DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Palace of Knossos

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
ruins
—°9
Palace of Knossos (Greece)

Weather…

The Palace of Knossos, located on the island of Crete near Heraklion, is the most significant archaeological site of the Minoan civilization, often regarded as Europe's oldest city. It served as the ceremonial, political, and cultural heart of the Bronze Age Minoan empire. The palace was first constructed around 1900 BC, though much of what is visible today dates from a reconstruction following a major earthquake around 1700 BC. The complex is famously associated with the legend of King Minos and the Labyrinth that housed the mythical Minotaur. Archaeological excavations led by Sir Arthur Evans in the early 20th century revealed a sophisticated architectural layout featuring multi-story buildings, advanced drainage systems, and spirited frescoes depicting bull-leaping and nature. Evans' controversial partial restoration of the site allows visitors to visualize the grandeur of the original structure. Knossos provides invaluable insights into the social hierarchy, trade networks, and artistic achievements of a civilization that dominated the Aegean for centuries.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C131314162024262624211815
Rain mm887542231553418465986

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Palace of Knossos is a large archaeological site open to visitors. The ruins are mostly walkable, with reconstructions of some areas.
🕒
Typical hours
Opening hours vary seasonally, with longer hours in summer. Typically open daily, with reduced hours in winter and on holidays.
📷
Photography
Photography without flash is allowed throughout the site. Flash is usually prohibited indoors for conservation reasons.
⏱️
Time needed
A visit typically takes one and a half to two hours. For an in-depth exploration with an audio guide, allow three hours.
➕
Combine with
Combine Knossos with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The city of Heraklion, with its harbor and fortress, is also worth a visit.
🧭
Getting there
Knossos is about five kilometers south of Heraklion, well accessible by bus (line 2). There is a large parking lot for cars and coaches.
💡
Insider tip
Come early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds. An audio guide or guide is highly recommended to understand the history.

Geography

Coordinates
35.29800, 25.16310

Facts

  • Knossos is often referred to as Europe's oldest city.
  • The palace complex covers an area of approximately 20,000 square meters.
  • The labyrinth myth is closely associated with the palace's complex layout.
  • Sir Arthur Evans began systematic excavations at the site in 1900.
  • The palace featured a highly advanced drainage system using terracotta pipes.
  • Famous frescoes were partially reconstructed based on Evans' interpretations.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

KarterosKarteros5 km · NEExplore →
HeraklionHeraklion5 km · NExplore →
AmoudaraAmoudara9 km · NWExplore →
GaziGazi9 km · WExplore →
Crete AquariumCrete Aquarium12 km · EExplore →
PaliokastroPaliokastro14 km · NWExplore →
AnalipsiAnalipsi17 km · EExplore →
Agia PelagiaAgia Pelagia18 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Palace of Knossos (9)

Central court

Central courtyard of the Minoan palace of Knossos, used for ceremonies.

Throne Room

Chamber inside the palatial complex of Knossos, Crete, Greece, with alabaster throne.

Knossos Palace

Ancient Minoan through Roman administrative center and city on Crete.

🕒 Mo-Su 08:00-20:00💶

Magazie of the Medallion Pithoi

Magazine of the Medallion Pithoi, storage room for large jars.

Palace of Knossos🏛 museum

Museum at the site of the Minoan palace, displaying excavation finds.

🕒 Mo-Su 08:00-18:45💶

Sanctuary of Demeter

Ancient sanctuary of Demeter, archaeological site near Knossos.

Fortetsa Tomb Site

Ancient necropolis with chamber tombs, south of Knossos.

Inadiye fortress🏰 castle

Fortress in Herakleion, Crete, from Venetian or Ottoman period.

Koronekes

Attraction in the Knossos area, local landmark.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the main significance of Knossos?
It was the center of the Minoan civilization and the palace of the legendary King Minos.
How far is it from Heraklion?
Knossos is located only about 5 kilometers south of Heraklion city center.
Should I book a guide?
Yes, as the site is complex, a guide helps in understanding the history and myths.
Is there shade on the grounds?
Very little; be sure to bring water, a hat, and sunscreen.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours to see the most important parts of the palace.
Palace of Knossos: where is it located?
Palace of Knossos is located in Greece.
Palace of Knossos: what is there to see?
Highlights include Central court, Throne Room, Knossos Palace.
Palace of Knossos: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Palace of Knossos: why is it worth visiting?
The Palace of Knossos, located on the island of Crete near Heraklion, is the most significant archaeological site of the Minoan civilization, often regarded as Europe's oldest city.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Greece →

Nearby cities

Heraklion — Palace of Knossos (Greece)
Heraklion
Heraklion is the capital of Crete and a key economic hub.
Heraklion — Palace of Knossos (Greece)
Heraklion
Crete's dynamic capital blends massive Venetian fortifications with one of the world's most significant archaeological museums.
Chania — Palace of Knossos (Greece)
Chania
Chania is one of Crete's most beautiful cities, famous for its magnificent Venetian harbor and labyrinthine Old Town.
Rethymno — Palace of Knossos (Greece)
Rethymno
Rethymno is a charming port city on Crete with a well-preserved Venetian Old Town.
Amoudara — Palace of Knossos (Greece)
Amoudara
Amoudara is a bustling coastal resort near Heraklion, famous for its long sandy beaches, windsurfing, and vibrant Mediterranean nightlife.
Gazi — Palace of Knossos (Greece)
Gazi
A lively suburb of Heraklion, Crete, known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches, especially the long sandy Ammoudara beach.
Ierapetra — Palace of Knossos (Greece)
Ierapetra
Ierapetra is the southernmost city in Greece and one of the warmest areas in Europe.
Sitia — Palace of Knossos (Greece)
Sitia
Sitia is a coastal city in the east of the island of Crete.
Volada — Palace of Knossos (Greece)
Volada
Volada is a beautiful mountain village on Karpathos island with stunning sea views.
Aperi — Palace of Knossos (Greece)
Aperi
A historic and wealthy mountain village on Karpathos island, close to beautiful pristine beaches.
Ammoopi — Palace of Knossos (Greece)
Ammoopi
Ammoopi is a popular and picturesque coastal resort on the island of Karpathos, known for its crystal-clear, shallow waters and beautiful…
Karpathos Town — Palace of Knossos (Greece)
Karpathos Town
Karpathos Town (Pigadia) is the main town of the island of Karpathos.
Aghios Prokopios — Palace of Knossos (Greece)
Aghios Prokopios
Aghios Prokopios is a stunning coastal village on Naxos island, famous for its golden sand and crystal-clear waters.
Naxos Town — Palace of Knossos (Greece)
Naxos Town
Naxos Town (Chora) is the main town on the island of Naxos.
Engares — Palace of Knossos (Greece)
Engares
Engares is a lush, traditional village on Naxos, boasting fertile valleys, historic watermills, and proximity to quiet Aegean beaches.

History & landmarks

Spinalonga — Palace of Knossos (Greece)
Spinalonga
A historic island fortress off Crete, famous for its Venetian defenses and its later role as a leper colony.