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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Knossos Palace Summary
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| Public website: | odysseus.culture.gr |
Greece – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common, especially in urban areas. However, many small shops and rural locations still prefer cash payments.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in Greece. In restaurants, 5-10% is typical, though rounding up is also common. Tipping taxi drivers is customary, and small tips for hotel staff are appreciated. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally allowed in Greece, especially in designated areas or during festivals. However, it’s prohibited in some areas like public transport or near schools. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places. There are designated outdoor smoking areas in most restaurants and public buildings. |
| Easter (March/April) |
Easter is a significant religious holiday, and many businesses close. Popular for family gatherings and church services. |
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| Assumption of Mary (August) |
A national holiday with parades and festivities. Expect crowded tourist areas and higher accommodation prices. |
| Christmas (December) |
Christmas celebrations take place in many towns and cities, with lively events, though many businesses close for the holiday. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Beat, TaxiBeat, Uber |
| Other: | Greece is a popular tourist destination, particularly in summer, so be prepared for high demand for accommodation and services during peak months. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Knossos Palace, Greece
Cruise ship days bring crowds around midday; arrive at opening time April to October
Site has shorter opening hours November to March and may close on some public holidays
Don't miss
- 👑 Explore the Throne Room with King Minos' alabaster seat
- 🌀 Wander maze-like corridors of the ancient Minoan palace
- 🎨 Admire colorful frescoes depicting Minoan life and rituals
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Knossos Palace is a sprawling Minoan palace complex dating back to the Bronze Age, famed for its labyrinthine corridors, intricate frescoes and extensive storerooms. It is thought to have been the ceremonial and political center of Minoan Crete, showcasing sophisticated ancient architectural and urban planning.
The palace features multi-storied buildings with elaborate decoration, including the famous Dolphin Fresco and the Queen’s Megaron, reflecting the rich cultural and religious life of the Minoans. Its mythological connections, such as the labors of the Minotaur, add an intriguing layer to the visitor experience.
While some areas of the palace have been reconstructed to aid interpretation, much lies in ruin, requiring a good walking stamina and sure footing on uneven surfaces. Summers can be hot and exposure to the sun is significant, so visitors should come prepared with water and sun protection.
Guided tours are highly recommended to fully appreciate the historical and cultural complexities of the site. The nearby archaeological museum in Heraklion also complements the experience with artifacts and detailed exhibits.
Knowledge before you go
- Arrive early; crowds peak after noon at Knossos.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle, as the site is extensive and uneven.
- Check the official Heraklion Archaeological Museum website for current opening hours and ticket prices before departure.
- Explore the nearby village of Gazi for authentic Cretan cuisine; its traditional taverns offer insight into local culture beyond the ruins.
How to travel to Knossos Palace
Knossos Palace is approximately a 5 km drive from Heraklion city center on Crete. Visitors typically arrive via Heraklion International Airport, which offers connections to major European cities. From Heraklion, local buses, taxis or guided tours provide easy access to the site.
Access summary
- From Heraklion Airport (HER): Taxi or bus via Heraklion, about 15–30 min.
- From Heraklion city: City bus or taxi along Knossos Avenue, 10–20 min.
- From Athens: Flight to Heraklion (≈50 min) or Piraeus–Heraklion ferry 8–10 hrs.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Knossos Palace
Heraklion offers a range of accommodations from luxury hotels to guesthouses, providing convenient access to Knossos Palace and other Cretan attractions.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Knossos Palace
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
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To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 18% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Heraklion’s Knossos Palace area is generally safe, with low crime rates and well‑patrolled tourist zones. Visitors should stay in designated pathways, avoid isolated ruins after dark, keep valuables secure and heed local advisories on petty theft or pickpocketing.
Accessibility
Knossos Palace offers limited accessibility: ramps and elevators are available in main halls, but many ancient corridors remain uneven and narrow, posing challenges for wheelchairs or strollers. Guided tours can assist mobility‑impaired visitors; advance planning is recommended.
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