Knossos Palace
Heraklion, Central Crete
Knossos, is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and has been called Europe's oldest city.
Visit the cradle of the Minoan civilization, the palace - labyrinth of legendary King Minos and its mythical Minotaur.
When to Visit Knossos
It is far better to try to be at the site, which is easily accessible by bus or by taxi from Iraklion, either at the very start of the day, or in the early evening (in summer the site remains open until sunset.) Midday can also be quieter, when the large group tours go off and have lunch. You should also arm yourself with plenty of water and a good map of the site.
The Palace of Knossos
The astonishing ruins of the Minoan Palaces of Crete, especially of Knossos and the opulent finds of this highly sophisticated culture that shaped the early stages of Greek civilization have always left the visitors of Crete in awe. Closely interwoven with tales of blood and gore such as the story of the beast slayer Athenian prince Theseus who killed the half-man half-bull Minotaur in his lair, the Labyrinth, putting an end to the bloody tribute of the youth and maidens of Athens, Knossos, since the Homers time, has been the scene of scene of some of the most fascinating episodes of Greek mythology.
Enjoy your visit!