Knossos Palace is one of Crete, Greece's most important archaeological sites. It was the centre of the Minoan civilisation, a culture that flourished from the 27th to the 15th century BCE. Visitors can explore the palace ruins and admire the frescoes, columns, and storerooms that reveal Crete's ancient history and mythology. There are several ways to get to Knossos Palace from different locations in Crete. The most popular way is to take a bus from Heraklion, the capital city of Crete. Bus number 2 leaves from the old public bus station near the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and takes 15 minutes to reach the site. The bus fare is 1.70 € ($1.90, £1.40) per person.
The most popular starting point to get to Knossos Palace is Heraklion, as it is the largest and most convenient city in Crete. It has an international airport, a port, and a bus station that connects it with other destinations in Greece and abroad. Heraklion has many attractions worth visiting, such as the Archaeological Museum, the Venetian Fortress, and the Morosini Fountain. Visitors can also start from other towns in Crete, such as Chania, Rethymno, or Agios Nikolaos, and take a car, taxi, or bus to Heraklion and then to Knossos Palace.
Listed below are ways to get to Knossos Palace:
Getting to Knossos Palace by taxi is easy and convenient, as the site is only 15 minutes south of Heraklion, Crete's capital and largest city. Heraklion is home to the island's main international airport (HER) and has many taxi services available. A taxi can be booked in advance or hailed on the street, taking the visitor directly to the palace entrance. Getting to Knossos Palace by taxi is affordable, as the distance is 5 kilometres (3 miles). The average taxi price from Heraklion to Knossos Palace is 9€ ($9.81, £7.83), but it may vary depending on the traffic, the time of day, and the number of passengers. It is advisable to agree on a price before getting into the cab and to have some cash ready, as not all taxis accept credit cards.
The duration of getting to Knossos Palace by taxi is short, as the journey takes 5 minutes; however, this may depend on the traffic conditions, especially during peak hours. The best time to avoid traffic is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The taxi driver may also suggest alternative routes or shortcuts to save time. The ideal time to get to Knossos Palace is first thing in the morning or late afternoon. It will allow the visitor to enjoy the site without the crowds and the heat, as Knossos is the second most visited archaeological attraction in Greece, after the Acropolis in Athens. The site is open from 08:00 am to 08:00 pm in summer and from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm in winter. Visitors should plan to spend at least two hours exploring the palace and its surroundings.
The best way to get to Knossos Palace is by car rental. This option gives visitors the freedom and flexibility to explore the site and its surroundings at their own pace. Car rental also allows visitors to enjoy the scenic views of the countryside and the coast along the way. The cost of car rental in Crete varies depending on the season, the type of car, and the rental company. The average price of car rental in Crete is 20€ ($21.8, £17.4) per day for a mini or economy car and 40€ ($43.6, £34.8) per day for a minivan or SUV. These prices include full insurance coverage, unlimited mileage, and free cancellation.
The driving time to Knossos Palace depends on the starting point and the traffic conditions. From Heraklion Airport, the closest airport to the site, it takes 15 minutes to drive 5 kilometres (3 miles) to Knossos Palace. From Chania Airport, another major airport on the island, it takes 2 hours to drive 140 kilometres (87 miles) to Knossos Palace. From Rethymno, a popular tourist destination on the north coast, it takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to drive 80 kilometres (50 miles) to Knossos Palace. The ideal time to visit Knossos Palace is in the spring or autumn when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. The average temperature in Crete in these seasons is 20 ℃ (68 ℉). The site is open daily from 08:00 am to 08:00 pm in the summer and from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm in the winter.
The public bus is the easiest and cheapest way to get to Knossos Palace. The urban bus line 2 runs from the big bus station of Heraklion to Knossos every 10 to 20 minutes. The bus station is a short walk from the port, where many cruise ships dock. The bus ride takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the traffic. The ticket price is 1.70 € ($1.90, £1.40) per person for a one-way trip. The ideal time to get to Knossos Palace is first thing in the morning or late afternoon. It will allow the visitor to enjoy the site without the crowds and the heat, as Knossos is the second most visited archaeological attraction in Greece, after the Acropolis in Athens. The site is open from 08:00 am to 08:00 pm in summer and from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm in winter. Visitors should plan to spend at least two hours exploring the palace and its surroundings.
