns, Crete archaeological site.
Knossos Palace frescoes and ruins in Crete, Greece, with visitors exploring the site.
Knossos Palace fresco with dolphins and geometric patterns, Crete archaeological site.
Knossos Palace ruins with stone rooms and stairs in Crete, Greece.

Knossos Palace Archaeological Site Tickets with Audio Guide, Heraklion

Heraklion
Museums
Google Verified Seller

Duration: Varies (1.5 hours to 8 hours)

Audio guide

Access to multilingual audio guide

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Step into the ancient world at Knossos Palace Archaeological Site in Heraklion, Greece, where you can explore Europe’s oldest city and uncover Crete's legendary past. This self-paced visit lets you experience the 3,700-year-old palace with optional guided tours and audio guides to enhance your journey through history.

Explore the 3700-year-old Palace of Knossos, Europe's oldest city, and customize your visit with optional upgrades like a guided tour, museum access, or a Heraklion city audio guide.

Walk through the labyrinthine ruins of Knossos Palace, see frescoes like the "Prince of the Lilies," and admire ancient artifacts like the Snake Goddess figurines at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Enhance your visit with multilingual audio guides for Knossos Palace and Heraklion Museum, or stroll through Heraklion’s Old Town at your own pace with a detailed city audio tour.

Upgrade to include a 90-minute small-group guided tour of Knossos Palace or add full entry to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, giving you a deeper look into Crete’s Bronze Age wonders.

Fun fact: Not everything you see at Knossos is ancient. British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans reconstructed parts of the Palace in the early 1900s, blending archaeological finds with his own vision of how Minoan life might have looked.

Entry to Knossos Palace

Entry to Heraklion Archaeological Museum (if option selected)

90-minute small-group guided tour (if option selected)

Heraklion city audio guide in English (if option selected)

Expert English-speaking guide (if option selected)

Knossos Palace audio guide in English, French, and Italian (if option selected)

Heraklion Archaeological Museum audio guide (if option selected)

Offline access, rich content, audio narration, & online map

Hotel pick-up and drop-off service

Personal expenses

Guests exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.

Guests exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.

Discover Crete's ancient legends at your own pace

Explore the ancient Palace of Knossos, Europe's oldest city, at 3,700 years old, and tailor your visit with optional guided tours, museum access, and city audio tours.

Getting started

When you arrive at Knossos Palace, head toward the main entrance, where staff will guide you through a quick security check. Your digital or printed ticket will be validated here, so keep a valid ID handy. Expect a wait of about 30 to 60 minutes for security, especially during the busy summer months from June to August.

Knossos Palace

The Palace of Knossos is the heart of Minoan Crete, a sprawling, 3,700-year-old complex famous for inspiring the myth of the Minotaur’s labyrinth. Join a small-group guided tour to hear the real stories behind the labyrinth legend, learn how the Minoans designed light wells and drainage systems, and spot quirky details like dolphin frescoes inside royal chambers. Prefer to go at your own pace? Choose the multilingual audio guide and uncover the secrets of Knossos while exploring freely, stopping wherever a story catches your interest.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

The museum is a treasure trove of Minoan art and artifacts, best known for its jewelry collection, the famous Snake Goddess statues, and the mysterious Phaistos Disc that still puzzles historians today. Add an audio guide to dive into sacred rituals, everyday life in Minoan Crete, and the ancient mysteries behind these remarkable finds.

Heraklion city

Walk along the massive Venetian Walls, admire the Koules Fortress by the sea, and cool off by the Morosini Fountain in the heart of the city. Choose the city audio guide upgrade to hear stories of pirate raids, merchants bargaining in lively markets, and how Venetian engineers built walls strong enough to withstand sieges for decades.

Family exploring Knossos Palace ruins in Crete, Greece.

Family exploring Knossos Palace ruins in Crete, Greece.

Bulls Horns sculpture at Knossos Palace, Crete, with ancient fresco in background.

Bulls Horns sculpture at Knossos Palace, Crete, with ancient fresco in background.

Knossos Palace frescoes and columns, Crete archaeological site.

Knossos Palace frescoes and columns, Crete archaeological site.

What to bring

  • Wear sturdy shoes with a good grip, because the ancient stones are uneven and slippery.
  • Bring headphones if you plan to use the audio guide app, so you can listen comfortably while exploring without holding your phone.
  • Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially in summer, as there’s very little shade inside the Palace grounds.
  • Carry a refillable water bottle, as there are no water vendors once you enter the archaeological site.
  • A lightweight jacket is a smart idea if visiting in spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). The site can get windy even on warmer days.

What's not allowed

  • Flash photography is not allowed inside reconstructed areas to help protect the delicate frescoes and wall paintings.
  • There are restrictions on large bags, so travel light to move around more easily.

Accessibility

  • The site is partially wheelchair-accessible, with a ramped pathway available at the main entrance.
  • If you have mobility concerns, it is best to stick to the main pathways, as about half the site is accessible, and some areas have rough, uneven terrain.
  • An accessible toilet is available near the entrance for visitors with reduced mobility.

