Knossos Palace

I recommend going as early as possible. It gets crowded and hot. Purchase your tickets online in advance and skip the line. A combo ticket for the museum is available. To fully appreciate the site, you may wish to hire a multi-lingual guide there. It was very interesting. I hope the tips help you to enjoy it fully!

very worth the trip to see this important historic site . now a UNESCO world heritage site! parking lot nearby was free and just a 2-minute walk from the palace. very long lines so be prepared, wear hats and sunscreen. some of the better frescoes were moved to the archaeological museum so go there as well right after

Visiting Knossos Palace was a truly remarkable experience! This archaeological site offers a fascinating glimpse into the Minoan civilization, with its impressive frescoes and intricate architecture. The layout of the palace, with its storied history and myths surrounding King Minos and the Minotaur, makes it a captivating place to explore. The guided tour provided valuable insights, bringing the ancient history to life. The surrounding gardens and views of Crete add to the charm. A must-visit for anyone interested in history and archaeology!

Very beautiful place! Amazing to imagine how great and beautiful it was in its time! I would recommend to use an application which you can download via QR codes inside - you’ll get a good audio guide with pictures and explanations.

What an amazing experience every time we go you learn something new we've been there more than five times every time we come to Crete it's a must. Also it's a must to get a tour guide. We usually get "MRS. STELLA" this time she was taken so she introduced us to "Mrs. Anna" just as good

Visiting the Palace of Knossos was one of the highlights of our trip to Crete. This ancient site, considered the center of Minoan civilization, offers a unique glimpse into one of the oldest advanced societies in Europe. The combination of historical significance, architectural remains, and mythological connections (like the legend of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth) makes it an unforgettable experience. We were especially lucky to have an amazing Czech guide named Maria, who made the tour even more enjoyable. She explained everything in our native language with great enthusiasm and clarity, connecting the archaeological facts with stories and legends in a way that really brought the site to life. Her knowledge and passion helped us understand not just what we were seeing, but why it mattered. What’s truly interesting about Knossos is the complexity of the palace — with its multiple levels, vibrant frescoes, ancient storage rooms, royal chambers, and ceremonial spaces. Even though much of what you see today includes reconstructions by Sir Arthur Evans, it still feels like walking through history. You can clearly imagine how life might have been thousands of years ago. Unfortunately, due to a recent earthquake in Crete, some parts of the site were closed off for safety reasons. It’s a bit of a shame, but of course, we understand that preservation and safety come first. Even with those areas inaccessible, there was still plenty to see, and the experience didn’t feel incomplete. Overall, we left with very positive feelings. It’s an incredibly interesting and educational place that we’d recommend to anyone visiting Crete. Whether you’re into history, archaeology, mythology, or just want to experience something unique, the Palace of Knossos is definitely worth seeing.

The cradle of the Minoan Civilization and the foundations of western civilization as we know it today. A must see archeological site, but please do your homework before you make the visit. Unfortunately the ancient ruins have been rebuilt with modern materials (concrete) which on the one hand helps the visitors to get a better understanding about what they are looking BUT on the other hand it simply destroys the ancient ruins. Personally I have mixed feelings about this but I think it’s a matter of opinion!

We spent 1.5 hours using an App Store audio guide and their available English (and Greek) signs. The site overall has expansive ruins and a long history, but many of the more photographed/visible areas are recreations. Not unexpected, it was quite busy with tour groups. We skipped the ticket queue by buying in advance, and skipped the throne room because the line was 100+ people and barely moving. It also felt overrun at times with a group (e.g. sitting in e shade for a moment, then being surrounded with a 20-30 person group). There is some shade, and some benches available, which is needed during hot July. Recommend taking water, wearing a hat, and good walking shoes as some areas are uneven paths. Toilets near the front ticket booths, and felt fairly clean, with paper, and worker that requested tip for hand towels. Small cafe onsite, and a few shops and eateries across the street. Car park was packed when we arrived 9:50 am, but down the road had free parking as well amid olive grove. Overall though it was good, but not great given the recreations and crowds.