An organised tour is the easiest and most convenient way to get to Knossos Palace. This option allows visitors to enjoy a hassle-free experience, as they do not have to worry about transportation, tickets, or guides. Organised tours usually include a pick-up and drop-off service from the hotel, a comfortable bus ride to the site, a skip-the-line entrance ticket, and a guided tour by a licensed and knowledgeable guide. The cost of getting to Knossos Palace by organised tour varies depending on the provider, the season, and the duration. The average price is 40€ ($43.6, £34.8) per person, including all the abovementioned services. Some tours may include visiting the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which houses many of the artefacts found at Knossos Palace and other Minoan sites.
The duration of getting to Knossos Palace by organised tour also depends on the type of tour and the itinerary. The average time is 4 hours, which includes the travel time, the entrance time, and the guided tour. Some tours may last longer if they include other stops or activities like lunch, shopping, or sightseeing. The ideal time to get to Knossos Palace by organised tour is in the spring or autumn when the weather is mild and pleasant and the crowds are smaller. The summer months are usually very hot and busy, which can make the visit less enjoyable. The winter months are colder and rainier, which can affect the visibility and accessibility of the site.
The best option is to book a private tour to visit Knossos Palace. A private tour offers many advantages over other modes of transportation and sightseeing. A private tour is easy and convenient. The tour operator will pick up the visitors from their hotel or the port and drive them to the palace in a comfortable vehicle. Visitors do not have to worry about finding parking, buying tickets, or waiting in long lines. The tour guide will also give them interesting information and stories about the palace and its history. A private tour is affordable and flexible. The average price for a private tour of Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is 200€ ($218, £174) per group. It includes the transportation, the entrance fees, and the guide service. Visitors can also customise their tour according to their preferences and schedule. They can choose the duration, the time of departure, and the places they want to see.
A private tour is fast and efficient. The distance from Heraklion, the capital of Crete, to Knossos Palace is 5 kilometres (3 miles). It takes only 15 minutes to drive there by car. The palace and museum tour lasts 3 to 4 hours, depending on the visitors' pace and interest. Visitors can see the highlights of the Minoan civilisation in half a day and still have time to explore other attractions in Crete. The ideal time to visit Knossos Palace is in the spring or autumn when the weather is mild and pleasant. The average temperature in these seasons is 20 ℃ (68 ℉). Visitors can avoid the crowds and the summer heat and enjoy the palace's beauty and mystery. The site is open from 08:00 am to 08:00 pm in summer and from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm in winter, except on some public holidays.
The cheapest way to get to Knossos Palace is by bus. Taking a bus is cost-effective compared to other modes of transportation. The bus fare is affordable, starting at 1.70 € ($1.90, £1.40) for a one-way ticket. This makes it an economical choice for budget-conscious travellers. Buses provide regular and convenient service to Knossos Palace. There are frequent bus departures from the city centre of Heraklion, which is located 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) away from the palace. The bus journey takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The bus route is straightforward and well-connected, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience. Opting for the bus allows visitors to enjoy the scenic views along the way. The bus route to Knossos Palace passes through the charming Cretan countryside, showcasing the island's natural beauty. Travellers can appreciate the landscapes and enjoy the local surroundings during their journey.
The quickest way to get to Knossos Palace is by taxi or car rental. Firstly, opting for a taxi or car rental provides the advantage of direct and uninterrupted travel. Travellers can take a taxi directly from their location to Knossos Palace without any stops or transfers. Renting a car gives visitors full control over their journey and take the most efficient route to reach the palace. Secondly, taxis and car rentals offer flexibility in terms of departure time. Travellers can choose the most convenient time to depart, allowing them to optimise their schedule and minimise travel time. Taxis and car rentals can be tailored to the individual's preferences and time constraints, unlike public transportation, which operates on fixed schedules. Lastly, taxis and cars provide a faster travel experience due to their ability to maintain higher speeds and bypass potential traffic congestion. The distance between the city centre of Heraklion and Knossos Palace is 5 kilometres (3.1 miles), and a taxi or car can cover this distance in 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This makes taxis and car rentals the quickest option to reach Knossos Palace.
