Resort Kokkini Hani - history and characteristics

The history of Kokkini Hani began around 1900, when the first few residential buildings, including the so-called "hani", were built. The "hani" was something of an inn that passers-by could use for their accommodation and for housing their animals. This was mainly a stopping point for farmers on their way to the market in Heraklion. At the end of the 1960s, electricity was brought to the village and with it the first small hotels began to be built.

Nowadays Kokkini Hani is one of the well-known Cretan resorts and can also be found in the offers of Czech travel agencies. Compared to the most popular tourist resorts in the area (Kato Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Malia, etc.) it is rather smaller and not very picturesque at first sight. A road passes through the town, around which most of the local activity is concentrated - from accommodation to tavernas and restaurants to small shops with various goods. The surrounding area isn't ideal for romantic strolls either, as a new highway runs past the town, connecting Heraklion with other resorts along the island's northern coast. Probably the nicest part of the resort lies by the sea, where you can find nice hotels and nice tavernas preparing dishes from fresh sea catches. If you're thinking of holidaying in Kokkini Hani, we recommend looking for accommodation further away from the motorway and the busy city centre.

However, the resort has good tourist facilities and its tavernas in particular are renowned further afield. There is a large number of taverns with a variety of dishes, so you can taste traditional Greek dishes, seafood dishes, but also world cuisine - Asian, Italian, etc. Some bars play late into the night, providing entertainment for those who are not yet sleepy. But if you're looking for real nightlife, visit the resort of Hersonissos.

The proximity to the capital Heraklion is an undeniable advantage - accommodation in Kokkini Hani is definitely cheaper, and yet you are de facto on the outskirts of the island's capital, which opens up a wide range of leisure options, from strolling the picturesque streets of the town, to visiting unique historical sites, to shopping, entertainment and nightlife. On the other hand, be prepared to have plane after plane fly overhead due to the proximity of Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport.

Kokkini Hani - coast and beaches

The coastline around Kokkini Hani is not complete. There is a large and spacious sandy beach, but also many smaller beaches and hidden coves. Some of the beaches are sandy, but more often pebbly to rocky. Some of them are even unsuitable for swimming, as the seabed is covered with sharp pebbles. The beaches at the larger hotels tend to be organised, while at the smaller ones you can spread out your towel and enjoy more privacy.

The local beaches are open to the sea and are more exposed to the northerly winds.

The most popular part of the coastline is the pretty sandy beach of Kokkini Hani. Its gentle slope makes it suitable for smaller children and non-swimmers, and there are several centres offering water adrenaline sports.

Excursions and sights around Kokkini Hani

Kokkini Hani is located close to the main road connecting Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, so you can get around the island wherever you want thanks to its good transport links. The resort has a car and scooter rental service, and there is also a regular bus service to the town.

Right in the town is the small archaeological site of Niros (Nirou Hani), which hides the remains of an old Minoan villa from the 16th century BC. It has been preserved in a fairly good condition and, judging by the size of the villa and its furnishings, archaeologists suggest that it may have served as the home of the high priest (grand master). Another mystical tourist attraction is a boat trip to the nearby island of the god Zeus, where the kri-kri goats are said to live.

On the site of the former airbase at the neighbouring resort of Gournes, a large Dinosauria entertainment complex with a marine aquarium, the Cret-Aquarium Thalassokosmos, opened in 2005 and is now one of the best in Europe. The aquarium aims to introduce visitors to the underwater life of the Mediterranean Sea and the animals typical of the Cretan area (moray eels, tuna, tropical fish and sharks). These attractions can be an interesting excursion tip if you are spending your holiday here with children. And after an educational day out, you and the kids can also head to the nearby Water City water theme park (inland towards the village of Anopoli).

Popular tourist destinations include the archaeological site of Knossos and, of course, the nearby historic town of Heraklion, the capital of Crete. Heraklion is dominated by a massive Venetian fortress with an old harbour, and is also home to several beautiful churches and the extensive collection of the Kretikon Museion archaeological museum.

For whom the centre is suitable

Kokkini Hani resort is intended for less demanding tourists who are satisfied with a well-equipped tourist resort and a nice beach and are not looking for a quiet and picturesque environment for romantic walks or hiking trips. The resort can also be recommended to those who want to get to know the capital Heraklion, which is only a short walk away. The proximity of the international airport and the noise of arriving and departing planes, as well as the noise from the nearby highway, can be disturbing.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Gournes, Gouves, Heraklion (Iraklion), Kato Gouves

Most favourite resorts of Crete: Adelianos Kampos, Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion (Iraklion), Hersonissos, Chania, Ierapetra, Kalamaki (Matala), Malia, Platanias (Chania), Rethymno, Stalis

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.