Knossos Palace is the most important archaeological site in Crete and one of the most significant in all of Europe. If you are staying in Heraklion or have a few hours between transfers, a private taxi tour to Knossos is the most flexible and rewarding way to visit.
Here is how to do it properly.
Where Is Knossos Palace?
Knossos is located just 5 kilometers south of Heraklion city center, making it one of the closest major sites to the capital. By taxi from Heraklion, the drive takes around 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic.
The site itself is the remains of the Minoan civilization, dating back over 3,500 years. It was the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and is considered by many historians to be the oldest city in Europe.
Why Choose A Private Taxi Tour Over A Group Tour?
Group tours to Knossos depart on a schedule. You follow a guide, stay with the group, and have a fixed amount of time at the site. When time is up, you leave.
A private taxi tour works differently. You go when you want, stay as long as you want, and combine Knossos with other stops in Heraklion if you choose.
| Private Taxi Tour | Group Bus Tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Departure time | You decide | Fixed |
| Time at site | Flexible | Restricted |
| Add extra stops | Yes | No |
| Door-to-door | Yes | No |
| Group size | Your group only | 20 to 40 people |
| Vehicle | Mercedes | Coach |
For families with children, couples, or anyone who wants to move at their own pace, private is simply better.
The Taste Of Heraklion: A Full Private Tour Experience
LP Taxi Heraklion has designed a dedicated private tour called Taste of Heraklion that combines Knossos Palace with the most iconic landmarks of the city. This is not a standard taxi ride. It is a curated experience with a local professional driver who knows every site, every shortcut, and every story worth telling.
The tour covers Knossos Palace, the Morosini Fountain at Lions Square, the Bembo Fountain, the Priouli Fountain, the Church of Saint Titos, and the Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis with its panoramic views over the city.
If you want to experience Knossos and Heraklion in one organized private day, the Taste of Heraklion tour is the most complete option available.
What A Private Knossos Taxi Tour Looks Like
If you prefer to build your own itinerary, a typical half-day with LP Taxi Heraklion might look like this:
Morning:
- Pickup from your hotel or the port in Heraklion
- Drive to Knossos Palace in a Mercedes (10 to 15 minutes)
- Explore the site at your own pace (allow 1.5 to 2 hours)
After Knossos:
- Visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses the original Minoan artifacts from Knossos
- Lunch in the old town near Morosini Fountain
- Short walk to the Venetian Harbour and the Koules Fortress
Optional additions:
- A stop at a local winery in the Peza wine region (20 minutes from Knossos)
- A visit to the village of Archanes, one of the best-preserved traditional villages in Crete
Your driver knows the area and can advise based on how much time you have.
Practical Information For Visiting Knossos
- Opening hours: Knossos Palace is open daily. In summer (April to October) it typically opens at 8am. Check current hours before you go.
- Entrance fee: Around 15 EUR per adult. Children under 5 are free.
- Audio guide: Available at the site entrance. Your taxi driver is not a site guide but will wait and can point you in the right direction on arrival.
- Best time to visit: Early morning is cooler and far less crowded. Avoid midday in July and August.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The site involves a lot of walking on uneven ancient ground.
Book Your Private Knossos Tour
LP Taxi Heraklion offers private tours to Knossos Palace and across Heraklion, tailored to your schedule. Pickup from your hotel, port, or apartment in a comfortable Mercedes. Fixed price agreed before departure. Driver available to wait and continue to additional stops.
For a full day experience combining Knossos with the best of Heraklion, explore the Taste of Heraklion tour page.
Ready to book? Reserve your private tour online or call +30 694 355 1122, available 24 hours a day.
Plan your private Knossos tour
A flexible itinerary, a local driver, and a comfortable Mercedes.