If you’re searching for an authentic Greek holiday, the village of Kokkini Hani could be your ideal getaway. This secluded sanctuary is perfect for couples or solo travellers who love traditional architecture, local cuisine and idyllic scenery. Whether you’re looking to sit back and soak up the sun or embark on a Greek adventure to surrounding attractions, this is the holiday destination for you.
With many other villages just a short journey away, you can settle in your accommodation before exploring the surrounding area at your own pace. Blend in with the locals and enjoy the parts of Crete untouched by tourism…
Top Tip: Want to discover more of Crete? Take a look at what Elounda has to offer.
Kokkini Hani Village
Before you head off to the neighbouring towns and cities, Kokkini Hani can certainly occupy you for a day or two. The first thing to tick off the itinerary is the beach – the village’s large stretch of golden sand makes it relatively popular during high season, so perhaps an early-morning walk or a sunset stroll is the best way to appreciate its beauty if you prefer to avoid crowds. The village also boasts a number of quaint restaurants, taverns and cafes, so if you’re keen to sample local delicacies I would certainly suggest somewhere in this area.
Explore Gournes
Gournes is a quiet village and makes for a peaceful and relaxing day out. Enjoy a traditional Greek meal at one of the local taverns or cafes or take a walk along the beachfront and enjoy the soothing sounds of the waves. Gournes is also a fantastic place for shopping – local stalls sell handmade wares, locally-produced wines and various herbs and spices. You can also find the church of St. John which is a small yet picturesque church just outside the village.
Venture to Analipsis
This is a particularly good spot for nature lovers as there is plenty of gorgeous scenery and unique wildlife to be enjoyed. Drive or walk around the hills and the Lassithi Plateau where you’ll be able to spot the famous resorted windmills, or discover the Dikteon Cave, where according to legend, Greek God Zeus was born. The cave attracts a good number of tourists, and thankfully is equipped with stairs and a handrail for those who are feeling brave and want to venture further into the cave’s depths!
Visit Heraklion
There are several reasons why visiting Heraklion would make a great addition to any Cretan holiday, but for me, one of the best things about this city is the museum. History lovers will adore the Heraklion Archaeological Museum as there are so many exhibits from the Minoan period, including jewels, pottery and engraved discs (just to name a few!). Once you have exhausted the artefacts, you can wander around the city’s Old Town to admire the authentic architecture and narrow streets. Enjoy a light lunch in a rustic tavern to complete your historic day out.
Where to Stay
Mitsis Rinela Beach Resort & Spa – This accommodation, as well as being situated on the seafront, offers a number of onsite activities and facilities for those who prefer to keep their travelling to a minimum. Guests can indulge in spa treatments, relax in one of the three pools, play a game of tennis or enjoy a delightful meal at one of the onsite restaurants. The style of this resort is sophisticated and elegant, with guest rooms featuring beautiful wooden furnishings designed and arranged stylishly to suit the size of the room. Sip a refreshing drink from the minibar while enjoying the breath-taking coastal views form your balcony.
Arina Beach Hotel & Bungalows – This seafront hotel provides excellent accommodation for luxury travellers. The rooms are beautifully decorated and each have a balcony overlooking the beach. Onsite restaurants serve exceptional Greek cuisine and there is also a beach bar, allowing guests to enjoy their drinks while relaxing on the golden sand. The central location of this hotel means that day trips to other villages take no time at all, allowing you to really make the most of your holiday.
How to Get There
For a hassle-free journey, I would suggest firstly flying to Heraklion Airport then taking a pre-booked Shuttle Direct transfer to Kokkini Hani. The flight time is usually about three hours and 45 minutes, and the journey from the airport to the resort is just over 10 minutes. Approximately 22 flights to Heraklion Airport are scheduled every week, so finding a time to suit you should be quite straightforward. Having an airport shuttle booked in advance is definitely a time-saver. You can avoid any public transport or taxi queues and head straight to your accommodation.
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct we help our customers get their holidays off to the best start possible. Pre-booking our safe and reliable transfers will mean you can travel to your accommodation without any further hassle. Book online now via our website.
