Kokkini Beach

Located within a popular tourist resort, Kokkini Hani, on the northern coast of Crete, Greece, Kokkini Beach – also known as Kokkini Hani Beach - is a small golden sand beach.  The beach is positioned east of the Heraklion International Airport and has a beautiful backdrop of many oceanfront buildings, including homes, restaurants, taverns, and many hotels, creating a picturesque setting along the Gulf of Heraklion.

Kokkini Beach offers many amenities, including seasonal lifeguards, restrooms, shaded areas, a sunbed and parasol rental facility, a beach equipment rental facility, a pier, souvenir shops, several restaurants, traditional Greek taverns, and nearby hotels.

Kokkini Beach is a family-friendly beach that offers many fun activities, including swimming, sunbathing, boating, jet skiing, paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, watching wildlife, picnicking, walking, and photography.  If you are planning to go into the water, the waves are usually calm as it is protected by breakwaters.   The clear waters around the beach are ideal for snorkeling, allowing visitors to explore the rich marine life.  Kokkini Beach is a popular spot for windsurfing due to its frequently windy weather.  If you enjoy fishing, anglers may catch a wide variety of fish.  The beach is known for its golden sandy shore, clear waters, and picturesque views, making it an ideal choice for photographers.  Hikers can enjoy the nearby hiking trails, which offer unique insights into the local biodiversity.  Visitors can enjoy a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it an all-year-round destination.  In addition, the beach hosts several cultural and musical events during the summer season.  Kokkini Beach and its surrounding area are a perfect spot to enjoy relaxed nightlife, with several bars offering evening entertainment.  The beach attracts a large influx of visitors due to its convenient location, especially during the summer season.  Dogs are not allowed here, and the beach is open from sunrise until sunset.

Kokkini Beach, Crete, offers an access path for people with disabilities.

Getting to Kokkini Beach is easy - the beach has many parking spots located near Kokkini Hani 715 00, Greece, which provides easy access to the beach.

Kokkini Hani is known for its archaeological significance, with Minoan remains discovered near the beach.  The Niros Mansion, a two-story Minoan building believed to have belonged to a prominent Minoan priest, is open for exploration on the eastern portion of the beach. 

Interestingly, it is believed that the coastal village Kokkini Hani is named after Dimitrios Kokkinis, a local who used to have an inn (hani) in the region.

There are many attractions near Kokkini Beach. CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos is one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in Europe and features over 2,500 marine organisms across 60 tanks, including sharks, rays, jellyfish, and Mediterranean fish.  The aquarium offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and conservation initiatives, making it a family-friendly and informative destination.   Watercity Waterpark is one of the largest and most popular water parks on the island of Crete.  This family-friendly entertainment park features thrill water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, picnic pavilions, splash zones, and many other attractions for all ages.  It also offers many other amenities, including restaurants, snack bars, restrooms, changing rooms, lockers, sunbed and parasol rental facilities, and shaded areas for relaxation.

Selakano Forest is a stunning natural area known for its rich biodiversity and beautiful landscapes.  It is home to mountains, valleys, springs, streams, gorges, and various plant species, including pine trees, oak trees, cypress trees, and aromatic herbs like oregano, sage, and thyme.  Visitors can enjoy many fun activities, including hiking, watching wildlife, and picnicking.  

Milatos Cave is a historic site that played a significant role in the 1823 Greek War of Independence when hundreds of Cretan villagers took refuge from Ottoman forces.  The cave witnessed a tragic massacre, commemorated today by a small chapel dedicated to Saint Thomas, built to honor those who perished during the massacre.  The cave is both a place of remembrance and a fascinating spot for exploration of dramatic stalactites and striking geological formations. If you are looking for another nearby attraction, Cretan Olive Oil Farm is an agro tourism destination that provides guided tours and workshops on olive oil production, cheesemaking, pottery, and traditional cooking.  Visitors can learn about olive oil-making, from harvesting olives to tasting the finished product.  The farm also showcases local crafts and traditional methods, providing a deep dive into Crete’s rich agricultural heritage and culinary traditions.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants on Kokkini Beach.  Kontra Flokos is a small restaurant positioned near the beach and serves amazing Greek-inspired dishes, including salads, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.  Ambrosia Taverna is another beachfront restaurant that serves pasta, pizza, meat, seafood, and poultry dishes.  Hatzis Restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating areas and serves incredible Greek-inspired dishes, including seafood and meat dishes. Taverna Pratsinis serves amazing burgers, sandwiches, pasta, seafood, and meat dishes.  If you are looking for another good restaurant nearby, Si La Bar - Restaurant serves incredible salads, pasta, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.

If you are looking for Kokkini Beach hotels, there are many great options nearby.  If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 5-Star Mitsis Rinela - also known as the Hotel Rinela Beach Kokkini Hani, is within a two-minute walk and offers many amenities, including five outdoor pools with waterslides, a spa, a fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, many restaurants, and three bars.  A more affordable hotel is the 4-Star Themis Beach Hotel, which has many amenities, including a beach bar, a game room, a playground, an outdoor pool, a kids' pool, a fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, and a dining room.  Another moderately priced option is the 4-Star Arina Beach Resort, a popular beach resort that has several amenities, including an outdoor pool, a terrace, whirlpool tubs, a fitness center, a kids' club, two tennis courts, massage services, a bar, and a snack bar.  A more reasonably priced option is the 3-Star Shotels Sunset Beach Hotel Kokkini Hani, which offers several amenities, including a seasonal outdoor pool, a sundeck, a kids' playground, a snack bar, a garden, and a restaurant.   If you are looking for another affordable hotel, Erato Hotel offers several amenities, including an outdoor pool, a garden, and a restaurant.