Travel Eye on Hani Kokini (Crete, Greece)

Write a review or view peoples experiences in the Hani Kokini.	Hotels in Hani Kokini	Flights	Car Hire/Rental

Want to contribute to the writings of this travel guide? If so, Click here

Overview:

Hani Kokini is the 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.

It is suitable 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.

The accommodation here is a good mixture of different-class hotels and self-catering establishments.

Locality:

Hani Kokini is on the central north coast, (it is I8 mls E of Heraklion; 6 mls E of airport). It is close to sea on old coast road, and is now bypassed by national highway further inland. There are rugged mountains with rather wild countryside where not developed.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

During the daytime the local area is steeped in Minoan history and sites. Other than that, swimming and lazing around pool or on beach; and experiencing the water sports. By night there are some discos and tavernas with local entertainment; hotels often offer traditional Greek nights.

There are many tavernas and restaurants for local and international food. Take a short taxi ride to Heraklion for special Greek musical evenings.

Popular attractions include:

Arkalohori - the minoan Sanctuary-Cave, wherefrom ample ceramic findings were unearthed, is located in the area. Particularly impressive are the votive offerings --probably to some war deity-- including swords, knives and a series of gold, silver and bronze double-bit axes, some of which bear engraved decoration. Also, there are signs hinting at the cave's violent destruction at the outset of the Late Minoan Period.

Elithyia Cave - (1 km S of Amnissos). The cave, mention of which is made in Homer, constituted one of the major places of worship of Elithyia, the Cretan goddess of childbirth. It was discovered in the late 19th century, it is oblong (60 m long and 9 to 12 m wide), and is known to local inhabitants as "Neraidospelios" (i.e. the cave of the fairy). Excavations conducted by archaeologists Hatzidakis and Marinatos revealed that it was a cult site from the Neolithic period until the 5th century BC (ceramic findings are representative of all periods). Almost in the center of the cave, there is a rectangular altar or nave, around two cylindrical stalagmites that are evocative of human figures.

Hani Kokini Water Park - stretches for 50,000 sqm and stands 200 m above the sea level. It offers a pool with artificial waves, waterslides, a children's pool, a playground with toys, 17 race tracks, a bar, a restaurant, tourist shops etc