The area of Kokkini Hani first became known in the early 1900s when several buildings were constructed, including a hani, which was sort of a wayside inn for people and animals. Farmers, on the way to the Heraklion market with their olives, grapes and other products, would stop off to rest or spend the night, and have a meal. At the same time, their horses and donkeys would be tended to and fed, also.

But it wasn’t until as late as the early 60s, when full electricity and telephone services reached this part of Crete, and several hotels were built, that Kokkini Hani started to attract visitors and become known for the magnificent sandy beach, as a holiday resort.

Since those early hotels, Kokkini Hani has developed rapidly primarily because of its wonderful beach and restaurants and taverns, many of which feature seaside dining, with enough different menus to satisfy all tastes – including local traditional cuisine, freshly-caught seafood, English, Italian specialties, authentic Italian pizza and Chinese in close proximity to Heraklion and its international airport – only 10 minutes away. Today there are numerous hotels, ranging from large luxurious accommodations to smaller, more economical hotels, tourist apartments and rent rooms.