Where to Stay Near Knossos, Crete

by Salvatore
(Italia)

Hi, let me first congratulate with you for your beautiful website. I looked at the questions and I have not found the right solution for me. I therefore ask you some advice.

I will go to Crete from the 6th to 18th of September for a tour of the archaeological sites. I will arrive at 5 pm in Heraklio.

I would avoid an accommodation in the city and devote myself to the visit of Knossos and the archaeological museum the 7th. Could you recommend a simple hotel or a bed & breakfast just outside Heraklion, maybe in Knossos?

Thank you very much for your attention

Kind regards
Salvatore

Accommodation Near Knossos

Hi Salvatore,

Thank you for your kind words and we are glad you enjoy the website. We agree it is nice to avoid the busy town if possible, especially if your interest is in archaeology.





We suggest going directly from the airport to the small village of Archanes, as this only 16 km and will take you into the country.

This village is only 7 km from Knossos and 14 km from Heraklion.

In Archanes we suggest the Archontiko Studio, itself a historic building, beautifully restored.

In this way you will be rested and rejuvenated before visiting Knossos, which is a big site and needs a full morning or an afternoon to do it justice. We suggest getting there early to avoid the crowds, or ideally visiting in the off season, such as you are doing, September can still be a little crowded, so go early to avoid the queues.

We suggest taking a break in Heraklion town for lunch, and if possible, visiting the museum on a different day, because the collection is vast and best to be visited with a clear mind the next morning.

Heraklion has many lovely pedestrian streets with good cafes, tavernas, restaurants and bars and the market on 1866 Street is a marvellous collection of local fresh produce and artisanal crafts. Don’t miss the area named Koraii, where you can relax and enjoy the hottest part of the day with a frappe and perhaps a game of tavli.

See more information here

Heraklion Region

Heraklion Airport

Heraklion

Archanes Village

Archontiko Studios

Minoan Palaces of Crete

Palace of Knossos

Tips for Visiting Knossos

We have a number of detailed history pages about Crete, for your information:

Ancient History of Crete - From 7000-3700 BC...

Ancient History of Crete - From 3700-600 BC...

Arthur Evans – Restorer of Knossos

We also have comprehensive history pages with outlines of each of the major archaeological sites including the four Minoan Palaces, Phaistos and Gortys.

Kalo Taxidi! Bon Voyage!

Question From Marijke

Is the beginning of October good to visit? Will it be out of busy season?

I am a solo traveler, besides Heraklion and Knossos what would you recommend I visit?

I have about 7 days and would like to take it easy and also relax and just lap up the Greek way of living.

October is A Good Time to Visit Kriti

Hi Marijke,

Yes October is a good time for a solo traveler to explore Crete. We suggest you take the local buses which are really comfortable and safe and efficient.

I travelled all the way around the island in September and October as a single female traveller on the buses, it is fantastic as there are not too many crowds and the water is still warm for swimming.

I would recommend you see some beaches and the pretty towns of Rethymnon and Chania. After seeing Knossos and Heraklion take the bus to Agia Pelagia and stay by the beach. Then take the bus to Rethymnon and stay within the walls of the old town. There is a lot of history to soak up here.

Then take the bus to Chania and explore the old town, there is a lot of history and culture and everything else to soak up here.

Take local buses to nearby beaches such as Agii Apostoli or Maleme and then back to the old town for the night, enjoy the tavernas around the old port in the evening.

From here you could take a day tour to Balos or Elafonisi Beach or take the local bus. From here you could take a day tour to Samaria Gorge in early October the park is still open, but closes mid-October.

To soak up the local way of life, choose a village and visit, perhaps Kastellos which has a great taverna and seek out their cooking lessons (all year). www.castellotaverna.com

You will have a really good visit to Crete in 7 days in October! Kalo Taxidi!