Panormos is a small fishing village and beach resort on the north coast of Crete some 22 kilometers east of Rethimnon. In Roman times Panormos was a port and had the name of Axos. Still little developed it is slowly becoming a tourist resort of its own in, but it still retains some of its old village character and it is a nice place to wander around for a bit and spend some time on the beach or in one of the many fish taverns.

While we were there (2003) we saw a big church (still in concrete) being constructed, likely to attract more visitors in the future (in 2008 it was finished but still in concrete, so progress is slow). There are three small beaches in Panormos. One beach is in the harbour, which is topped by a nice church on a steep rock. It's a sand beach. Two others beaches are on the other side of the village. One of them has many umbrellas on it, the other small beach is a little bit less commercial. This may change soon. The beaches at Panormos are shallow and so they are suitable for small children. As you walk from one part of the village to the other there are nice views over the sea and the rocks.

Panormos is cosy though with plenty of shops for your daily needs, mini-markets and a bakery. Behind the village are the remains of the the Agia Sophia Basilica which dates from the 6th century. Overlooking the beach and close to the beautiful Panormos church with its wall paintings are the remains of the Milopotamos Castle (from the times of Genova) of which not much is left. In the small and quiet cobbled streets the old houses blend in with the new. There are flowers in pots in front of the houses and because Panormos is set away a little bit from the national road there is no passing traffic and you will not see so many cars in the village. Along the beach and in the streets you have a good choice for tavernas and small cafés.

The surrounding area of Panormos is nice for making walks into the countryside. Panormos also has a regular bus service to Rethimnon and to the capital Heraklion. The bus ride from Heraklion to Panormos takes about 50 to 60 minutes and to Rethimnon it takes a little over half an hour. If you want to escape the overcrowded places like Chersonissos and Malia and if you prefer authentic Greek life and old style Greek buildings, yet you still want some life in the evening and have a choice of a few nice bars, than Panormos may be a good option for you. It is still pretty authentic and it has lots of charming picturesque streets, good restaurants (especially sea food) and different beaches to choose from. It's peaceful and quiet in its' own way and there is not much traffic. Still there are things to do and there are things to have a look at. As far as I am concerned one of the nicer villages on the north coast of Crete. There is nothing really bad to be said about Panormos.

Located in Panormos fishing village, 50 metres from the sandy beach, Apartments Christina offer self-catering accommodation overlooking the Cretan Sea. The fully equipped kitchens feature cooker and fridge. All air-conditioned units at the Christina include satellite TV and free Wi-Fi access. Bathrooms are equipped with hydromassage tub or jet shower. Maisonettes and apartments also feature furnished balconies and a sitting area with fireplace. The village of Panormos has a good selection of traditional taverns, shops and water sports facilities. Christina Apartments is 18 km from Rethymno Port and 60 km from Heraklion Airport. Free public parking is possible at a location nearby the Christina.

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Kirki Village is a friendly, cosy hotel, located in the quiet village of Panormo, less than 200 metres from the beach and close to Rethymon. The hotel offers affordable accommodation in a warm, traditional, and family-friendly environment. All studios and apartments are large and include balconies and kitchenettes. The restaurant and public areas are decorated in the traditional style of the village. Guests can spend quiet hours in the library or enjoy a swim in the inviting outdoor swimming pool.

Kirki Village consists of 52 apartments and studios built in traditional style. All units have a full equipped kitchenette with refrigerator, telephone, air-condition, balcony or terrace and bathroom with shower. The 1 bedroom apartments also have their own living room with sofas that convert into comfortable beds, ideal for friends or families with children.

© pictures by William Donnarel

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Captain's House is a unique beautiful traditional building, situated just above the sea with a magnificent view. It faces over the port and the golden sandy beach of the small fishing village of Panormos. Captain's House has been recently restored into fully equipped apartments designed to offer comfort and leisure. It has a lounge and a nice restaurant which offers traditional Greek food and fresh fish. If you would like to enjoy this lifestyle, then Captain's House is the ideal place to be. There are maisonettes, apartments and there is a gorgeous and large suite with an enormous balcony.

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Just 50 metres from the village square and 200 metres from the beach, Philoxenia Apartments offer a prime location in Panormos and comfortable, self-catering apartments with an outdoor pool. These spacious and comfortably furnished apartments offer an ideal solution for a peaceful and relaxing break in Panormos. Each apartment is well-appointed with modern bathroom and kitchen facilities and a cosy dining area. During the day, soak up the sun around the pool, read a book in the shade of the sun umbrellas or enjoy a drink on the terrace of Philoxenia. Stroll along the charming cobbled streets of Panormos and discover the local taverns, traditional craft stores and cute bakeries. There are also a variety of bars for evening entertainment. If you are exploring Crete by car you can also benefit from free private parking facilities at Philoxenia Apartments.

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