For those who solely ebook in the future journey when you’re in Crete, it needs to be a day trip exploring the traditional palace of Knossos with children.
The legendary house of the fabled Minotaur in its labyrinth, and the jail of Daedalus and Icarus, it was the guts 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 children is commonly extra entertaining than others too.
And in case your children are followers of the Percy Jackson books, it’s unmissable – the Minotaur and King Minos’s ghost play essential roles within the collection, and it’s nicely value studying The Battle of the Labyrinth particularly earlier than they go to.
Whether or not they’re or not, listed below are my suggestions for planning a day trip at Knossos with children and what you want to know.
For extra issues to do in Crete with children, take a look at my prime picks
The Palace of Knossos: the important details
The Palace of Knossos is considered one of Crete’s most well-known essential archaeological websites, simply exterior the capital Heraklion.
Residence 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 positioning 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 stated to be hidden underneath 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 possibly can discover. Some elements, 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 possibly can see the royal quarters and throne room, but in addition every part from shrines to retailer rooms.
After native archaeologist Minos Kalokairinos recognized the positioning, the principle excavations had been carried out by British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, between 1900 and 1931. The work made his status, however included some very controversial restorations, together with utilizing fashionable supplies like concrete for repairs and repainting frescoes.
Whereas it’s not the way in which present excavations can be carried out, it does imply that it seems much more intact, so extra fascinating to discover with children than a heap of stones.
Suggestions for visiting Knossos with children
Arrive early
I can’t stress this sufficient! Not solely does it get extremely popular with little shade, particularly in case you’re visiting in summer season, the queues and crowds shortly get very huge.
At 8am, we walked straight in to choose up our tickets & had just one cruise ship tour to dodge. By the point we left two hours later, the positioning was heaving and the road for entry snaked nicely past the ticket sales space.
For those who can’t come early, it’s value coming later within the afternoon when a whole lot 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 many of the main ticket web sites, like Get Your Information, Tiqets and Viator, do promote tickets, they don’t normally provide the decreased youngster price until you’re additionally reserving a tour.
When you have youngsters who’re EU residents or children aged underneath 5, they get in free (although you could 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 method to get the decreased possibility is to ebook direct or pay whenever you arrive (which may be very dangerous at busy instances).
When you obtain electronic mail affirmation after shopping for immediately, you continue to want to choose your tickets up whenever you arrive on the web site earlier than utilizing them to go by the turnstiles.
For those who get there early, you possibly can count on to stroll straight as much as the home windows and simply present the affirmation. In any other case, there are roped off traces to queue, which begin within the open area between the automobile park and ticket desk.
For those who do have prebooked skip-the-line tickets, you need to be capable of stroll previous these on to the turnstiles however workers are available to reply questions and to organise the traces.
Purchase joint tickets for the Museum
When you’re reserving, adults can get joint tickets with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum for adults (children want 2 separate ones).
It’s nicely value combining the 2 because the spectacular museum holds a whole lot of the artefacts discovered at Knossos in addition to different reveals which assist carry the positioning to life in order 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!
For those who go to Knossos first, choose up tickets for each whenever you arrive to keep away from queueing once more on the museum later – as an alternative you possibly can go straight to the ticket boundaries. For those who go to the museum first, you must also be capable of accumulate 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 town
Knossos with a information
Whereas there are many choices to prebook guides, you may as well rent them on the gate if you would like – as you arrive, you’ll see them ready to the appropriate of the ticket cubicles.
As ever, if you understand you undoubtedly need a information, it’s value prebooking throughout peak season particularly in case you’re not arriving early – as soon as the guides are off displaying individuals across the web site, you gained’t have likelihood.
Yow will discover skip-the-line entry together with a guided tour though these excursions will not be completely aimed toward households so higher with older children
For those who choose to go at your individual tempo, there are indicators dotted throughout the positioning with extra background although (and with so many guides round, you’re certain to overhear snippets too). You can too purchase tickets together with smartphone audio guides.
There’s no query that the guides are nice for serving to carry the positioning to life, mentioning the important thing particulars in addition to giving the background: you possibly can count on excursions to final round 60-90 minutes, though you possibly can additionally then head again to wander round extra in case you needed.
You will have to attend for a gaggle of round 6-8 earlier than the information leaves, in case you don’t need a non-public tour. Costs will differ relying on what number of are within the group (extra if you would like a personal tour) and the time of yr, however round 80-100 Euros for 4 individuals is frequent.
You can too discover specialist Percy Jackson excursions of Knossos – take a look at Knossos Guides.
Most information books on Crete even have a bit 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
When you have your individual rent automobile, there’s free parking at Knossos subsequent to the doorway – as you would possibly count on, there’s loads of room very first thing (together with a coveted spot within the shade of the bushes) nevertheless it does refill all through the day.
If you’re staying in Heraklion with children, 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 just round 3 miles from town centre.
Alternatively, you should 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 town.
There are additionally loads of excursions to Knossos in case you’re staying elsewhere on the island, together with a day journey from Chania, in addition to from Rethymno and Malia.
