Attraction Tours in Heraklion: Knossos and Beyond
Attraction tours around Heraklion fall into four types: a guide at Knossos, a guided visit to the Archaeological Museum, excursions to the Messara Plain and organised winery stops. A fifth type, the long coach day to Spinalonga or Samaria, exists but needs a very early start. The notes below help you judge what is worth paying for.
Is a guide worth it at Knossos?
For most visitors, yes. Knossos lies about 5 km south of Heraklion, and licensed guides offer their services at the entrance. Fees vary, so settle the price and the length of the tour before you walk in. Much of what you see is a reconstruction in concrete made by Arthur Evans from 1900 to 1931, and a guide explains which parts are original. Highlights include the Central Court, the Throne Room and the Grand Staircase. The palace belongs to the UNESCO-listed Minoan Palatial Centres.
The site ticket is separate from any guide fee. It costs EUR 20, or EUR 10 reduced, at all times of year, and no combined ticket covers both Knossos and the museum.
Museum tours
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum, at Xanthoudidou 2, is the place where the best finds from Knossos are kept. The ticket is EUR 20 from April to October and EUR 12 from November to March. A guided visit helps because the Phaistos Disc, the Snake Goddess figurines and the Bull-Leaping fresco sit among many smaller objects. Wednesday opening is later in summer (13:00) and at 10:00 in winter, so book a tour for another day of the week if you can.
Messara Plain excursions
Tours to Phaistos cover about 60 to 75 km southward, and the drive takes 1.25 to 1.5 hours each way. The Phaistos ticket is EUR 15 or EUR 8 reduced. Many itineraries combine the palace with Gortyn and a stop at the Matala caves, where entry costs about EUR 5 in cash. Independent travellers can catch a bus from KTEL Station B in the Chanioporta area.
Winery visits
Archanes and Peza are the wine-growing villages inland from the city. Half-day tastings are the usual format.
The very long days
- Spinalonga: the boats depart from Plaka, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, so the coach from Heraklion adds at least 65 km each way. Entry to the island costs EUR 20 or EUR 10 reduced, and the boat fare is extra.
- Samaria Gorge: tours last between 12 and 17 hours, and the gorge is shut from 1 November.
Both are tiring, so many visitors prefer to stay overnight near the sites instead.
Read more: Day trips from Heraklion for distances and bus options.
Where to check and compare
The Ministry of Culture publishes the Knossos details , and Hellenic Heritage lists Phaistos . Operators can be compared on GetYourGuide .