Kokkini Hani located only 14km from Heraklion offers spectacular sea views!
Heading east from Heraklion airport, the old national highway (old road) hugs the coastline and offers some spectacular views of the sea, and its sometimes rugged shore. After about eight kilometers, you'll wind your way up a rise in an outcropping of rock and, as you come out of the last curve, the impressive sight of Kokkini Hani is spread out like a smorgasbord of holiday delights.
The area of Kokkini Hani first became known in the early 1900s when several buildings were constructed, including a hani, which was sort of a wayside inn for people and animals. Farmers, on the way to the Heraklion market with their olives, grapes and other produce, would stop off to rest or spend the night, and have a meal. At the same time, their horses and donkeys would be tended to and fed, also.
But it wasn't until as late as the early 60s, when full electricity and telephone services reached this part of Crete, and several hotels were built, that Kokkini Hani started to attract visitors and become known for the magnificent sandy beach, as a holiday resort.
Since those early hotels, Kokkini Hani has developed rapidly primarily because of its wonderful beach and restaurants and taverns, many of which feature seaside dining, with enough different menus to satisfy all tastes – including local traditional cuisine, freshly-caught seafood, English fare, Italian specialties, authentic Italian pizza and Chin close proximity to Heraklion and its international airport – only 10 minutes away. Today there are numerous hotels, ranging from large luxurious accommodations to smaller, more economical hotels, tourist apartments and rent rooms.
There are many bars and cafes, a few that remain open quite late and play the latest tunes, but the night life is minimal, compared to that of nearby Hersonissos, which continues to party until the wee hours of the morning.
Crete is the largest Greek island and an excellent destination to cover all tastes and expectations.
Crete, the cradle of Western civilization, is the largest Greek island and an excellent destination to cover all tastes and expectations. Crete is an island of contradictions, set in the crossroads of seas, continents and civilizations; it is combining natural beauty, rich history, healthy cuisine, sun & sea, good standards of accommodation, as well as a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Thanks to its location, Crete is ideal for combined programs with the Greek mainland as well as with the other Greek islands. The 4 main cities are Heraklion – Chania – Rethymno and Agios Nikolaos, each with a different story and special in its own way. The island is characterized by a diversity of landscapes, rugged mountains, endless beaches, outstanding architectural heritage, archaeological sites, Venetian fortresses & castles, Byzantine monasteries and traditional villages all of them in perfect harmony.
The island is divided in four prefectures from west to east: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lassithi.
