[2024 Heraklion Prefecture Attraction] Travel Guide for Minoan Palace of Knossos (Updated Nov)
No.1 of Best Things to Do in Heraklion Prefecture
Palaces
Historical Sites
Address:
Knosos, Crete 714 09, Greece
Opening times:
Opens at 08:00-20:00Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
1 hour
Phone:
+30 281 023 1940
A trip back in time at Knossos ✈️
#ancienttown
Visiting Knossos Palace in Crete was like diving into ancient history! 🏛️ The site is massive, and walking through it, you can really imagine what life was like during the Minoan civilization. The entrance fee was €15, and it includes access to the ruins and the small museum on-site. Seeing the Throne Room, the frescoes, and the grand staircase up close was incredible. It’s amazing how advanced this ancient city was, with its intricate layouts and drainage systems. 🗝️
The site is well-marked, but I’d recommend a guided tour or an audio guide to get the most out of it. Just a short drive away is the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, where many of the artifacts from Knossos are displayed, making it a perfect next stop. 🏺 After exploring the palace, we took a stroll through Heraklion’s Old Town, which has a lovely mix of shops and cafes. If you’re into history and archaeology, Knossos is an absolute must-see! #trip #Knossos #Crete #AncientHistory #GreeceTravel #MinoanCivilization
LexusLC500
Visiting Ancient Knossos ❤️🇬🇷
#ancientbuildings
During my summer vacation, I had the chance to explore the ancient Knossos Palace on Crete, and it was a highlight of my trip! 🏛️🌞 Located just outside of Heraklion, the site is about a 15-minute drive from the city center. The entrance fee was around €15, which felt very reasonable for such an iconic archaeological site.
Knossos Palace is a fascinating glimpse into Minoan civilization with its sprawling ruins and intricate frescoes. Walking through the labyrinthine corridors and seeing the vibrant murals was like stepping back in time. The guide I had was knowledgeable and brought the history of the place to life with engaging stories about its past. 🏺🎨
After visiting the palace, I headed to Heraklion’s vibrant central market, which was full of local flavors and unique souvenirs. 🍇🛍️ I also took a leisurely stroll along the city’s waterfront, enjoying the views and a relaxing dinner at a seaside taverna.
Overall, Knossos Palace is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient history. The combination of rich history and beautiful surroundings made for an unforgettable experience.
#trip #KnossosPalace #Crete #MinoanHistory #AncientRuins #Heraklion
FlorinM
Located οn the southern side of the Aegean Sea, Crete is the biggest of all Greek islands. Its beauty, though, is even bigger than its size! Let us paint the scene: Just imagine enthralling natural beauty meeting rich culture and worldwide famous gastronomy, to create the most dreamy holiday paradise!
The island is separated in 4 prefectures: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, and Lassithi.
The mythical Crete island is one of the most popular Greek destinations, thanks to its unreal Crete beaches, its amazing historical sites, such as Knossos Palace and Spinalonga islet and its mesmerizing natural landscapes.
Not to mention Chania town and Heraklion town some of the biggest towns in Crete, which boast a magnificent medieval architecture. Honestly, wandering around their warren of romantic alleys will make you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time!
Crete Greece is, hands down, one of the most magical Greek islands!
#mynovgetaway
#mynovgetaway
LimTheHustla
Athens Crete Island - Minos Labyrinth
📍Attraction Address: Outside the city of Heraklion
🚗Attraction Transportation: Accessible by bus for 1.6 euros
👍️Must-visit Attraction: Knossos Labyrinth
🎟️Ticket Information: 15 euros
💗Other Tips: Visiting the Knossos Labyrinth is a process that evokes mixed feelings. On one hand, the ruins have been restored to reflect the imagination of Evans, the British archaeologist, with its red columns, complete frescoes, and two-story buildings, allowing one to easily witness the grandeur of the past. On the other hand, the sight is filled with cement-joined stone walls, complex staircases, and even a high-ceilinged atrium. The Mediterranean civilization at the time was greatly influenced by Egypt and Mesopotamia. Ancient Egypt had tall palaces, but seemingly no two-story buildings. The ancients did not lack land, and Crete, unlike tropical regions, did not have snakes and insects, so it seemed unnecessary to spend a lot of manpower and resources to build two-story buildings. It feels a bit unreal, more like entering a Disney castle rather than a rigorous archaeological site: what we are actually visiting is Evans' personal bold performance art!
Logan.Morris@62
Knossos Palace 🇬🇷
#summerdestinations
This summer, I visited the Palace of Knossos in Crete, and it was like stepping back into ancient history! Located just outside Heraklion, the entrance fee is €15 for adults, which grants you access to the legendary site believed to be Europe's oldest city.
Wandering through the ruins, I was amazed by the vivid frescoes, the grand staircases, and the reconstructed throne room. The stories of King Minos and the mythical Minotaur came alive as I explored the labyrinthine corridors. The site is well-preserved and offers a fascinating glimpse into Minoan civilization.
