Arina Beach Resort
Beachfront setting on a long sandy shore On-site waterpark with slides and freshwater pool Children’s club (4–12yrs), playground and kids’ buffets Choice of pools including indoor pool and saltwater pools Certified Sustainable Hotel (GSTC-recognised standard) Free Wi-Fi throughout
Overview
Perched directly on a long stretch of Cretan sand, Arina Beach Resort wraps everything families love about a Greek island holiday into one polished, All Inclusive package. Expect big sea views from dawn to sunset, a splash-tastic waterpark, kids’ club, multiple pools and bright modern rooms – including private-pool bungalows right by the beach – all less than half an hour from Heraklion Airport.
Gallery
32 photos
Map & location
Kokkini Hani, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece
Arina Beach Resort enjoys a privileged position right on the coast at Kokkini Hani, a former fishing village that’s held onto its easy-going, authentic charm. The hotel fronts a long sandy beach, backed by low-rise buildings and sea-view pools, so everything feels centred around the water.
Step outside and you’re a short stroll from local shops and casual tavernas, while lively Heraklion and family-friendly Gouves are both within easy reach by bus or taxi. It’s a brilliant base if you want lazy beach days with the option of day trips to historic sites, waterparks and Cretan villages.
- Beach on the beachfront
- shops 100m
- Kokkini Hani resort centre 500m
- Gouves village 2km
- Heraklion (for shopping & old town) 14km
- Approx. transfer time from airport 20 minutes
Facilities
Pool & outdoors
Water babies are well catered for here. Outside, you’ll find three main pools: two generous saltwater pools with wide sunbathing terraces, and a freshwater pool at the waterpark. Sunbeds and parasols are plentiful, and complimentary pool towels are provided.
The aqua park is a major highlight, with a separate freshwater pool and an array of slides suitable for different ages (age, height or weight restrictions may apply for safety). It’s typically open between 10:00 and 18:00 and quickly becomes the focus of family fun.
There’s also an indoor heated freshwater pool located in the spa centre, usually heated between mid-March and mid-November, ideal for early- or late-season dips.
The real showstopper, though, is the long sandy beach directly in front of the hotel. Wander from the pool to the shore in under a minute, with the sparkling Aegean Sea on one side and beach bar service on the other.
Spa, sports & wellness
Stay active or ease into holiday mode – it’s your call. The resort features an air-conditioned gym with cardio equipment and a free weights area (minimum age 15yrs), open daily through the season.
An animation team organises aerobics, aqua aerobics, yoga, darts, table tennis, tennis and volleyball, so you can dip in and out of activities as you please.
Over at the spa (18+), you’ll find a sauna and steam room, plus a full menu of massage and beauty treatments (extra charge) – perfect after a busy day exploring Crete or chasing the kids down the slides.
Additional facilities include a 24-hour reception, luggage storage, currency exchange and a handy on-site mini-market for beach essentials and snacks.
Activities
? On-site aqua park with slides and splash areas
? Outdoor pools plus indoor heated pool in spa centre
? Air-conditioned gym with cardio and free weights (15yrs+)
? Aerobics & aqua aerobics sessions
? Darts, table tennis and organised small team games
? Tennis and beach-style volleyball
? Frequent daytime activities (games, family fun, poolside events)
? Evening entertainment with live music, karaoke, DJ sets and mini-disco (seasonal programme)
Guest services
?️ 24-hour reception and luggage storage
? Family-friendly services including bottle warmers and kettles on request
? Spa with sauna, steam room, massages and beauty treatments (18+, extra charge)
? Daily housekeeping and towel change
? Complimentary pool towels
? Currency exchange on site
?️ On-site mini-market for snacks and holiday essentials
? Free Wi‑Fi throughout the hotel
? Local transport links and taxi assistance for exploring Crete
Food & drink
Dining at Arina Beach Resort is designed around choice and convenience, with four restaurants and a generous All Inclusive programme.
The Ariadne Main Restaurant is the heart of the hotel, serving buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner with show cooking stations and a dedicated children’s section with kids’ menu, kids’ buffet, highchairs and microwaves.
Avra Restaurant by the pool combines buffet and à la carte service in the evenings, with international flavours and a relaxed, open-air vibe.
Down by the sand, Meat & Grill lays on hearty buffet dinners with live cooking right by the beach, while the Sunset Asian Restaurant offers buffet Asian-inspired dishes on selected evenings.