Families with kids should select a car rental to get to Knossos Palace. Renting a car allows families to have the convenience of travelling together in a private vehicle. It provides a comfortable and controlled environment for children to have their own space and familiar belongings during the journey. Car rentals offer flexibility and freedom to accommodate the specific needs of families with kids. Families can plan their visit to Knossos Palace according to their schedule, taking into account the preferences and routines of their children. The flexibility allows for breaks, snacks, and restroom stops as needed, ensuring a more enjoyable experience for the entire family. A car rental provides practicality and convenience for families with young children. It allows for transporting strollers, diaper bags, and other necessary items without the hassle of carrying them on public transportation. Having a car at their disposal allows families to explore other attractions or nearby areas after visiting Knossos Palace, maximising their time and opportunities for family-friendly activities.
The best transfer vehicle to get to Knossos Palace is by taxi. Taking a taxi offers convenience and comfort for travellers. Taxis provide a door-to-door service, picking up passengers at their desired location and dropping them off directly at Knossos Palace. It eliminates the need to walk or navigate unfamiliar streets, making the journey more convenient, especially for those with limited mobility or heavy luggage. Taxis offer a reliable and efficient transfer option. Taxis are readily available in the city centre of Heraklion, ensuring quick access to transportation. Travellers can easily hail a taxi or request one through a taxi app, minimising waiting times. Taxis also have the advantage of navigating through traffic and taking the most efficient routes to Knossos Palace, ensuring a timely arrival. Taxis provide a safe and hassle-free transfer experience. Professional taxi drivers are knowledgeable about the area and can offer valuable information and tips to enhance the visit to Knossos Palace. Families with children or individuals with specific needs can benefit from the convenience and personalised assistance that taxis offer, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.
Knossos Palace was built by King Minos, known for his wisdom and justice. He also created the first navy and cleared the sea of pirates. The palace was a complex of buildings that served as a religious and administrative centre, not a royal residence. It had many rooms, courtyards, staircases, and colourful frescoes. Knossos Palace was first built around 1900 BCE on the ruins of an older settlement. It was destroyed and rebuilt at least twice. The final destruction happened around 1350 BCE, probably by fire or a tsunami. The palace was then abandoned and forgotten for centuries until it was rediscovered by archaeologists in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Knossos Palace is famous for associating with the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. According to the myth, Minos' wife gave birth to a half-man, half-bull creature, which was kept in a labyrinth inside the palace. Minos demanded that Athens send seven young men and seven young women every year as a tribute to feed the Minotaur. Theseus, a hero from Athens, volunteered to go and kill the beast with the help of Minos' daughter, Ariadne. Knossos Palace is also linked to the legend of Atlantis, a lost island civilisation described by Plato. Some scholars have suggested that Knossos was the capital of Atlantis or that the Minoan civilisation was the inspiration for Plato's story, but no conclusive evidence supports these theories, and many other locations have been proposed as possible candidates for Atlantis.
Knossos Palace is now a popular tourist attraction and one of the most visited sites in Greece. It covers an area of 14,000 square meters (150,000 square feet) and has more than 1,000 rooms. Visitors can see the remains of the palace and many artefacts and frescoes found there. Some parts of the palace have been reconstructed by the archaeologist Arthur Evans, who excavated the site in the early 20th century; however, his reconstructions are controversial and not always accurate.
Listed below are the different ways to get to Knossos Palace from Heraklion:
Listed below are the different ways to get to Knossos Palace from Chania:
Listed below are the different ways to get to Knossos Palace from Rethymno:
Listed below are the different ways to get to Knossos Palace from Agios Nikolaos:
Listed below are the different ways to get to Knossos Palace from Hersonissos:
Yes, Knossos Palace is worth visiting. It is an important archaeological site that offers valuable insights into the ancient Minoan civilisation. Visitors can explore the palace ruins and learn about Crete's rich history and culture. The site features well-preserved structures, including the throne room, living quarters, and intricate frescoes that provide a glimpse into the daily life of the Minoans. Knossos Palace is also significant because it is associated with the legendary King Minos and the myth of the Minotaur. It adds an element of intrigue and fascination to the visit, as visitors can explore the labyrinthine corridors and imagine themselves in the ancient world.
No, booking a transfer in advance to visit Knossos Palace is unnecessary. The palace is easily accessible by various means of transportation, including Crete taxis, buses, and car rentals. Visitors can conveniently travel to the site using these modes of transport without pre-booking a specific transfer service. Those who prefer the convenience of a taxi can easily find taxis in Heraklion and request a ride to Knossos Palace. Regular bus services operate between Heraklion and Knossos, allowing visitors to reach the palace at a lower cost. Car rentals provide the flexibility to explore the area at one's own pace and can be arranged on arrival in Heraklion.
