Knossos Opening Hours 2026 — Seasonal Times & Last Entry
The Palace of Knossos is open every day from 8:00 AM in summer, closing around 8:00 PM at peak season and tapering earlier through autumn; winter hours (November–March) are roughly 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Last entry is about 15 minutes before closing. It’s closed only on a few public holidays. Arriving at opening beats both the heat and the coach-tour crowds.
Knossos keeps long summer hours but a much shorter winter day, and because the site is open-air with almost no shade, when you arrive matters as much as the opening time itself. The single best move in any season is to be at the gate when it opens.
This guide sets out the 2026 seasonal opening hours, the last-entry cut-off, the days it’s closed, and the free-entry Sundays worth knowing about.
Knossos Hours at a Glance
| Season | Hours | Last entry |
|---|---|---|
| Peak summer (May–mid-Sep) | 8:00 AM–7:30/8:00 PM | ~15 min before close |
| Spring & autumn shoulder | 8:00 AM–6:00/7:00 PM | ~15 min before close |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | ~8:30 AM–5:00 PM | ~15 min before close |
Hours step down gradually through autumn and can change, so confirm your date on the official Hellenic Heritage ticketing site before visiting.
Daily Opening Hours
The Palace of Knossos opens at 8:00 AM through spring, summer and early autumn, closing as late as 7:30–8:00 PM in peak season and progressively earlier from mid-September. In winter (November to March) it runs shorter hours, roughly 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s open daily, with last admission about 15 minutes before closing.
The opening time is the reliable part — 8:00 AM for most of the year — while the closing time steps down through the seasons, from around 8:00 PM at the height of summer to 5:00 PM in winter. The site is managed by the Greek Ministry of Culture, which adjusts the schedule periodically, so it’s always worth checking the official portal for your exact date. Because Knossos is compact but exposed, an early start pays off; our guide to the best time to visit covers the ideal windows by season.
Last Admission
Last entry is roughly 15 minutes before the posted closing time, and staff begin clearing the site as closing approaches. Since a proper visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours, don’t treat last entry as a real arrival time — you’d be rushed and short of time for the Throne Room and the residential quarters. Aim to arrive at least two hours before closing, and ideally at opening. Our guide on how long to spend breaks down the timing.
Closed Days
The Palace of Knossos is open every day of the year except a handful of public holidays: January 1, March 25, Easter Sunday, May 1 and December 25–26. There is no weekly closing day, so on any other date it follows its seasonal hours. Hours can be reduced on some holiday eves, so check ahead if you’re visiting around a Greek national holiday.
Unlike some museums, Knossos doesn’t close one day a week — it opens daily and shuts only on the main Greek public holidays listed above. If your trip falls near one of those dates, confirm the schedule, since hours are occasionally trimmed on the days around them. On the open days, plan around the season and the heat rather than any weekly closure.
Free-Entry Sundays & Days
In winter, the Palace of Knossos is free to enter on the first and third Sundays of the month, from November through March, along with several national free-admission days spread through the year. Free days are popular and busier than usual, so if you go on one, arrive right at opening. Our guide to free entry and discounts lists every free day and who qualifies for reduced or free tickets, including under-18s and EU under-25s.
Because Knossos sits about 5 km outside Heraklion, factor the short journey into your timing; our guide on how to get to Knossos covers the city bus and taxi options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Knossos’s opening hours?
The Palace of Knossos opens at 8:00 AM for most of the year, closing as late as 7:30–8:00 PM in peak summer and progressively earlier through autumn. Winter hours (November to March) are roughly 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s open daily, with last entry about 15 minutes before closing. Hours can change, so check the official site for your date.
What time does Knossos close?
It depends on the season. At the height of summer the site stays open until around 7:30 or 8:00 PM, stepping down through September and October, and in winter it closes around 5:00 PM. The closing time is the variable part of the schedule, while the 8:00 AM summer opening stays consistent. Last admission is about 15 minutes before closing.
Is Knossos open every day?
Yes. Knossos has no weekly closing day and opens daily, closing only on major Greek public holidays: January 1, March 25, Easter Sunday, May 1, and December 25 and 26. Hours can be reduced on some holiday eves, so if your visit is around a national holiday, confirm the schedule on the official portal first.
What time is last entry?
Last admission is roughly 15 minutes before the posted closing time. Because a full visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours, arriving at last entry leaves you rushed. Aim to arrive at least two hours before closing, and ideally at the 8:00 AM opening in summer, when it’s cooler and quieter.
When is the best time of day to visit?
Right at opening, 8:00 AM in summer. The site is open-air with almost no shade, so early mornings are far cooler and much quieter than the mid-morning to midday period, when coach tours and cruise groups arrive. Late afternoon is a second-best quieter window.
Is Knossos ever free to enter?
Yes. Entry is free on the first and third Sundays of the month from November to March, and on several national free-admission days through the year. Under-18s and EU citizens under 25 are always free with ID. Free days draw bigger crowds, so arrive right at opening.
Do the hours change in winter?
Yes, significantly. Winter hours (November to March) are much shorter than summer — roughly 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, versus up to 8:00 PM at the height of summer. The site also gets dark earlier, so plan a winter visit for the middle of the day. Always confirm the current winter schedule, as it’s adjusted seasonally.
Do I need to book a time slot?
Knossos uses timed entry, so booking a slot in advance is sensible in peak season, when the gate is busiest. A skip-the-line guided tour or a pre-booked entry ticket secures your time and saves queueing. Off-season you can usually buy at the gate without much wait.
