Knossos Archaeological Site Ticket: Palace of Knossos Entry

Three thousand seven hundred years inside the largest Minoan palace

A ticket to the Palace of Knossos archaeological site on Crete with self-guided audio tour options in English, Spanish, Italian or French. The palace, built 3,700 years ago and excavated by Arthur Evans in the early 20th century, was the political and ceremonial center of Minoan civilization. Choose between entry alone or entry with audio guide. Both options include access to the site's rebuilt sections and original features like the throne of King Minos.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Knossos Archaeological Site

• Arrive at Knossos Palace
• Explore Minoan palace ruins
• See King Minos' throne
• View ancient murals
• Learn about Minoan civilization

The experience

The Palace of Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and one of the most important in Europe. Built around 2000 B.C., it contains over 1,000 rooms across its sprawling layout. The site has been partially restored, so you walk through both original ruins and reconstructed sections that show how the palace once functioned, including its health system, decorated murals, and the intact throne room of King Minos. The palace was excavated in the early 20th century by English archaeologist Arthur Evans, who uncovered the birthplace of Minoan civilization and the origin of the labyrinth myth.

Your ticket gives you access to explore the site at your own pace. You can choose to add a self-guided audio tour available in English, Spanish, Italian, or French, which walks you through the palace's history and layout. The audio guide is optional. If you prefer to wander without narration, the entry ticket alone gets you in. Either way, you move through the site on your own schedule, stopping as long as you want at any section.

The visit typically takes between one and three hours depending on how thoroughly you explore. The site is suitable for all fitness levels, though the terrain includes uneven ground and stairs between different palace levels. Your ticket is valid for entry only. Hotel pickup and personal expenses are separate.

What’s included

• Entry to the Palace of Knossos archaeological site.
• self-guided audio tour in English, Spanish, Italian or French (if audio guide option selected).
• access to both original ruins and partially restored palace sections.

Options for this experience

2 options

Option 110 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:00

Option 210 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:00

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be included in the booking

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by KeyTickets

Is this one for you?Pick the audio guide option if you want context about the palace's layout and Minoan history as you walk. Entry alone works just as well if you prefer to explore without narration or use a printed guide you bring yourself.

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Top questions

What exactly is the Palace of Knossos?

The Palace of Knossos is the largest Minoan palace ever built, constructed around 2000 B.C. on Crete. It served as the political and ceremonial center of Minoan civilization and contains over 1,000 rooms spread across multiple levels, including a throne room, religious spaces, storage areas and residential quarters. The palace was partially destroyed and rebuilt several times. What you see today combines original ruins with reconstructed sections based on archaeological evidence.

Do I need the audio guide or can I explore on my own?

The audio guide is optional. You can buy entry alone and walk through the palace independently, or add the self-guided audio tour in English, Spanish, Italian or French to learn about the site's history and layout as you go. Both options give you full access to the palace. The audio guide simply provides context if you want it.

How long does a visit to Knossos usually take?

Most visitors spend between one and three hours at the palace, depending on how much detail you explore. You set your own pace and can spend as little or as much time as you want at each section of the site.

What was the throne of King Minos?

The throne of King Minos is an original stone seat still standing in the palace's throne room. It is one of the oldest thrones in Europe and remains intact from the Minoan period, offering a direct connection to the palace's royal past.