Nearby, you can visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses many artifacts from Knossos, or relax at one of the charming cafes in Heraklion's old town. Knossos Palace is a must-visit for history buffs and anyone curious about ancient cultures! 🏛️🔱
#KnossosPalace #Crete #AncientHistory #MinoanCivilization #SummerInGreece #ExploreCrete #ArchaeologicalSites #GreekMythology #TravelGreece #CulturalHeritage
FlorinM
Promise me, you must visit Greece at least once in your lifetime!
Greece, the country of ancient ruins, boasts sun-drenched coastlines, azure skies, and the warm Aegean Sea. It is filled with passionate music, delicious cuisine, and thrilling activities, a place brimming with vibrant culture.
Must-visit attractions:
① Mystras, Laconia: This former Byzantine capital and fortified city is spread across steep hillsides, surrounded by lush olive and orange trees, and is one of the oldest cities in the world.
② Ancient Mycenae, Argolis: Perched atop a hill backed by majestic mountains, the somber and grand ruins of ancient Mycenae stand, the homeland of the legendary Greek king Agamemnon who commanded the Greeks during the Trojan War.
③ Knossos Palace: The Knossos Palace is the most famous historical site on Crete Island, located 5 kilometers south of Heraklion city. It was the magnificent capital of Minoan Crete, offering an evocative environment, with impressive ruins and entertainment activities.
④ Temple of Apollo: As the center of ancient Delphi, the Temple of Apollo on the hillside was the place where pilgrims listened to the prophecies of the god Apollo. The Sacred Way is the path leading to the central temple of Apollo in the complex. In ancient times, this path was lined with treasuries and statues, creating a magnificent spectacle.
ZAVIER BAILEY
Crete, Greece
🖼️ Crete and Santorini are the two most compared holiday destinations in Greece. The first day in Santorini was amazing, but it got a bit boring on the second day. Crete, on the other hand, was full of surprises all the way.
🛥️ We took a ferry from Santorini to Crete, rented a car in Heraklion, and returned the car at Chania Airport, which was very convenient. Although the ferry is good, the dock management is a disaster, so it is recommended that those who take the ferry must ask in advance which gate the ferry will dock at.
🧉 On the first night in Crete, we were first amazed by the enthusiastic waiters, and then amazed by the large amount of food and cheap meals!
🗺️ The two most worthwhile places to visit in Crete are:
1. Heraklion
It is the capital of Crete and the birthplace of the Minoan civilization: I recommend everyone to visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the ruins of the Palace of Knossos (both of these attractions are free on Saturdays)
🏛️ Although the Archaeological Museum is not large, it has a large collection of items spanning 5500 years, making it one of the most important museums of Minoan civilization in the world. The only downside is that there is no audio guide.
💍 There is a small jewelry shop directly opposite the museum, which is the most tasteful jewelry shop I have visited on the entire island, but I forgot to take a picture. It's the first shop on the left when you cross the road from the museum, you won't miss it.
🛕 The ruins of the Palace of Knossos are in the suburbs of Heraklion, and not much of the original palace remains. There is a wooden model of the palace (Figure 8) in the Heraklion Museum, which is very impressive. I suggest everyone to visit the Heraklion Museum first, and then go to the ruins of the Palace of Knossos.
2. Chania
Chania is the second largest city on Crete, and the locals recommended us to visit, saying that the architecture is very special. When we arrived in Chania, we found out that these were Venetian buildings, and Chania is a small Venice. The city center and the old town are very good for strolling.
🌄 We drove for 1.5 hours on a mountain road, and arrived at the famous pink beach with fear and trepidation, but it was not as good as the legend, probably because we arrived at the beach relatively late, so we could only see a little bit of the pink beach. It is recommended that those who have brought swimsuits and are not afraid of the sun can leave Chania earlier, and it is a good time to arrive at 2 pm.
🏨 Accommodation
If you are in Chania, I highly recommend an Airbnb called Michalis Stonehouse. It is the best experience we have had in all the homestays we have stayed in Greece. In addition to the beautiful house and the exclusive parking space outside the door, the host also thoughtfully provided us with cereal, condensed milk, bread, ham, cheese, and local rose wine. It is a very warm homestay.
matthiasdante79
Knossos Palace
Knossos Palace is a truly incredible ancient site that is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Greek history and culture. Located on the island of Crete, this magnificent palace was the center of the Minoan civilization, which flourished between 2600 BC and 1400 BC. The palace has been painstakingly restored and reconstructed over the years, and visitors can now explore its many rooms, corridors, and courtyards
freezeout
Knossos Palace - Crete Island, Greece
The most famous historical landmark of Crete island is the Palace of Knossos. This is the most famous building of Minoan Crete, located 5 kilometers south of Heraklion. Once here, you will find the ruins of a huge palace, courtyards, private apartments, baths, frescoes and much more.
Excavations began in 1878 under the direction of the Cretan archaeologist Minos Kalokerinos and continued from 1900 to 1930 under the direction of the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, who voluntarily restored parts of the palace, which caused a mixed reaction in society.
Address: The Palace of Knossos, Φειδίου 8, Iraklio 714 09, Greece.
#bucketlistreboot #greece