In case you solely e-book someday journey when you’re in Crete, it must be a day trip exploring the traditional palace of Knossos with youngsters.
The legendary residence of the fabled Minotaur in its labyrinth, and the jail of Daedalus and Icarus, it was the center of the Minoan civilisation which dominated right here for round 2,000 years, from across the time of the primary pharaohs in Historical Egypt.
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Rediscovered within the late nineteenth century, there’s extra to see than many historical websites after it was (controversially) restored however that does imply that visiting Knossos with youngsters is commonly extra entertaining than others too.
And in case your youngsters are followers of the Percy Jackson books, it’s unmissable – the Minotaur and King Minos’s ghost play vital roles within the collection, and it’s nicely price studying The Battle of the Labyrinth specifically earlier than they go to.
Whether or not they’re or not, listed here are my suggestions for planning a day trip at Knossos with youngsters and what it is advisable to know.
For extra issues to do in Crete with youngsters, try my high picks
The Palace of Knossos: the important details
The Palace of Knossos is one in all Crete’s most well-known vital archaeological websites, simply outdoors the capital Heraklion.
House to the ruins of a Bronze Age palace that was the ceremonial and political centre of Minoan civilisation, Knossos is taken into account to be Europe’s oldest metropolis. The primary settlement on the location dates even additional again, to round 7,000BCE.
And its palace is steeped in historical historical past and Greek mythology, most famously the legend of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur but in addition the story of Daedalus and Icarus, who flew too near the solar.
Found in 1878, the excavations unearthed a collection of buildings, roadways and palace advanced, together with spectacular wall frescoes and artefacts suggesting a cult of bull worship.
The legendary labyrinth was mentioned to be hidden beneath the palace itself however no hint has been discovered: some historians consider the sprawling web site of Knossos, with its paths and useless ends was the inspiration for the story.
Leaving apart the parable, the Palace of Knossos is the biggest preserved Minoan web site on Crete, though not the one one you’ll be able to discover. Some components, together with the Little Palace, date again so far as 2000BCE and there are 4 wings organized across the central courtyard.
As you discover, you’ll be able to see the royal quarters and throne room, but in addition every thing from shrines to retailer rooms.
After native archaeologist Minos Kalokairinos recognized the location, the primary excavations have been carried out by British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, between 1900 and 1931. The work made his repute, however included some very controversial restorations, together with utilizing fashionable supplies like concrete for repairs and repainting frescoes.
Whereas it’s not the best way present excavations could be carried out, it does imply that it seems much more intact, so extra attention-grabbing to discover with youngsters than a heap of stones.
Ideas for visiting Knossos with youngsters
Arrive early
I can’t stress this sufficient! Not solely does it get highly regarded with little shade, particularly in the event you’re visiting in summer season, the queues and crowds rapidly get very large.
At 8am, we walked straight in to select up our tickets & had just one cruise ship tour to dodge. By the point we left two hours later, the location was heaving and the road for entry snaked nicely past the ticket sales space.
In case you can’t come early, it’s price coming later within the afternoon when a number of the tour teams have moved on to different websites in Heraklion (or again to their cruise ships) and when the temperatures are beginning to drop.
Do carry loads of water and a hat as nicely.
Find out how to prebook tickets for Knossos
Whereas a lot of the main ticket web sites, like Get Your Information, Tiqets and Viator, do promote tickets, they don’t normally provide the diminished baby fee until you’re additionally reserving a tour.
If in case you have youngsters who’re EU residents or youngsters aged beneath 5, they get in free (although you might be requested to indicate a passport or ID card to confirm this).
These aged 6-25 from non-EU nations (together with the UK and US) get a 50% low cost however the one option to get the diminished possibility is to e-book direct or pay if you arrive (which could be very dangerous at busy occasions).
Whilst you obtain e mail affirmation after shopping for instantly, you continue to want to select your tickets up if you arrive on the web site earlier than utilizing them to move via the turnstiles.
In case you get there early, you’ll be able to anticipate to stroll straight as much as the home windows and simply present the affirmation. In any other case, there are roped off strains to queue, which begin within the open house between the automotive park and ticket desk.
In case you do have prebooked skip-the-line tickets, you must have the ability to stroll previous these on to the turnstiles however employees are available to reply questions and to organise the strains.
Purchase joint tickets for the Museum
Whilst you’re reserving, adults can get joint tickets with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum for adults (youngsters want 2 separate ones).
It’s nicely price combining the 2 because the spectacular museum holds a number of the artefacts discovered at Knossos in addition to different reveals which assist carry the location to life so that they work nicely collectively.
Look out for the originals of the frescoes reproduced at Knossos in addition to the mysterious Linear A Minoan language tablets – and do permit loads of time, the museum is large!
In case you go to Knossos first, choose up tickets for each if you arrive to keep away from queueing once more on the museum later – as an alternative you’ll be able to go straight to the ticket boundaries. In case you go to the museum first, you also needs to have the ability to acquire your tickets for Knossos there.