Don’t count on to see a labyrinth!
In case your children predict to reach and see a maze specified by entrance of them, it’s value setting just a few expectations upfront.
Though you’ll discover the palace web site itself, which some historians consider impressed the labyrinth delusion (and in response to legend, sat on prime of the labyrinth), you gained’t get to wander by an infinite maze of passages.
There are just a few locations the place you’ll see bull’s horns dotted round, however there are additionally no minotaurs – which comes as one thing of a aid!
Work is consistently 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 teenagers – what to learn
Though you don’t need to know a lot about Greek mythology earlier than you go to Knossos with children, it makes an enormous distinction if they’ve some background information to maintain them engaged.
There are numerous books of Greek myths for teenagers with choices for various age teams. We’ve got this stunning Usborne Ebook of Greek Myths or the writer additionally has this Illustrated Tales from the Greek Myths which is good for youthful children.
Greek Myths for Younger Kids is designed for studying out loud in case you’re travelling to Crete with youthful children 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 contains the Minotaur, together with Medusa and the Chimera.
And Amaze-ing Minotaur is a enjoyable illustrated model of the legend for teenagers aged 5+.
For those who choose one thing which isn’t only a retelling of the myths, the Percy Jackson collection is nice for teenagers – particularly aged round 8-12 – and options Knossos within the tales as nicely.
For these visiting with teenagers, there’s a incredible various have 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 means by the labyrinth.
Visiting Knossos with children: must know
Tickets at present value 15 Euros for adults, 8 Euros for kids aged 5-25 (non-EU residents), free for underneath 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 you want 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 case 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 each day besides Tuesdays when the positioning opens at 10am. There are extra restricted opening hours through the winter months, when the positioning closes at 5pm (and typically earlier)
There are bogs and a small cafe, though it’s typically busy, in addition to a contemporary juice stall by the doorway – when you’re inside, there aren’t any services. Meals will not be allowed however you possibly can take your individual water in. There may be additionally free parking on web site.
For those who’re questioning whether or not Knossos is stroller pleasant, there are ramps alongside the steps that can assist you get round in case you’re bringing a buggy, however you may as well count on sections with unpaved paths and uneven surfaces.
A child provider is best in case you are visiting with little ones. Realistically, it’s not a simple place to go to with toddlers although.
For extra recommendations on visiting Greece with children, take a look at my information to the nation together with Athens and the Greek Islands
Issues to do close to Knossos with children
For those who’re planning to go to Knossos with children, you’re unlikely to spend the entire day exploring (even with devoted followers of Greek myths) nevertheless it’s straightforward to mix a few of the close by sights at Heraklion.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Even when your children aren’t usually followers of museums, that is undoubtedly one to placed on the checklist, 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 instances, together with the world’s greatest assortment of Minoan treasures – simply the very best museum to go to in Crete with children.
You’ll be able to wander by recreated interval rooms, frescoes and sculptures, in addition to different artefacts alongside the way in which, together with every part 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 town’s different highlights, so it’s a sensible and enjoyable method to discover Heraklion with children.
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 children to discover, add Labyrinth Park to your checklist 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 children about Greek mythology – undoubtedly probably the most uncommon issues to do in Crete with children!
Very best for youthful youngsters, there are an enormous vary of actions, together with mini golf, quad bikes, archery, horse rides and a reside escape sport as nicely.
You can too pop by the projector room, the place movies on the traditional Minoan Civilization of Crete are proven all through the day, and luxuriate in lunch within the historical Knossos-themed cafe.
Go to the seashore
If you need a while enjoyable after a morning exploring Knossos, it’s straightforward to go to the seashore when you’ve discover the palace.
Among the closest are the Hersonissos Seashores – a set of small native seashores simply to the east of Heraklion, with calm, clear waters and loads of family-friendly services.
Take a ship tour
For one more relaxed afternoon various, 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 enjoyable on the shores of Dia Island or taking a stroll underneath the cedar bushes. There’s some historical past to be discovered alongside the way in which 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 teenagers aged 4+.
Cretaquarium
Enterprise beneath the waves at Cretaquarium, a Mediterranean-themed aquarium near Heraklion. Residence to over 2,000 sea creatures throughout 60 tanks, there’s a lot to see and it’s straightforward to whereas away and hour or two right here.
From big sharks to microscopic plankton, children can be taught all about marine life within the area and there’s an audio information as you discover (or you possibly can pay further for a brief guided tour too).
Ebook 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 possibly can journey again in time to the Mesozoic period as you wander across the park discovering full-sized animatronic creatures, whereas interactive screens educate you concerning the life and habitats of every dinosaur you encounter.
Youngsters can even get hands-on with enjoyable actions together with fossil excavations, hatching a dinosaur egg, and caring for injured creatures on the Normal Hospital of Dinosaurs. The park has a restaurant, reward store, and enormous 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 teenagers and adults of all ages.
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 children’ waterslides, exercise playgrounds, a fantasy inflatable citadel, and plenty extra.
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