For drinks, there’s a network of bars:
– Dia Beach Bar on the sand for daytime drinks and snacks
– Kalypso Bar by the pool for chilled poolside cocktails
– A lively main pool bar open through the day into the evening
– The Exclusive Bar] and a stylish Rooftop Lounge Bar (seasonal), ideal for sunset aperitifs
A smart dress code applies in some venues (no beachwear; long trousers may be requested for men in the evenings). Reservations are required for à la carte options and inclusions vary slightly by season and room type – we’ll confirm the latest when you book.
Rooms
Open Plan Family Room with Sea View Sleeps 2–4
Sleeps: 2–4
Open-plan layout ideal for families, with sleeping areas in one large space, a modern shower room and a balcony overlooking the sea. Some include a pillow menu for added comfort. Mini-bar with complimentary bottled water on arrival, refilled daily.
Single Room Sleeps 1
Sleeps: 1
Compact but comfortable option for solo travellers. These may be located either in the main building or in the annexe approximately 150m away. Include balcony or terrace and all core amenities.
Annexe Room with Pool View Sleeps 2
Sleeps: 2
Located in an annexe building about 150m from the main hotel across a road, these rooms enjoy relaxing pool views from the balcony or terrace. Guests receive a complimentary bottle of water in the mini bar on arrival, refilled daily.
Double Room with Sea View Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps: 2–3
Bright, coastal-inspired doubles with a balcony or terrace facing the Aegean. Guests receive complimentary bottled water in the mini bar on arrival, refilled daily.
Superior Double Room with Sea View Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps: 2–3
A step up in space and finish, with sea views and all standard amenities. Includes complimentary water in the mini bar on arrival, topped up daily.
Family Room with Garden View Sleeps 2–4
Sleeps: 2–4
Comfortable family rooms with separate sleeping spaces, overlooking the gardens from the balcony or terrace. Complimentary bottled water provided in the mini bar on arrival and refilled daily.
Family Room with Sea View Sleeps 2–5
Sleeps: 2–5
Similar to the garden-view option but facing the sea. Selected rooms include a pillow menu for extra comfort. Complimentary bottled water in the mini bar on arrival, refilled daily.
Swim Up Family Room Sleeps 2–4
Sleeps: 2–4
A family favourite. These ground-floor rooms have a terrace with sunbeds and direct access to a shared swim-up pool. Added touches include bathrobes and slippers.
Penthouse Double Room in Main Building with Sea View Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps: 2–3
Premium top-floor rooms with panoramic sea views from the balcony. Guests on All Inclusive in this room enjoy unlimited use of Avra à la carte restaurant for breakfast and dinner (reservation required), a complimentary mini bar with soft drinks on arrival refilled daily, espresso machine, pool towels and late check-out subject to availability (charges may apply locally). Bathrobes and slippers add a plush finish.
Bungalow on Beach Front with Private Pool Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps: 2–3
Set right by the beachfront, these bungalows offer a private swimming pool, furnished terrace and sunbeds. All premium extras of the penthouse rooms apply: unlimited Avra à la carte for breakfast and dinner (reservation required), mini bar with soft drinks refilled daily, espresso facilities, pool towels and late check-out subject to availability (local charges may apply), plus bathrobes and slippers.
Family Maisonette Apartment with Sea View and Private Pool Sleeps 2–5
Sleeps: 2–5
Spread across two levels, these maisonettes combine space with wow-factor sea views and a private pool on the terrace with sunbeds. Guests benefit from the same premium inclusions as the beachfront bungalows and penthouse rooms, including enhanced mini bar, espresso facilities and à la carte dining privileges at Avra (reservation required).
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
More info
Kokkini Hani keeps things pleasantly low-key compared to the busier Cretan hotspots, with pebbly and sandy beaches, low-rise development and an authentic village feel. Expect traditional tavernas, access to nearby aquariums and waterparks, and easy day trips into Heraklion’s old town, Knossos and neighbouring resorts.
Good to know:
• Country: Greece
• Island/Region: Crete (Heraklion Area)
• Resort: Kokkini Hani
• Language: Greek (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time difference: GMT +2 hours (approx.)
• Average flight time from UK: around 4.5 hours
• Destination airport: Heraklion (HER)
• Typical transfer time to resort: around 20 minutes
This property operates as a Certified Sustainable Hotel, meeting a GSTC-recognised standard at the time of review. Facilities, entertainment and inclusions can vary by season, and some services may operate to limited hours or subject to weather and occupancy.
For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Spain advice.