Village Panormo - characteristics and facilities of the resort

Originally a small fishing village, today the developing tourist resort of Panormo (or Panormos) belongs to the Cretan administrative region of Rethymnon and lies about 22 km east of this town, in the province of Milopotamos. It is a quiet seaside resort which, despite the rapid development of recent times, has managed to retain some of its traditional character. Thanks to its good transport links, the resort has found a following and tourists head here mainly for the beautiful beaches and tasty fish tavernas.

Panormo is one of the quiet but well-equipped tourist resorts - there are several hotels and apartments for rent, a number of restaurants and tavernas, various shops and cafes, as well as a local market, a butcher's shop and a home bakery. You won't be completely deprived of nightlife either, with several bars to visit. With its narrow streets and ubiquitous geranium pots, the village has a very friendly feel.

Panormo beaches

Panormo has two main beaches that are well equipped for tourists, as well as several smaller beaches that have been left in their natural state.

Limani (or Limanaki) beach is adjacent to the main part of the resort. The surface of the beach is covered with fine sand, the sea is crystal clear in this area and the coastline slopes gently into the water, an ideal combination for families with small children and relaxing swimmers. The beach includes the local port of Panormo and its piers protect the beach from the larger waves. Limani Beach is equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and showers and there are several restaurants and tavernas in the area. You also have the opportunity to try out some of the water adrenaline sports on offer at the local sports centre.

To the east of Limani Beach you will find a smaller, sandy and unorganised beach. This is more suitable for sunbathing and lounging on the beach than swimming, as the entrance to the sea is more difficult in this area.

The other main beach is located at the western part of Panormo and is called Limni (or Lake). Similar to the first beach, Limni is sandy, with a gradual entrance to the sea and good tourist facilities in the form of sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and refreshments. A small rocky promontory divides the beach into two parts.

Panormo - historical sights and attractions

According to preserved historical sources, the present town stands on the site of the ancient town of Panormus. And that it was probably not a small town at all is evidenced by the imposing basilica of Agia Sofia (St. Sophia), the remains of which have been discovered about 500 m southwest of the village. The basilica (with its length of 54 m and width of 23 m) is the largest in the western part of Crete and is also one of the largest religious buildings in the whole of Greece. The early Christian basilica of Agia Sophia dates from the 5th to 6th centuries, and is a three-aisled basilica with the shape of an archaic cross. Its foundations were uncovered in the mid-20th century.

Next to the current port of Panormo you can see the remains of the Venetian fortress of Milopotamos.

If you're in the mood for a walking tour, you can also head to the old Panormo lighthouse, for example, which is located to the east of the resort. It will take you about half an hour to reach it on a dirt road that starts at the local cemetery and continues through the arid pastures of the area. The view from the lighthouse is worth it, though, as the northern coastline with the resorts of Panormo and Milopotamos is just a stone's throw away.

Who is the centre suitable for?

We would recommend Panormo resort to those who prefer the "old Greek style" to the noisy and crowded resorts like Chersonissos or Malia. Panormo is more for quieter natures who can enjoy the beauty of the typical Cretan landscape. Of course, thanks to good transport accessibility, it is not a problem to go for entertainment or shopping. Families with smaller children will also be happy here, and they will surely have a lot of fun on the local sandy beaches with clean and shallow sea.

Take advantage of the proximity of the motorway running just outside the village and take a trip (for example to the nearby resort of Rethymno or the capital Heraklion). If you don't want to rent a car, there are regular bus services to Panormo and a boat service to the surrounding towns (cruise ships leave daily from the local port).

More touristic destinations of Crete

Most favourite resorts of Crete: Adelianos Kampos, Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion (Iraklion), Hersonissos, Chania, Ierapetra, Kalamaki (Matala), Malia, Platanias (Chania), Rethymno, Stalis

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.