The Palace of Knossos is the must-see attraction on Crete, boasting the most visitors. This ancient site lets you explore remnants of a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age civilization that once dominated parts of the Aegean Sea. Located in northern Crete, Knossos is accessible via a well-maintained highway from Chania. The two-hour drive, filled with stunning coastal views and mountain scenery, is straightforward with clear signage, and we took a brief lunch break at a roadside gas station.
Entrance to Knossos costs 8€ per adult (15€ during peak season), with travel guides available at the gate. For an additional 15 Euros per person, we hired an English-speaking guide. These fees are negotiable depending on your group size; ours consisted of four people. The guide was invaluable, offering insights beyond what was on the limited signage. He showed us various sections, including the royal quarters, residences for officials and priests, common folk dwellings, treasuries, storerooms, and courtyards, sharing the perspective that these early inhabitants were the first Greeks.
Dating back to around 2,000 B.C., Knossos features ruins of multiple palaces, initially excavated by Arthur Evans in the early 20th century. Highlights included colorful reconstructed frescoes like the north entrance with a charging bull, the south portico with cup bearers, and a stunning dolphin fresco. Impressive storage jars and an advanced water management system were also evident. The city met its end around 1,450 B.C., likely due to earthquakes or fires.
Reconstruction efforts at Knossos are somewhat debated. While they help visualize its former grandeur, distinguishing between original and reconstructed parts is challenging without a knowledgeable guide. Many original artifacts were moved to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum nearby, included with the ticket.
Travelers from the U.S. often fly to Crete from Athens, while Europeans typically have direct flights. Our Olympic Air flight from Athens to Chania Airport took less than an hour and was both comfortable and affordable.
Saul, based in Alexandria, Virginia, has lived in the Washington, D.C. area since 1984. He enjoys traveling across Europe with his family, engaging with locals to learn about their culture. Saul has visited numerous cities, including Berlin, Rome, and London, and has even cruised the Romantic Danube.
suansuan