Cretan Malia Park
Crete, Greek Islands, Greece[28.7 miles]
A funky, sustainably minded haven, this 205-key beach resort brings a dash of sophistication to an over-developed corner of Crete.
Official star rating:
Bucket list experience:
Knossos
Crete, Greek Islands, Greece
Last updated: 18 December, 2022
Knossos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, and is known as Europe’s oldest city, dating back to the Neolithic period.
It was the palace of King Minos, founder of the Minoan civilisation that flourished 4,000 years ago. This is also where Theseus slayed the mythical Minotaur, after navigating through the labyrinth with the help of Minos’ daughter, Ariadne.
The size of a small town, the palace itself resembles a labyrinth. With its stunning frescoes, mosaics, ceramic vessels, and painted columns, the site is remarkably well preserved (though some archaeologists object to Arthus Evans’ partial reconstructions of the site).
Don't miss
In the royal quarters, the Throne Room’s walls are decorated with lovely frescoes of mythical griffins.
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Destination Guide >Price from: £5
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
Just 5km from Heraklion, Knossos is well-signposted and easy to visit independently by car or by bus. However, enlisting the services of a knowledgeable guide will elevate an experience that can be let down by the heat and crowds.
Book your tickets in advance online to avoid the lengthy queues. Buy a combined ticket for access to the equally exceptional Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, where many of the treasures unearthed at Knossos are now on display.
Wear sneakers and a hat and take plenty of drinking water with you. There is minimal shade on the site. After, skip the surrounding tourist traps and head to Armenakis taverna in the nearby village of Vasilies for typical Cretan fare: stuffed cabbages leaves, roast goat, and fried local cheese.
When to do it
Knossos is open year-round (opening times vary seasonally). Off-season is by far the best time to go. In peak season, go as early or as late as you can to beat the crowds and midday heat.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Kapsaliana Village Hotel
Crete, Greek Islands, Greece[49.3 miles]
Once an olive mill owned by the nearby Arkadi monastery, this 200-year-old stone hamlet has been sensitively converted into a secluded hillside hideaway, where nature and traditional heritage take centre stage.
Official star rating:
Blue Palace Elounda
Crete, Greek Islands, Greece[51.2 miles]
A modern classic on the quieter end of Elounda, with a wealth of facilities and warm Cretan staff. The atmosphere is calm and cossetting, making it hard to venture out and explore the island.
Official star rating:
Minos Beach Art Hotel
Crete, Greek Islands, Greece[51.4 miles]
A 1960s landmark brimming with contemporary art, this low-rise resort has an enviable seaside location and lashings of local colour.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Crete
Greek Islands, Greece
Greece’s largest island has something for everyone: ramblers and epicureans, history buffs and beach bums. From jaw-dropping gorges to ravishing beaches, Crete is so much more than world-famous Knossos.
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Greek Islands
Greek Islands, Greece
Sparkling seas, sugar-cube villages, cliff-hanging hamlets, ancient temples, delicious Mediterranean food and mesmerising sunsets – the Greek Islands offer so much. Just ask Shirley Valentine.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Crete’s best food & drink
Crete, Greek Islands, Greece[12.6 miles]
Seasonal, local, and traditional, Cretan food is phenomenally fresh and tasty. Don’t miss home-grown produce, especially olive oil, honey, wine, and cheese.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Overview >Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Crete, Greek Islands, Greece[4.9 miles]
Second only to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, the astonishing collection focuses on Minoan art. Highlights are: vivid frescoes from Knossos, tablets inscribed with the syllabic Linear B script, and the enigmatic Phaistos disc whose spiral pictograms and signs have yet to be deciphered.
Best for ages: 13+ | £8
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Experience
Manousos Chalkiadakis Ceramics
Crete, Greek Islands, Greece[19.2 miles]
In the hamlet of Paidohori, in the foothills of the White Mountains, Manousos Chalkiadakis moulds and throws clay into collectable homeware and sculpture. As well as decorative boats, pomegranates, and fish, you’ll find beautiful stoneware lamps and Cycladic-style figurines. Pottery workshops can also be arranged.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Experience
Monastery of Arkadi
Crete, Greek Islands, Greece[48.3 miles]
More than a religious landmark, this 16th-century monastery is a symbol of the Cretan struggle for independence from Ottoman rule. In 1866, hundreds of locals took refuge inside the monastery, but were besieged by Turkish troops; rather than surrendering, they blew themselves (and their enemies) up. The fortress-like compound is still inhabited by a handful of monks.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Experience
Spinalonga
Crete, Greek Islands, Greece[52.3 miles]
Lepers were once marooned on this tiny island opposite Elounda. Uninhabited since 1957, it’s now a haunting national monument, accessible by fishing boat or on a day cruise. Go early: the crowds and heat get pretty intense by midday.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Round-ups that include this experience
43 Must-see ancient sites & ruins of lost civilisations
Multiple countries
Throughout human history vast empires have risen and fallen into ruin, their culture and customs lost to the sands of time. Thankfully, some outstanding examples remain. Here’s our round-up of the best.
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