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 e-ticket with audio tour on your phone
Book your Knossos Palace e-ticket and discover the most iconic attraction of Crete with a compelling digital audio tour on your smartphone.
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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.
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
Knossos Palace e-ticket with audio tour on your phone
Book your Knossos Palace e-ticket and discover the most iconic attraction of Crete with a compelling digital audio tour on your smartphone.
en, it, fr, es, de
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.
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
How to get there

Knossos Palace
Heraklion
Greece
Reviews Knossos Palace
“very good experience. very knowledgeable guide. interesting to learn about knossos palace. heraklion very lovely city. thank you.”
“A good day out with a lovely guide, Caterina, who was so friendly and had a lot of knowledge about Crete and the area. She really looked after everyone.”
“Our guide (Melina) was just amazing. Melina was so knowledgeable, interesting, funny and brought history/myths to life. She linked the myth and history which was extremely interesting. Melina made sure we were all fine in the heat, we were all clear on meeting places and went above and beyond. As I teach History in a primary school, this term is about Knosses Palace and the Minotaur- I have gained so much more knowledge which I will pass onto my pupils. Thanyou Melina”
“Our guide Melania was excellent, very knowledgable and professional. It was a long day due to pick-ups etc but well worth it.”


