Sights
Knossos and Heraklion: tickets, opening hours and the hotels we pick
Knossos was the centre of Minoan culture more than 3,500 years ago. The palace is only five kilometres from Heraklion, and the finds are in the museum in town. Here is how to see both, and where to stay.
This page contains affiliate links. If you book through them, Picolo earns a commission at no extra cost to you. Our picks are made independently by our editors.
In short: Knossos and Heraklion
Knossos is five kilometres south of Heraklion, about twenty minutes by bus. A standard ticket costs 20 euros, and under 18s go free. In summer, arrive at opening time, before the heat and the coaches. Our first choice in town is the Galaxy Hotel, with a pool and a spa.
Our first choice in Heraklion: Check availability and prices at Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
The palace at Knossos
Knossos is the largest Bronze Age palace on Crete. Arthur Evans excavated it from 1900 and rebuilt parts of it in concrete. That is disputed today, but it makes it easier to picture how the palace looked.
Allow one and a half to three hours. Much of the site has no shade, so bring water and a sun hat. There are also guides at the entrance if you want to hear the stories behind the ruins.
Tickets and opening hours
Ticket: 20 euros
Free for under 18s and EU students
Combined ticket with the Archaeological Museum: about 30 euros, valid for three days
April to October: open 08:00 to 20:00
November to March: open 08:00 to 15:00
Prices and opening hours can change. Last checked: November 2026.
Guided tours and tickets: See experiences and tickets in Heraklion
Getting to Knossos
Bus: Line 2 runs from Eleftherias Square in Heraklion to Knossos. The ride takes about twenty minutes.
Car or taxi: It takes fifteen minutes from the centre. There is parking at the entrance, but it fills up in the middle of the day.
The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
The frescoes, pottery and jewellery from Knossos are in the Archaeological Museum in the centre. Visit the museum after the palace, and the finds make more sense. With the combined ticket you can spread the visits over three days.
Heraklion harbour
The Venetian fortress of Koules guards the harbour in Heraklion. Photo: Clovis Wood / Unsplash
The hotels we pick in and around Heraklion
Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
Galaxy is a five-star hotel in Heraklion, about six kilometres from the airport. There is an outdoor pool with a pool bar, massage, two restaurants and two bars. Guests praise the staff and the upkeep, and airport transfers can be booked around the clock. After a hot morning among the ruins, the pool is the first place you want to return to.
Best for: travellers who want a pool after a hot day at Knossos.
Good to know: The hotel is in town, not on the beach.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
Olive Green Hotel
Olive Green sits in central Heraklion, about ten minutes by car from both the port and Knossos. The 626 restaurant serves Mediterranean food all day, and the hotel has a bar and room service. It suits you if you want to walk to the museum, the market and the restaurants.
Best for: travellers who want to walk everywhere in Heraklion.
Good to know: The centre is lively, so ask for a room away from the street if you sleep lightly.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Olive Green Hotel
Artree Suites
Artree Suites is a small luxury guesthouse about seven kilometres from Heraklion airport. Airport transfers can be booked around the clock, and parking and wifi are included. It is a practical choice for the first or last night, with Knossos a short drive away.
Best for: a night before or after your flight.
Good to know: You need a taxi or a car to get into the centre.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Artree Suites
Scalarea
Scalarea offers residences on a vineyard in the hills outside Heraklion, about ten minutes by car from Knossos. Breakfast is served from eight to twelve, and parking is included. The terrace and garden bring calm after a day among the ruins.
Best for: couples who want a rural stay near the palace.
Good to know: You need a car.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Scalarea
Ethereal White Resort, adults only
Ethereal White only accepts adults and sits about five minutes by car from Heraklion port. The roof terrace, the indoor pool and the spa make it easy to unwind after a hot day at Knossos. The gym is open around the clock.
Best for: couples who want a quiet place close to town.
Good to know: Children cannot stay here.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Ethereal White Resort
Our first choice in Heraklion
Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
The Galaxy Hotel is a five-star hotel in Heraklion, with a pool and a spa. In the morning you take the bus to Knossos before the heat, and in the afternoon you swim in the pool. In the evening the restaurants in the centre and the Archaeological Museum are close by.
Frequently asked questions about Knossos
How much does a ticket to Knossos cost?
A standard ticket costs 20 euros. Under 18s and EU students go free. A combined ticket with the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion costs about 30 euros and is valid for three days. Buy online to skip the queue in high season, and check the prices before you go.
How long do you need at Knossos?
Most people spend between one and a half and three hours. With a guide or an audio guide it often takes longer, because you take in more. Add a couple of hours for the Archaeological Museum in town. Arrive early in summer, as there is little shade on the site.
How do you get to Knossos from Heraklion?
Take bus line 2 from Eleftherias Square in the centre. The ride takes about twenty minutes, and buses run often. By taxi or car it takes fifteen minutes. The car park at the entrance fills up quickly, so arrive early if you drive.
Is Knossos worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you combine the palace with the Archaeological Museum. The reconstructions make it easy to imagine life in the palace. Arrive early or late in the day, when there are fewer groups and it is cooler. With children, a guide can bring the history to life.