Travel back through history to a time when the Minoans roamed the island of Crete. Knossos was where King Minos built his extravagant palace, and today you can explore the monument on a visit to the archaeological site.

It’s easy to take a day trip to Knossos from Rethymno, with a guided tour of the ruins to help you appreciate what you’re seeing. You’ll hear stories of ancient civilizations while discovering a unique side of Crete.

Here's all you need to know about Knossos, one of the most exciting day trips in Rethymno.

How to get to Knossos from Rethymno?

Knossos is located just outside Heraklion on the northern coast of Crete. You can reach the archaeological site independently or on a guided day tour.

From Rethymno to Knossos by car

If you have a rental car, then you can journey to Knossos from Rethymno independently. It takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to travel between the two destinations.

To get to Knossos, just follow the E90/E75 coastal road. There is free parking available on site.

Guided tour to Knossos from Rethymno

A guided day tour to Knossos is the simplest way to visit the palace. You’ll be collected from your hotel in Rethymno, with round-trip transfers making your trip run smoothly.

These excursions last between 8 and 10 hours and often include a stop in Heraklion too.

How much does the entrance ticket to Knossos cost?

To explore the Palace of Knossos, you’ll need to pay an entry fee. Tickets can be purchased online to avoid the queues at the gate.

Prices are as follows:

Adult: €15
Child and EU student up to 25 years: €8
Senior (65+ years): €8
Persons with disabilities plus one carer: Free

If you are entitled to a concessionary rate, remember to take your ID with you.

Free admission is granted on March 6, April 18, May 18, the last weekend of September and October 28. You can also enter for free on the first Sunday of the months between November and March.

Combined tickets are available if you are going to be visiting both Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. These cost a flat fee of €20 per person.

What is the typical itinerary?

Your day trip to Knossos from Rethymno kicks off in style with a pickup from your hotel if you’re staying centrally. You’ll then be driven by bus to the archaeological site of Knossos for a 2-hour guided tour of the complex.

Once you’ve seen the sights of Knossos, it’s time to climb back on board the bus for the short journey to Heraklion. Here, you’ll visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum where another guided tour is on the agenda.

You’ll learn about the ancient city and discover Minoan art and frescoes in the galleries.

When the tour ends, you’ll have some free time to explore Heraklion at your own pace. You can buy lunch or enjoy a drink, as well as explore the streets of the city center.

After your visit, you’ll be driven back to Rethymno in time for dinner in the evening.

What kind of tours are available to go to Knossos?

The ultimate way to explore this ancient archaeological site is on a guided excursion to Knossos. Group tours are the way forward – here’s how they work:

Group day tours to Knossos plus Heraklion from Rethymno

The joy of a guided Knossos day trip from Rethymno is that the experience won’t break the bank. By traveling with like-minded adventurers, you’ll pay less, which means more money for ice creams! You can expect up to 50 passengers on each of these group tours.

Hotel pickups by bus are often provided for easy transport connections. You’ll be accompanied by a guide who will show you around Knossos and answer your questions.

These Knossos day tours tend to also take in Heraklion. Here, you’ll enjoy a visit to the Archaeological Museum as well as free time for independent exploration.

How much does a day trip to Knossos from Rethymno cost?

A group day trip to Knossos from Rethymno costs €30 per person, including round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned bus and hotel pickups from selected areas. There will also be a guide to give you a tour around Knossos.

Entrance fees to Knossos are not included and should be paid for in person. You can see these prices in the section above.

What will you see and do?

The highlight of your jaunt to Knossos is of course the ancient palace itself. This is where Minoan Crete’s legendary past comes to life and the spot where King Minos built his lavish complex.

Legend has it that the fearsome Minotaur lived here in this labyrinth, so keep a wary eye out!

Knossos was discovered as recently as the 19th century, yet it dates to 2,000 B.C. making it one of Europe’s oldest sites. It can be a little confusing navigating around the archaeological complex, which is why a guided tour is the best way to explore.

The Minoans were an advanced civilization, and Knossos was at the center of society in Crete. The palace once had a maze of homes, workshops and royal residences.

Today, you’ll see the remains of many of these buildings and terraces, including the grand staircase and colorful throne room. Frescoes have been restored to give you a glimpse into life here back in the day. The courts are still visible too, as well as the royal apartments and the old theater.

What are the opening times?

The Palace is open every day of the year except on public holidays like Easter and Christmas. This means you can enjoy a day tour to Knossos from Rethymno no matter when you visit Crete.

Opening times are as follows:

April to August: 8 AM – 8 PM
September: 8 AM – 7/7:30 PM
October: 8 AM – 6/6:30 PM
November to March: 8:30 AM – 5 PM

Last admissions are 15 minutes before closing time.

When is the best time to visit Knossos?

You can enjoy a Knossos day trip at any time of year. However, if you want to see it bathed in sun, come during the summer months. Just avoid the height of the afternoon when it can be very hot!

It gets crowded during peak season, so aim for spring or fall if you prefer to visit when the site is quieter.

Travel tips

Hotel pickups for day trips to Knossos from Rethymno often take place 90 minutes before the tour begins – be prepared for an early start.
You may find it easier to take cash to purchase tickets for Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
It’s a long day out so take snacks and water to keep you going. There will be an opportunity to buy lunch in Heraklion.

Knossos: Day Trips and Tours from Rethymno