HANI KOKINI
Area: Crete
Country: Greece


Location:
Central N coast, 8 miles E of Heraklion; 6 miles E of airport.

Telephone code from UK:
30 2810

Position:
Close to sea on old coast road, now bypassed by national highway further inland. Rugged mountains with rather wild countryside where not developed.

Description:
First in a number of rather scruffy villages with main road running through them, offering bustling tourism when season hits. Very friendly in comparison to some neighbouring resorts but pretty bland in terms of culture and traditional atmosphere. It makes a good central touring base.

Suitability:
For those wishing to be near major resorts but still have access to quieter beaches, or holidaymakers happy simply to laze around hotel pools. Ideal base for travelling in most directions.

Accommodation:
Good mixture of different-class hotels and self-catering establishments.

Shopping:
Many local stores and souvenir shops. Heraklion is just a bus ride away for serious shopping.

Beach:
Good sand and shingle for long stretches, with most water-sports facilities available at reasonable charges.

Entertainments:
Daytime: local area is steeped in Minoan history and sites. Other than that, swimming and lazing around pool or on beach; beach and water sports. Nightlife: some discos and tavernas with local entertainment; hotels often offer traditional Greek nights.

Eating:
Many tavernas and restaurants for local and international food. Short taxi ride to Heraklion for special Greek musical evenings.

Public-transport:
Frequent bus service to city and neighbouring resorts. Plenty of cheap taxis; car- and bike-hire offices.

Local-excursions:
Half day: archaeological museum in Heraklion and Minoan Palace of Knossos; Malia and its archaeological sites. Full day: boat trip to Santorini; Spinalonga island; Lassithi Plateau; Aghios Nikolaos; Chania with its magnificent Venetian architecture; Ottoman-influenced Rethymnon. One/two days: Samaria Gorge.