The ancient Palace of Knossos is one of Crete's oldest and most popular places to visit. Exploring this most famous archaeological site is one of the island's top things to do. Let our specialist local guide transport you back to the Bronze Age as you stroll by still-standing columns and faded frescoes. Georgios, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘With an early start and skip-the-line tickets, you'll be one of the first to enter the site, giving you plenty of space to take photos of treasures like the Throne Room, the Royal Apartments and more mural before the crowds arrive.'
Knossos was once the hub of the ancient Minoan civilisation, and is said to have been the site of the underground labyrinth that contained the mythical Minotaur – a fearsome half-man, half-bull creature. Hear stories and legends surrounding the palace and its kings as you tour all the standout spots. Georgios says, ‘Considered by experts to be Europe's oldest city, Knossos holds evidence of human settlement from nine millennia ago. The Minoans were incredibly advanced, and the site reveals the story of thousands of years of population changes, natural disasters, faiths and fashions.'
Explore the ruins of columns, mosaics and palaces, and see the remains of the Fresco Gallery and Double Axes Hall, too. Be sure to snap some photos of the Prince of the Lilies painting and the Bull mural – they're two of the best examples of Minoan art and remain important symbols of Crete.