Additional information

  • Expect a wait of about 30 to 60 minutes for the security check, especially during the busy season from June to August.
  • Combine your Knossos visit with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum if you want to see original artifacts like the Snake Goddess statues and the Phaistos Disc.
  • Parking can be limited during peak hours, so plan to arrive early if you are driving or be ready for a short walk from nearby lots.
  • If the Throne Room is crowded, wait a few minutes; you’ll get a much better view and clearer photos when the space opens up.
  • Look out for the Queen’s Megaron and the dolphin frescoes tucked inside the royal apartments. They are easy to miss, but a real highlight.

Concession eligibility:

  • Children and young people (EU citizens): Individuals up to 25 years old from EU member states are entitled to free admission upon presenting a valid ID or passport.
  • Children and young people (Non-EU citizens): Individuals up to 18 years old from Non EU member states are entitled to free admission upon presenting a valid ID or passport.
  • Senior citizens: Individuals over 65 years old from Greece or other EU member states are eligible for a reduced admission fee upon presenting a valid ID or passport.
  • Persons with disabilities: Individuals with an 80% disability or more, regardless of nationality, and one escort (if applicable) can access free admission upon presenting a valid disability certificate along with their ID or passport.
  • Greek citizens (special categories): Greek families with many children (with children up to 25 years old, or any age if they have disabilities) are eligible for free admission upon presenting a valid large family certificate and disability certificate (if applicable). Greek unemployed citizens can also receive free admission with a valid unemployment card and ID.
Knossos Palace frescoes and ruins in Crete, Greece, with visitors exploring the site.

Knossos Palace frescoes and ruins in Crete, Greece, with visitors exploring the site.

Knossos Palace fresco with dolphins and geometric patterns, Crete archaeological site.

Knossos Palace fresco with dolphins and geometric patterns, Crete archaeological site.

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Operating hours

Knossos Palace

Monday
8:00am - 8:00pm • last entry 7:45pm
Tuesday
8:00am - 8:00pm • last entry 7:45pm
Wednesday
8:00am - 8:00pm • last entry 7:45pm
Thursday
8:00am - 8:00pm • last entry 7:45pm
Friday
8:00am - 8:00pm • last entry 7:45pm
Saturday
8:00am - 8:00pm • last entry 7:45pm
Sunday
8:00am - 8:00pm • last entry 7:45pm
  • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.

By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .

FAQs

Yes, it's suitable for children but the site can be challenging for very young ones due to uneven terrain and stairs. Kids may enjoy learning about ancient myths through audio guides designed for younger visitors.
Photography is allowed throughout the palace except in specific areas marked no photography. Use discretion to avoid using flash which may disturb other visitors or damage artifacts. Remember to respect local rules and regulations for preserving historical sites.
The visit typically lasts around 2 hours including audio guide and exploration time. Some visitors may spend up to 3-4 hours depending on interest level and pace of walking.
Take a bus from Heraklion city center or hire a taxi. The site is well-connected by public transport, with frequent buses available every 30 minutes during peak hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car and follow signs for Knossos.
Early morning between 6-8 AM is ideal for fewer crowds and beautiful golden light for photos. Avoid Fridays when it's closed for prayers. October to March offers cooler weather, making it more comfortable. Sunrise visits provide a magical atmosphere with stunning views.
Bring comfortable shoes, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for outdoor areas. A camera or smartphone is recommended for photography. The site has limited shade so staying hydrated and protected from sun is important.
Your ticket includes access to all areas of the palace ruins along with an audio guide. Some tickets also offer skip-the-line entry and guided tours in multiple languages. Check online for combo deals that include entrance fees for other nearby attractions.
Booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak summer months (June-August) when the site can get crowded. Pre-purchasing your ticket ensures you skip long lines and start exploring right away without waiting.
Upon arrival, head to the main entrance where staff will validate your ticket. Be prepared for a security check that may take 30 to 60 minutes during busy times.
Yes, you can present either a digital or printed version of your ticket at the entrance for validation.
A 90-minute small-group guided tour is an optional upgrade you can add when booking the ticket.
Yes, you can explore Heraklion’s Old Town using a detailed city audio guide that's an optional upgrade included in your booking.
Yes, parts of the palace were reconstructed in the early 1900s by Sir Arthur Evans using his interpretation of Minoan life alongside archaeological findings.
The ticket includes entry to Knossos Palace, and optional upgrades like museum access, a 90-minute guided tour, or a Heraklion city audio guide in English.
Yes, the Knossos Palace audio guide is available in English, French, and Italian if selected as part of your ticket upgrade.
The ticket does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off services and excludes any personal expenses such as food or drinks.
Yes, you should wear sturdy shoes with good grip, bring headphones if using the audio guide app, and carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle.
Highlights include walking through the ancient ruins, viewing frescoes like the 'Prince of the Lilies,' and seeing artifacts such as the Snake Goddess figurines at the museum.

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