The Heraklion hop-on hop-off bus stops at each Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in addition to exploring the town
Knossos with a information
Whereas there are many choices to prebook guides, you may as well rent them on the gate in order for you – as you arrive, you’ll see them ready to the correct of the ticket cubicles.
As ever, if you recognize you positively need a information, it’s price prebooking throughout peak season particularly in the event you’re not arriving early – as soon as the guides are off exhibiting individuals across the web site, you gained’t have probability.
You could find skip-the-line entry together with a guided tour though these excursions usually are not completely geared toward households so higher with older youngsters
In case you want to go at your personal tempo, there are indicators dotted throughout the location with extra background although (and with so many guides round, you’re certain to overhear snippets too). You may also purchase tickets together with smartphone audio guides.
There’s no query that the guides are nice for serving to carry the location to life, mentioning the important thing particulars in addition to giving the background: you’ll be able to anticipate excursions to final round 60-90 minutes, though you can additionally then head again to wander round extra in the event you needed.
You might have to attend for a bunch of round 6-8 earlier than the information leaves, in the event you don’t need a personal tour. Costs will fluctuate relying on what number of are within the group (extra in order for you a non-public tour) and the time of yr, however round 80-100 Euros for 4 individuals is frequent.
You may also discover specialist Percy Jackson excursions of Knossos – try Knossos Guides.
Most information books on Crete even have a piece on Knossos, together with the Lonely Planet Information to Crete however you will discover devoted information books together with Knossos: A Full Information to the Palace of Minos
Find out how to to get to Knossos
If in case you have your personal rent automotive, there’s free parking at Knossos subsequent to the doorway – as you may anticipate, there’s loads of room very first thing (together with a coveted spot within the shade of the timber) nevertheless it does refill all through the day.
In case you are staying in Heraklion with youngsters, there are buses which run out to the Palace of Knossos as nicely, or taxis aren’t too costly (round 7-10 Euros) because the journey is barely round 3 miles from the town centre.
Alternatively, you need to use tickets for the Heraklion hop-on hop-off bus which stops at Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, in addition to providing you with a tour of the town.
There are additionally loads of excursions to Knossos in the event you’re staying elsewhere on the island, together with a day journey from Chania, in addition to from Rethymno and Malia.
Don’t anticipate to see a labyrinth!
In case your youngsters expect to reach and see a maze specified by entrance of them, it’s price setting a couple of expectations upfront.
Though you’ll discover the palace web site itself, which some historians consider impressed the labyrinth fable (and in line with legend, sat on high of the labyrinth), you gained’t get to wander via an countless maze of passages.
There are a couple of locations the place you’ll see bull’s horns dotted round, however there are additionally no minotaurs – which comes as one thing of a reduction!
Work is continually ongoing on the web site as nicely, together with for restoration functions, so not all areas could also be open throughout your go to.
Greek myths for youths – what to learn
Though you don’t need to know a lot about Greek mythology earlier than you go to Knossos with youngsters, it makes an enormous distinction if they’ve some background information to maintain them engaged.
There are numerous books of Greek myths for youths with choices for various age teams. We now have this lovely Usborne E-book of Greek Myths or the writer additionally has this Illustrated Tales from the Greek Myths which is right for youthful youngsters.
Greek Myths for Younger Kids is designed for studying out loud in the event you’re travelling to Crete with youthful youngsters and this Sticker Greek Myths is one other enjoyable child pleasant choice to pack.
Or for books focusing extra on the myths of Knossos, The legend of Theseus: Theseus and the Minotauris a child-friendly model, whereas Monsters of the Greek Myths consists of the Minotaur, together with Medusa and the Chimera.
And Amaze-ing Minotaur is a enjoyable illustrated model of the legend for youths aged 5+.
In case you want one thing which isn’t only a retelling of the myths, the Percy Jackson collection is nice for youths – particularly aged round 8-12 – and options Knossos within the tales as nicely.
For these visiting with teenagers, there’s a implausible different take a look at the story in Ariadne, instructed from her perspective as half-sister to the Minotaur and the lady who helps Theseus discover his approach via the labyrinth.
Visiting Knossos with youngsters: must know
Tickets at the moment value 15 Euros for adults, 8 Euros for youngsters aged 5-25 (non-EU residents), free for beneath fives and EU residents aged 5-25.
Mixed entry tickets together with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum value 20 Euros for adults. Little one tickets for the museum value 6 Euros and it is advisable to purchase each individually. In any other case entry to the museum alone prices 12 Euros.
There are some free admission days on the Palace of Knossos, together with each first Sunday from November 1 to March 31, in the event you’re visiting Crete out of peak season, in addition to Worldwide Monuments Day on April 18 and Worldwide Museums Day on Might 18. For the complete particulars, go to the official web site.
Opening hours through the summer season months are between 8am and 8pm every day besides Tuesdays when the location opens at 10am. There are extra restricted opening hours through the winter months, when the location closes at 5pm (and typically earlier)
There are bathrooms and a small cafe, though it’s typically busy, in addition to a contemporary juice stall by the doorway – when you’re inside, there are not any amenities. Meals just isn’t allowed however you’ll be able to take your personal water in. There may be additionally free parking on web site.
