Knosos

Travel Guide

An ancient temple with red columns and a stone base, set against a dramatic sunset sky.
An ancient room with a wall mural of dolphins, a doorway with decorative patterns, and a small pot on the floor.
An ancient stone structure with red columns and a mural.
Ancient ruins with stone structures and a red pillar.
A yellow telephone booth with 'CROPHONIE' written on it, located in a parking area with cars and a fence in the background.

Take a trip to explore ancient Minoan ruins, rich history, and beautiful landscapes in the heart of Crete.

Knosos is an ideal destination for culture and beach travelers. You can explore the Palace of Knossos, an important archaeological site that provides insight into ancient Minoan civilization. Nearby, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum offers a deeper understanding of the region's history, while the Historical Museum of Crete showcases the island's rich past. For outdoor activities, you might consider visiting the Lasithi Plateau, known for its scenic landscapes, which enhances the area's appeal to nature lovers.

You can also explore nearby areas that enhance your visit to Knosos. Marathitis and Skalani are known for their cultural offerings and beach experiences. Another nearby area, Heraklion, features a range of outdoor opportunities along with attractions like the Natural History Museum of Crete and the historic Heraklion Loggia. Additionally, Lions Square serves as a popular gathering point, reflecting the vibrant life in this region.

The best time to visit Knosos aligns with the warm months from June to September, when temperatures range from 75 to 79°F and the weather is mostly dry and sunny. During this period, demand tends to peak, especially from July to September. Conversely, the months of February and November to December are typically quieter, providing a more relaxed experience for those looking to explore the area without the larger crowds.

Aquila Atlantis Hotel

Aquila Atlantis Hotel

5 out of 5
2 Ygias Street Heraklion Crete Island
$92 nightly
The price is $109 total per night from Nov 28 to Nov 29
$109 total
Nov 28 - Nov 29
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Heraklion. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"The hotel was great! We were only there for one night but the room was clean and the beds were comfortable. The food in the restaurant was delicious for an easy dinner after a long day/night of flying and breakfast was good too! I wish we could have tried the pool but it was closed when we arrived ..."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2026

Aquila Atlantis Hotel
Agapi Beach Resort - Premium All Inclusive

Agapi Beach Resort - Premium All Inclusive

4 out of 5
76, Andr. Papandreou Str, Ammoudara Malevizi Crete
Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Heraklion Port and Palace of Knossos ...
Agapi Beach Resort - Premium All Inclusive
GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel

GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel

5 out of 5
9, D. Beaufort Street Heraklion Crete Island
$112 nightly
The price is $128 total per night from Dec 13 to Dec 14
$128 total
Dec 13 - Dec 14
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Heraklion. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Plānis Str Urban Suites by Semavi

Plānis Str Urban Suites by Semavi

17 Koroneou Heraklion
Stay at this aparthotel in Heraklion. Enjoy free WiFi, dry cleaning or laundry services, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Heraklion Port and Palace ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (45 reviews)
"“3RD FLOOR NO LIFT” should have been made a lot clearer before making a non-refundable booking."

Reviewed on Oct 21, 2026

Plānis Str Urban Suites by Semavi
Village Heights Resort

Village Heights Resort

5 out of 5
Hersonissos Hersonissos Crete Island
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Hersonissos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (489 reviews)
"Staff were all so lovely and the property is stunning. The studios are very spacious and the amenities and restaurants are easy to book and the food was great across the board. They also have a free shuttle a few times a day to the town which is fantastic <3"

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2026

Village Heights Resort
Omikron Luxury Residences by Semavί

Omikron Luxury Residences by Semavί

Dikeosinis Heraklion
Stay at this apartment in Heraklion. Enjoy free WiFi, satellite TV channels, and bathrobes. Popular attractions Heraklion Port and Palace of Knossos are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
"Great location. Clean and organized. Amenities are complete"

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2026

Omikron Luxury Residences by Semavί
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Knosos attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Knosos?
The best time to visit Knosos is from November through March, when the weather is typically mild and pleasant. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and potentially better value, the months of July through August are a good option, though they are generally warmer.
What is Knosos known for?
Knosos is known for the ancient Palace of Knossos, a major historical landmark and archaeological site. Located on Crete in Greece, this destination is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering travelers a deep dive into its rich and ancient past.
What is a good itinerary length for Knosos?
A good itinerary length for Knosos is one day to explore the Palace of Knossos and the Knossos Archaeological Site. For a more in-depth experience, two days allows travelers to fully immerse themselves in the history, perhaps with the Knossos Palace Ticket & In-App Audio Tour: the Labyrinth of the Minotaur.
What are the top things to do in and around Knosos?
In Knosos, travelers can explore the ancient Knossos Archaeological Site, home to the historic Palace of Knossos, often associated with the legendary Labyrinth of the Minotaur.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Knosos?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Knosos by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Knosos with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Knosos trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Knosos?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Knosos can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Knosos trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Knosos trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Knosos trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Knosos trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Knosos?
If it's your first trip to Knosos, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Knosos hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Knosos hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Knosos

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