Knossos Palace: Self-Guided Audio Tours
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appAudio tours on your smartphone
After purchase, you will receive the link to download the app to take this tour.
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With the in-app audio guide, you decide when to start, pause, and finish your tour.
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All audio tours and tickets can be downloaded to your device anytime.
Top sights near Knossos Palace
Take a captivating journey through Knossos, Crete's most extensive Bronze Age archaeological site, with this in-app audio tour that includes a ticket. Whether referred to as the Labyrinth or Knossos Palace, this location served as the Minoan civilization and culture's ceremonial and political hub. Delve into the intricate network of workspaces, residences, and storage areas surrounding the central square, and be captivated by the detailed depictions of Cretan life during the late Bronze Age adorning the palace walls. Situated a mere 5 kilometers southeast of Heraklion, in the idyllic valley of the Kairatos River, Knossos is ensconced by hills once blanketed in oak and cypress trees. Despite the natural transformations over 9,000 years, this tour will transport you back in time, allowing you to envision the Minoan landscape. Immerse yourself in the enchantment of Knossos through a self-guided audio tour and unravel the mysteries of this ancient civilization. Note! Knossos opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00 (Last entrance to the site at 16:30).
Embark on a captivating journey through Knossos, Crete's most extensive Bronze Age archaeological site, with this in-app audio tour. Note! This tour DOES NOT include an entrance ticket but may be used anytime during the palace's opening hours! Buy ticket at knossos-palace.gr or on site. Whether referred to as the Labyrinth or Knossos Palace, this location served as the Minoan civilization and culture's ceremonial and political hub. Delve into the intricate network of workspaces, residences, and storage areas surrounding the central square, and be captivated by the detailed depictions of Cretan life during the late Bronze Age adorning the palace walls. Situated a mere 5 kilometers southeast of Heraklion, in the idyllic valley of the Kairatos River, Knossos is ensconced by hills once blanketed in oak and cypress trees. Despite the natural transformations over 9,000 years, this tour will transport you back in time, allowing you to envision the Minoan landscape. Immerse yourself in the enchantment of Knossos through a self-guided audio tour and unravel the mysteries of this ancient civilization. Note! Knossos opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00 (Last entrance to the site at 16:30).
Things to do in Irákleion
About Knossos Palace
Address
Φειδίου 8Open in Google MapsOpening hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Best time to visit
Crowd level
Directions
Knossos Palace, just outside Heraklion, is the most famous archaeological site of Minoan Crete and is closely tied to the legend of the Minotaur. The palace complex flourished around the second millennium BCE, with remains often associated with a major phase around 1600 BCE. It functioned as a political, ceremonial, and economic center, revealing the sophistication of Europe’s earliest advanced Bronze Age civilization. Visitors can trace grand staircases, storage magazines, courtyards, and vivid reconstructed frescoes. The site became especially well known after early-20th-century reconstruction work, which shaped its modern appearance and sparked lasting debate about restoration, authenticity, and how best to present the ancient past.
Before you enter
- Go early or after 3 PM to avoid the hottest hours and largest crowds.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat; much of the site has little shade.
- Wear sturdy shoes with grip for uneven stones and steps.
- Download the site app or read background information before arriving.
- If driving, look for parking behind the site and avoid blocking other cars.
What to expect
- Expect a large archaeological site with ruins and reconstructed sections.
- The visit is outdoors, exposed, and can feel very hot in summer.
- You will see courtyards, staircases, storage rooms, and famous fresco reproductions.
- Some areas involve steps and uneven paths, making access challenging.
- Allow around two to three hours to explore comfortably.
During your visit
- Start with the central court to understand the palace layout.
- Pause at reconstructed areas to compare original remains and modern restoration.
- Take breaks in any shaded spots; midday heat can be intense.
- Watch your footing on worn stones, stairs, and narrow passages.
- Move away from the busiest clusters for quieter views and photos.
FAQ about Knossos Palace
Explore Knossos Palace at your own pace with these audio guides and self-guided tours:
The most popular tours for Knossos Palace are:
Knossos Palace is located in Irákleion, surrounded by many other great sights.
These tours cover Knossos Palace and other nearby highlights: