Hani Kokini Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Hani Kokini

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Overview

Things to do

Suitability

Country Info (Greece)

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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.

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.

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

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Population: 10.668.400
Languages: Greek 99% (official), English, French
Currency: euro
Currency code: EUR
Local Times:
Greece - Athens

Country Dialling Code: +30
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 Parallel circular prongs

2 parallel circular prongs with an earth connector

2 parallel circular prongs with a female earth connector

'Schuko' type with two earth connectors on the sides

Greece appeals to different types of tourist, and very few could fail to find somewhere to suit their taste. From bustling Athens to blindingly bright islands, ancient fragments abound - the belly button of the cosmos at Delphi, fallen columns galore on the sacred island of Delos, frescoed Minoan palaces on Crete and even, quite possibly, the remnants of Atlantis at Santorini. Greeks are fierce guardians of tradition, but that doesn't mean they don't know how to have fun. In addition, hot sun and limpid seas conspire to make Greece a perfect place to relax. Whether you're supping in a beachside taverna , sipping coffee in a shady plateia or disco-dancing till dawn.

Once upon a time, the Olympic Games started here along with democracy and the foundation of philosophy, science and mathematics. Nowadays the country attracts its tourists with simple pleasures: delicious food at reasonable prices, local wine, beautiful beaches, sunshine, quaint villages, a seemingly endless lacework of coastline and little islands full of scenic wonders.

The country exudes traditional charm, particularly on its ever-popular islands, which cling to their stereotypical architecture and way of life despite being often over-run by tourists. Black-clad women still deliver vegetables to island tavernas on panniered donkeys, while bronzed, lined fishermen sit in the sun, drink thick coffee, and play dominoes or dice. The tourist infrastructure has intruded in many respects, but the timeless aspect of whitewashed buildings clustered on hillsides around narrow pebbled alleys has been retained. The myriad islands in the Aegean Sea are easily accessible from Piraeus, the historic harbour of Greece's mainland capital, Athens, by ferry or hydrofoil, offering a unique chance for 'island-hopping'. Many of the larger islands also have airports with connections to Athens or seasonally with major European cities.

In the S of the mainland, the capital Athens suffers from being overcrowded and polluted but nevertheless intrigues and delights visitors and is dominated by its major landmark, the Parthenon. In contrast, Thessaloniki in the N is vibrant and modern with a Byzantine flavour. The remains of Greece's past and wonders are mainly found on the Peloponnese Peninsula, S of Corinth.

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Hani Kokini Travel Guide

Hani Kokini Suitability Profile