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Greece Greece

Administrative Region : Crete
Regional unit : Chania

Kokkino Chorio (Greek : Κόκκινο Χωριό, or "Red Village") is a village situated in the Chania regional unit of Crete, Greece. It was the filming location of the 1964 film Zorba the Greek starring Anthony Quinn, Alan Bates, Irene Papas and many locals. The village also plays host to a tunnel complex which was used in World War II by the Nazis as an artillery spotting position. The area has been bought by a local property developer who has subsequently built a large number of houses on the site, obliterating in the process an old gun emplacement. In 2006 a memorial to those killed during world war two was constructed at the entrance to the tunnels. Access is possible, but it is unlit.

Kokkino Chorio has three churches: St. George's which is located at the entrance of the cave and used on St. George's Day (April 23); St Katherines in the village which is used on November 25. The main church, used weekly and at other times during Lent/Easter and Advent/Christmas is St. Haralambos and is located in the village square. Facing the church there is also a taverna owned by a very friendly local man named Yiannis. He serves excellent food made from scratch, using organic vegetables from his own farm. Situated in front of the taverna is a set of football nets and basketball hoops which are used by the local kids. Just around the corner, you can find a couple of small shops and cafes owned by individuals such as Dimitris and an old woman (Antigone) who sells bread and other minor essentials.

Kokkino Chorio is located near Plaka, Almiryda, Gavlahori, Kalyves and Kambia. Recently[when?] a Mini Market has opened in Kokkino Chorio (run by Giorgos) selling a range of goods, from food to household appliances. There is also a Glass blowing factory in the village with an embryo taverna attached. Above Kokkino Horio one can see the strangely shaped hill Drapanokefala or Calapodha (so named during the Venetian occupation). The coastline northwest of the village is an extremely interesting place for a stroll due to the ground formation and the caves, such as the cave of Petsi (or Karavotopos). Another cave called Katalimata, located at the centre of the village, is also an interesting site.