Knossos Palace

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.

Buy tickets online in advance! Get the bottle of water and straw hat 👒, clothes 'archeologist style', but comfortable shoes. It is perfect to visit at the end of the season in October. Unique place with beautiful palace remains, olive trees, cats, peacocks. If you arrive by bus be careful: back bus stop location could be wrong on the map. Also, don't buy souvenirs in the first shop. It is overpriced but has the same items as others.

Knossos Palace is a fascinating site blending history, mythology, and architecture. Visiting in March offered a quiet, crowd-free experience. The layout is easy to navigate, with online resources helpful for self-guided exploration. Guided tours are available for deeper insight. Parking is ample, and personal guides add value. A must-visit to appreciate Minoan grandeur! Price 15€ at door.

Amazing! I have been looking at pictures of this for years. What a wonderful thing to actually see it! It did not disappoint. The site was considerably larger than I imagined it to be. The actual frescoes have been removed to the museum for safekeeping, but photographs of them hang in their places. This was my main motive to come to Crete, and like I said earlier, I wasn't disappointed!

I visited Knossos Palace in February and had an amazing experience. It was wonderfully quiet, allowing me to explore the ruins at my own pace without the crowds. The site is well laid out and easy to navigate, with plenty of fascinating structures to see. The information available online is helpful for self-guided exploration, though I did find it a bit tricky to locate the Grand Staircase. That said, everything else was straightforward to find, and the atmosphere was incredible. For those who prefer more in-depth knowledge, guided tours are available, but it’s also very easy to appreciate the site independently. Walking through the ruins, it’s fascinating to imagine the grandeur of the Minoan civilization. The blend of history, mythology, and architecture makes this a must-visit site in Crete. Highly recommended!

Knossos might not be packed with ruins or original artifacts, but it still has something special. Wandering through the site, you get a real sense of ancient history and myth. The reconstructions are a bit controversial, but they help bring the place to life. It’s not the most visually overwhelming site, but it’s definitely worth visiting for the atmosphere and the stories it holds. Prepare for hotness and lot of other tourists!

Very nice to see. There wasn't a long queue when we were there. The only thing is that there's very limited parking close by so I'd recommend going there early in the day Every part has its own informational sign telling you about that specific part of the palace (English and Greek).

This is a must see if you’re in Crete. We went on a Sunday and traffic was lite. They’ve restored the pillars and paintings so you can really get a good look at the archaeological finds. Enjoy!