Kokkini Hani is very popular today for its soft sandy beaches and excellent choice of tavernas and restaurants. The bustling beachfront village lies along the north coast midway between Heraklion and Hersonissos (both of which are a 10-minute drive away.)
Although considered by party goers as one of the smaller, quieter resorts of the island, visitors to Kokkini enjoy a lively tourist and friendly community atmosphere. There are over 40 small shops/ pubs and coffee bars plus a few open-air clubs. For serious shopping and nightlife, the resorts of Hersonissos and Heraklion are both within just 12klm distance away and easy to reach, either by the local bus which runs services daily connecting to all places along the north coast or by taxi. Kokkini Hani's friendly and hospitable residents make it the ideal choice for family holidays and solo travellers. It is a perfect base too, for exploring the rest of Crete. There are plenty of local attractions to visit that will spark imaginations and curiosity such as Water city -water park, Arina Beach, Cretaquarium, Planetarium, and Dinosauria, as well as the famous Palaces of Knossos and Malia and archaeological museum of Heraklion which are all just 15minute drive away.
In the centre of the resort lies the Niros Minoan Antiquities, a mansion that was used as the residence of a senior Minoan priest who probably ruled the local Minoan harbour opposite the site where you can snorkel and search for hidden gold!. The site, dating to the late Minoan times, is open to visitors and is a good chance to see how a Minoan religious building was built 4000years ago.
The crystal clear sea and rugged coast offer three long soft sandy beaches and there are many shallow natural 'pools' too, that are perfect for smaller children. At each end of the resort are the largest organized beaches (Arina Sand and Rinella Beach), where you will find a lively atmosphere, water sports, sun loungers, umbrellas as well and lifeguards on patrol.
Kokkini Hani's fine selection of traditional tavernas selling homemade food is comparatively cheaper than the larger tourist resorts and the city. All within excellent walking distance of Julie's, they offer fresh fish and meat, as well as great vegetarian dishes There is a famous organic ice cream parlour and a number of cocktail bars just up the street, and we have plenty of information and tips about where to find local homegrown local products etc whilst you are here. We organise culinary outings too, to places where you can experience and learn more about Cretan food and cooking. Whether it's fish, meat or sweets that you love most, an abundance of scrumptious specialities await you in Crete and at Kokkini Hani!
The famous Cretaquarium is less than three kilometres away from both Julie's Apartments and Valley View House and Lodge. The aquarium comprises sixty tanks with more than 2,000 marine organisms! How fish and sharks are fed? Where does the water of the tanks come from a thousand more questions, of which some of the answers are here! https://www.cretaquarium.gr/en
Dinosauria Park is located in close proximity to the Cretaquarium and the Planetarium (http://www.planetcrete.gr/en/). The theme park is immersed in the lush greenery and spans of 16.000 sqm. More than 50 species of dinosaurs of natural height, combined with sound and motion, challenge you to live the greatest experience of your life. It offers numerous educational activities and interactive games for the young and the young at heart plus movies in both 5D and 7D Cinemas! For more information