In case you’re questioning whether or not Knossos is stroller pleasant, there are ramps alongside the steps that can assist you get round in the event you’re bringing a buggy, however you may as well anticipate sections with unpaved paths and uneven surfaces.
A child provider is best if you’re visiting with little ones. Realistically, it’s not a simple place to go to with toddlers although.
For extra recommendations on visiting Greece with youngsters, try my information to the nation together with Athens and the Greek Islands
Issues to do close to Knossos with youngsters
In case you’re planning to go to Knossos with youngsters, you’re unlikely to spend the entire day exploring (even with devoted followers of Greek myths) nevertheless it’s simple to mix a number of the close by sights at Heraklion.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Even when your youngsters aren’t usually followers of museums, that is positively one to placed on the record, and an important possibility to mix with a go to to Knossos, which is round quarter-hour away.
With 27 galleries throughout two flooring, its assortment covers 5,500 years, from the Neolithic age to Greco-Roman occasions, together with the world’s greatest assortment of Minoan treasures – simply the perfect museum to go to in Crete with youngsters.
You possibly can wander via recreated interval rooms, frescoes and sculptures, in addition to different artefacts alongside the best way, together with every thing from artworks to home goods.
It’s additionally blissfully air conditioned. You should buy joint tickets with the Knossos palace entry.
Heraklion hop-on hop-off bus
The Heraklion hop-on hop-off bus stops at each the museum and the Palace of Knossos in addition to the town’s different highlights, so it’s a sensible and enjoyable option to discover Heraklion with youngsters.
There are eight stops alongside the route together with the Previous Port Sq., the Historic Museum of Crete and the Venetian Partitions (in addition to the Archaeological museum and Knossos itself).
Tickets are legitimate for 48 hours and a full loop takes one hour. Buses run round each 45 minutes in summer season.
Labyrinth Park
If you wish to discover a labyrinth in your youngsters to discover, add Labyrinth Park to your record of household sights in Crete.
This distinctive Minoan-themed amusement park near Heraklion has an enormous 1,300sqm labyrinth for the entire household to get misplaced in, and it’s an entertaining place to show youngsters about Greek mythology – positively one of the crucial uncommon issues to do in Crete with youngsters!
Splendid for youthful youngsters, there are an enormous vary of actions, together with mini golf, quad bikes, archery, horse rides and a dwell escape recreation as nicely.
You may also pop by the projector room, the place movies on the traditional Minoan Civilization of Crete are proven all through the day, and revel in lunch within the historical Knossos-themed cafe.
Go to the seaside
If you’d like a while stress-free after a morning exploring Knossos, it’s simple to move to the seaside when you’ve discover the palace.
A few of the closest are the Hersonissos Seashores – a group of small native seashores simply to the east of Heraklion, with calm, clear waters and loads of family-friendly amenities.
Take a ship tour
For an additional relaxed afternoon different, attempt a crusing journey from Heraklion to Dia island, simply to the north of Crete.
Whereas it means making certain you’re completed at Knossos in time to make the afternoon crusing at 2.30pm, the 4 and a half hour boat tour makes for a calming out finish to the day – the realm was a favorite vacation spot of well-known underwater explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau as nicely.
There’s time to swim and snorkel, in addition to stress-free on the shores of Dia Island or taking a stroll beneath the cedar timber. There’s some historical past to be discovered alongside the best way too, as you uncover an historical Minoan port.
The journey features a scrumptious Mediterranean meal – in addition to having the odd glass of native wine – earlier than arriving again to Heraklion at 7pm. The boat tour is appropriate for youths aged 4+.
Cretaquarium
Enterprise beneath the waves at Cretaquarium, a Mediterranean-themed aquarium near Heraklion. House to over 2,000 sea creatures throughout 60 tanks, there’s loads to see and it’s simple to whereas away and hour or two right here.
From big sharks to microscopic plankton, youngsters can study all about marine life within the area and there’s an audio information as you discover (or you’ll be able to pay further for a brief guided tour too).
E-book tickets with free cancellation right here.
Dinosauria Park
Journey even additional again in historical past than Knossos at this interactive theme park dedicated to dinosaurs.
At Dinosauria you’ll be able to journey again in time to the Mesozoic period as you wander across the park discovering full-sized animatronic creatures, whereas interactive screens train you in regards to the life and habitats of every dinosaur you encounter.Â
Youngsters can even get hands-on with enjoyable actions together with fossil excavations, hatching a dinosaur egg, and caring for injured creatures on the Basic Hospital of Dinosaurs. The park has a restaurant, present store, and huge youngsters’s play space too.
Acqua Plus Water Park
Acqua Plus is the largest and hottest water park in Crete, simply 25 minutes from Heraklion with over ​​50 thrilling water slides, rides, and video games for youths and adults of all ages.Â
For teenagers and older youngsters, you’ll discover excessive slides just like the Kamikaze and Giants of Terror, whereas little ones can benefit from the youngsters’ waterslides, exercise playgrounds, a fantasy inflatable citadel, and plenty extra.
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