Chani Kokkini is an important tourist resort at the Northern coast of Crete. It is situated at a distance of 13 kilometres far from Heraklion at the East, on the Old National Road and close to the actual National Road. The village counts more than 1000 permanent residents and it is successive to the settlements of Gournes and Vathianos Kambos.

The area used to be an active Minoan center throughout the Minoan era. The palace of Niros, close to the village is dated to the New Palatial Period (17th century b.C.). It is an impressive building with tens of rooms (more than 40 only on the ground floor), stairs, corridors and two big yards. It is suggested that the building served as residence of a powerful local governor, or of a high priest; the palace was destroyed by fire. Abundant terracotta vessels as amphora, big and small jars jars were found on the site during the excavations, along with ritual artifacts and various items of everyday use.

At the West of the village, close to Vathianos Kambos  it has been found the cemetery of the site; a good number of ceramic urns have been excavated, but unfortunately today the site has suffered an almost total destruction, due to the water of the numerous torrents flowing there in winter.

Dockyard constructions of the Minoan period have been detected at the beach in front of the village.
Near Gournes excavations have brought to light a site with various buildings, chiseled tombs and artefacts, mainly pottery.

In what concerns the Christian era it is worth visiting the Monastery of Aghios Ioannis Theologos (St.John) some 4 kilometres South to the village, near the village Anopoli.

Several alternatives of accommodation is offered in the area: big hotels with full facilities, smaller hotels of all categories, studios and rooms to let are available.
Swimming is possible at the beach in front of the village  as well as st the near by beaches of Gournes and Vathianos Kambos; sea sport facilities are also available.

Numerous taverns and restaurants in the area offer good food and drink.

Access from Heraklion is very easy by public bus with regular and frequent service, by taxi as well as by rented or private car and motrobikes.