Panormo

The small seaside village of Panormo lies between Heraklion (about 50 min) and Rethymno (about 15 min) on the north coast of Crete. Visitors have always been welcomed into a warm and friendly traditional atmosphere, which the locals retain to the present day. Panormo is ideal for children, not only because they are given a warm welcome in the village, but because there are small sand and pebble beaches and shallow waters. This authentic Cretan village with its narrow streets and bright geraniums is the perfect place for those who want to escape a little and enjoy the peace and tranquility of Cretan life. There is a good selection of cafes, traditional tavernas, a butcher, a baker and shops where you can sample the local food and drink at reasonable prices. Panormo is the site of an old port using during Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine times, and there is still much to see from the past. The beautiful surrounding area is ideal for walkers who wish to explore the countryside. There are buses which go regularly to Rethymno or to Heraklion (about 50 min journey) making Panormo an ideal base from which to explore many parts of Crete. For culturally interested outings you may choose to visit the Monasteries of Arkadi and Prevely, and the world famous Minoan Palace of Knossos. Otherwise you may wish to explore the wilderness wonders of the Samaria Gorge, or simply take time to visit the mountain villages, for example the village of Margarites where traditional pottery and wood carving are sill being produced.