Knossos Palace Guided Tour
Overview
Knossos, 5 km south of Heraklion, was the greatest of the Minoan palaces, the setting for the myth of King Minos and the Minotaur's labyrinth. The first palace was built around 1900 BC, and in 2025 Knossos became part of the Minoan Palatial Centres UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A licensed guide meets you at the site and brings the ruins to life in a small group. You'll see the Throne Room with its alabaster seat, the Grand Staircase, the Queen's Megaron with its dolphin fresco, the storerooms of giant pithoi jars and the red-columned North Entrance, partly rebuilt by Sir Arthur Evans in the early 20th century. The guide explains what is original, what was reconstructed and why it still divides archaeologists.
Go early in the day to avoid the heat, and combine it with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, where the original frescoes are kept.
Highlights
- Small-group tour with a licensed guide
- The Throne Room and the Grand Staircase
- Dolphin fresco in the Queen’s Megaron
- Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2025
What's included
- Licensed guide
- Skip-the-line entry with your guide
- Headsets for larger groups
- Knossos entrance ticket (unless stated when booking)
- Hotel transfers
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Request this tour
Send us your dates and a SkyRay advisor will confirm availability and price.
Itinerary
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the tour option. We will tell you clearly when we quote whether the site ticket is included.
It is about 15 minutes by car or taxi from Heraklion, and there is a regular city bus. From Hersonissos or Malia we can add a transfer.
First thing in the morning, when it is cooler and quieter. There is little shade on site, so bring a hat and water.
