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The location of Kokini Chani is 13km east of the Cretan capital Heraklion and not far away from the airport, in the area known as Armirides, before Gouves. On the south side of the road there is a well preserved Minoan villa, which is open to the public. Kokini Chani is not as touristic as many of the main villages on the north of the island like Chersonissos and Malia, and the village has a couple of small beaches which according to the number of umbrellas can get crowded in the high season. The beach is shallow, making it suitable for young children. Kokini Chani stretches itself along both sides of a road that leads along the sea, giving it the shape of a long and narrow village. There is a cosy atmosphere in this small village though, with some nice front beach tavernas, and excellent places to get a cup of coffee or a drink while watching the sea. Inside the village there are also a couple of supermarkets (one with a post office inside), two cash machines and a small number of bars and two small discotheques. There is also a good choice for hotels and apartments in Kokini Chani. Kokini Chani has about 1000 inhabitants of which most work in the local tourist industry.

For hotels, appartments and studios in Kokini Chani - click here.

If you follow the old national road along the coast from Kokini Chani towards the beach of Vathianos Kambos and the city of Heraklion, you will automatically drive past the Minoan villa of Niros (sometimes called the Palace of Niros). It is on the left side of the road as you drive towards Heraklion (not on the sea side but on the other side). Keep your eyes open and pay attention because before you know it you've driven past the excavation (there is only one sign and there it is - the arrow points left, but it doesn't mean that you have to take the next exit left). We came at a time when the excavation actually should have been accessible to the public, but the gate was locked and there was nobody who could open it.

The Minoan villa was discovered in 1918. It is approximately 1000 m2 and it had two floors with 40 rooms and several halways and courtyards. It dates from the 17th century BC and it is thought that it was the residence of an important governor or high priest. There were various objects found at the site, including pots and amphorae and things for everyday use, but also objects with ritual significance. Ultimately the house was destroyed by fire. Near the site (towards Vathianos Kambos) a graveyard was found and in front of the villa itself the remains of a harbour.

Lying directly on the water's edge on Crete's north coast, Knossos Beach Bungalows & Suites offer a private sandy beach, 3 swimming pools and 2 restaurants. Knossos Beach offers 136 bungalows and suites with sea-view terraces. Each air-conditioned unit has bathroom with hair dryer and satellite TV. Guests can take part in water sports activities including water skiing, canoe and jet ski or choose to completely unwind, and relax on a sun bed beside the swimming pool with a cool drink, admiring the waters of the Aegean Sea. The main restaurant serves a buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers panoramic views of the sea. The Thematic Restaurant serves Cretan cuisine. The pool bar is a pleasant spot to have a drink or ice cream, while the main bar offers a nice view and a relaxing atmosphere.

Check availabilties & prices and book the Knossos Beach Bungalows & Suites - click here.

Located 13 kilometres east of Iraklion, in the village of Kokkini Hani, Pelamare offers friendly family-run near the beach. Pelamare is a complex of 30 fully furnished apartments in an attractive garden set by the beach. Each of the apartments, accommodating 2-4 persons includes a kitchen with refrigerator. Other facilities available in the complex are a swimming pool, snack bar, sauna and gym. A wide variety of restaurants and supermarkets is available within walking distance from Pelamare. Frequent bus service connects the village with Iraklion and Malia.

Check availabilties & prices and book Pelamare Apartments - click here.