Knossos
Quick Facts
- Location
- Greece, Crete
- Category
- Historic Ruins & Heritage
- Duration
- 1.5-3 hours
- Opening Hours
- Daily 08:30-17:00 · Per the Knossos page of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports on odysseus.culture.gr (checked 4 November 2026) the site opens every day; in winter, from 1 November, it runs 8:30-17:00 with last admission at 16:45. Summer hours step down through the season: 8:00-20:00 around 1 April, 8:00-19:30 for 1-15 September, 8:00-19:00 for 16-30 September, 8:00-18:30 for 1-15 October and 8:00-18:00 for 16-31 October, each with last admission a quarter of an hour before closing. It is closed on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday, 25 and 26 December and Labour Day, and on Good Friday it opens only 12:00-17:00. Bad weather brings temporary closures, as on Saturday 3 October 2026 when the site shut from 14:00.
- Ticket Price
- Adult: Full admission EUR 20; the special ticket package is also EUR 20 full and EUR 10 reduced · Student: Reduced admission EUR 10 for the categories set by the ministry, such as EU young people, teachers and visitors over 65, on presentation of documents · Online tickets for the site are sold only through the official e-ticketing service of the ministry etickets.tap.gr. Reduced and free entitlements across Greek state monuments and museums follow the common rules of the ministry and require proof at the entrance.
- Address
- Knossos, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Coordinates
- 35.2984, 25.1632
Introduction
Knossos is the heart of Europe's oldest civilisation — Minoan — the model for the labyrinth of the Minotaur, excavated and partly rebuilt by Arthur Evans in the early 20th century. Red columns, frescoes and multi-storey complexes revive a palace of 2000 BC; the 'Prince of the Lilies' fresco and dolphin frieze are famed. Though its reconstructions are debated, the site vividly tells of Aegean Bronze Age prosperity and myth — Crete's irreplaceable first stop.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 08:30-17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:30-17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:30-17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:30-17:00 |
| Friday | 08:30-17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:30-17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:30-17:00 |
Per the Knossos page of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports on odysseus.culture.gr (checked 4 November 2026) the site opens every day; in winter, from 1 November, it runs 8:30-17:00 with last admission at 16:45. Summer hours step down through the season: 8:00-20:00 around 1 April, 8:00-19:30 for 1-15 September, 8:00-19:00 for 16-30 September, 8:00-18:30 for 1-15 October and 8:00-18:00 for 16-31 October, each with last admission a quarter of an hour before closing. It is closed on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday, 25 and 26 December and Labour Day, and on Good Friday it opens only 12:00-17:00. Bad weather brings temporary closures, as on Saturday 3 October 2026 when the site shut from 14:00.
Ticket Information
| Adult | Full admission EUR 20; the special ticket package is also EUR 20 full and EUR 10 reduced |
|---|---|
| Student | Reduced admission EUR 10 for the categories set by the ministry, such as EU young people, teachers and visitors over 65, on presentation of documents |
| Free Admission | Free for everyone on 6 March in memory of Melina Mercouri, 18 April for International Monuments Day, 18 May for International Museums Day, the last weekend of September during European Heritage Days, and 28 October, Greek National Day |
Online tickets for the site are sold only through the official e-ticketing service of the ministry etickets.tap.gr. Reduced and free entitlements across Greek state monuments and museums follow the common rules of the ministry and require proof at the entrance.
💡 Tips
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Knossos?
Monday: 08:30-17:00; Tuesday: 08:30-17:00; Wednesday: 08:30-17:00; Thursday: 08:30-17:00; Friday: 08:30-17:00; Saturday: 08:30-17:00; Sunday: 08:30-17:00; Per the Knossos page of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports on odysseus.culture.gr (checked 4 November 2026) the site opens every day; in winter, from 1 November, it runs 8:30-17:00 with last admission at 16:45. Summer hours step down through the season: 8:00-20:00 around 1 April, 8:00-19:30 for 1-15 September, 8:00-19:00 for 16-30 September, 8:00-18:30 for 1-15 October and 8:00-18:00 for 16-31 October, each with last admission a quarter of an hour before closing. It is closed on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday, 25 and 26 December and Labour Day, and on Good Friday it opens only 12:00-17:00. Bad weather brings temporary closures, as on Saturday 3 October 2026 when the site shut from 14:00.
How much is the admission for Knossos?
Adult: Full admission EUR 20; the special ticket package is also EUR 20 full and EUR 10 reduced; Student: Reduced admission EUR 10 for the categories set by the ministry, such as EU young people, teachers and visitors over 65, on presentation of documents; Free Admission: Free for everyone on 6 March in memory of Melina Mercouri, 18 April for International Monuments Day, 18 May for International Museums Day, the last weekend of September during European Heritage Days, and 28 October, Greek National Day; Online tickets for the site are sold only through the official e-ticketing service of the ministry etickets.tap.gr. Reduced and free entitlements across Greek state monuments and museums follow the common rules of the ministry and require proof at the entrance.
Any practical tips for visiting Knossos?
Allow About 2 hours for the visit and try to avoid peak hours. Opening ~8:00–20:00 (reference; subject to official notice); do verify the latest schedule before you set out.
How long should I spend at Knossos?
A typical visit takes 1.5-3 hours.
