Knossos Palace (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Knossos Palace?
What makes it 50% Baby-Friendly: Babies are allowed and toilets have a basic change shelf, but rough stairs, no stroller rental, no nursing room, and long sun exposure make visits tricky with an infant.
Positives:
- Baby Enters Free: Children under 2 have free admission with a paid adult ticket
- Shaded Rest Spots: Entrance café offers seating near restrooms and shade
Challenges:
- Uneven Terrain: Stone paths and steps block strollers beyond the entrance plaza
- No On-Site Diaper Facilities: Carry spare diapers; bring coins (€0.50) for paper towels in entrance restrooms
What is Knossos Palace?
- A Bronze Age royal palace complex of the Minoan civilization dating to circa 1900–1300 BCE
- A sprawling multi-level complex showcasing a central courtyard, labyrinthine corridors, and vibrant fresco fragments
- An early 20th-century archaeological reconstruction by Sir Arthur Evans that shapes its current form and anchors modern study of Minoan society
What is so special about Knossos Palace for with baby?
- Carry your baby in a soft carrier to explore the entire site
- Enjoy major frescoes and central courtyard at a relaxed pace
- Take regular breaks at the entrance café with shade and restrooms
- Plan a short 1–2 hour visit to match a baby’s routine
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows a relaxed pace to see main ruins and take baby breaks
Baby-Friendly Activities in Knossos Palace
Carry Your Baby Through the Central Court:
Walk the palace’s large open courtyard to see Minoan column bases and fresco fragments
Tip: Use a soft carrier to move easily across uneven paving
Spot the Bull-Leaping Fresco:
View the vivid reconstruction of the famous Bull-Leaping scene in the north wing
Tip: Go early to avoid crowds and step back for a full view
Rest at the Entrance Café:
Sit in shaded seating just inside the main gate
Tip: Bring your own water and baby snacks; café has limited menu
Explore the Royal Apartments:
Follow the accessible path through the former living quarters
Tip: Use front-pack carrier since stairs and narrow walkways make strollers difficult
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Knossos Palace
- Visit at Opening: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler morning temperatures
- Use a Baby Carrier: Keeps hands free and helps you reach all areas safely
- Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, hat, and diaper supplies since shops are at the entrance only
Reviews of Knossos Palace
Tery Tsiliganos
Every time I am in Crete I make it a point to visit this tremendous site! Beautiful and mysterious be prepared to experience the first civilization of Europe at its finest! Wear good foot wear....don't come in flip flops as some of the stones have become worn with the millions of tourists that visit and can be slippery. A hat is a must in the Cretan sun and ensure you are hydrated. There is a te...
Estelle Bardet
Good visit. I’d recommend to come very early (8am) to avoid mass tourists. The tour took me 1 hour - while taking my time, and by 915am I ran into a whole crowd of people just arriving. Glad I could visit the site peacefully with just a bunch of people visiting around. Plus, by 8 am on an August day, the temperatures are still manageable.
Gleb Babaren
I was deeply impressed by the ruins. Many of the structures I had only seen in textbooks as a child, and now I had the chance to see them in real life. The site dates back approximately 4,000 to 4,700 years. Some areas have been partially restored, which helps to visualize how it might have looked originally. A truly remarkable and unforgettable experience.
Sabina Bandula
Amazing! Incredible to visit something that has survived this long. Easy to get to and from by bus. There are timed entries but arriving between 8 and 9 avoided the crowds with guides in the queues. Otherwise enjoy the beautiful palace of the first advanced civilization in Europe!
Ann Baity
I recommend going as early as possible. It gets crowded and hot. Purchase your tickets online in advance and skip the line. A combo ticket for the museum is available. To fully appreciate the site, you may wish to hire a multi-lingual guide there. It was very interesting. I hope the tips help you to enjoy it fully!
When is the best time to visit Knossos Palace (Heraklion, Greece)?
In summer arrive at opening (8 am) to avoid heat. In winter check winter hours and dress in layers for wind.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Adult Tickets (€15 each) | EUR 30 |
| Café snack/drink | EUR 5 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 35 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Knossos Palace
Address: Knossos 714 09, Greece
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About Knossos Palace
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+30 281 023 1940Explore Popular Things to Do
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