Knossos Opening Hours
Knossos opening hours change with the season. Here are the opening times, last entry, closed days and the quietest hours to explore the palace.
Knossos opening hours by season
Knossos is open every day of the year apart from a few national holidays. Hours follow the tourist season: the site stays open into the evening in summer and closes earlier in winter.
Summer season
Roughly April to October
08:00 to 20:00
Winter season
Roughly November to March
08:00 to the afternoon (shorter hours)
Last entry is usually 30 minutes before closing. Exact hours are set by the Ministry of Culture, can change at short notice and may differ on public holidays, so please check them close to your visit on the official hhticket.gr or simply ask us.
Closed days and holiday Knossos opening hours
Like most Greek archaeological sites, Knossos normally closes on 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Orthodox Easter Sunday, 25 December and 26 December. Opening times are often reduced on other religious holidays such as Good Friday.
Knossos opening hours: best time of day to visit
First hour after opening
The coolest and calmest time. You can reach the Throne Room before the queues build up.
Late morning to early afternoon
Peak time for coach tours and cruise groups, with the strongest sun. Avoid if you can.
Last two hours
Softer light for photos and noticeably fewer visitors, especially in summer.
Best months to visit
April, May, late September and October combine warm weather with manageable crowds. July and August are the busiest and hottest months, so plan an early start. Winter visits are quiet and peaceful, just remember the earlier closing time.
Whatever the season, the Knossos opening hours work best with a little planning. Book Knossos tickets for an early time slot, consider a guided tour to get more out of your visit, and check how to get to Knossos so you arrive on time. If you are visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum on the same day, remember that it has its own hours and ticket.