Panormos is a small traditional Cretan fishing village with narrow cobbled streets, shops and an excellent choice of tavernas. It lies above the harbour and overlooks three beautiful little coves with lovely sandy beaches for sunbathing and calm waters for swimming. It is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the lazy atmosphere, go for long walks or just sit at the cafes/tavernas overlooking the harbour and enjoy the beautiful view and watch the world go by. It is also possible to rent fishing boats by the hour or day. There is a post office, chemist shop and doctor.
In Roman times Panormos was the old port of Axos, in the more recent days of steam travel it was an important harbour and a flourishing small town. Above the harbour you can see the remains of a mediaeval Genoan fort and behind the village the remains of the sixth century Christian basilica of Agia Sofia have been excavated. The basilica has three aisles; each aisle was separated from the other by four columns. Fragments of the capitals have been found. About 25 km south is the archaeological site of ELEFTHERNA
Panormos is an excellent geographical point to use as a base for excursions all over Crete. It is in the centre of the island, 22 kms east of Rethymnon. There is a regular bus service to Rethymnon (on average every 20 minutes) and to Heraklion.
It is just a short drive up to Anogia in the mountains, 740 metres up the north face of Mount Psiloritis, and from there to the stunning Nida Plateau and the Ideon cave where according to mythology was where Zeus grew up.
In the ancient days of steam travel it was an important harbour and a flourishing small town. About 25 km south to the mainland is the archaeological site of ELEFTHERNA. Today, Panormos is a protected area due to its beautiful and traditional narrow streets and buildings. Fine sandy beaches, several good restaurants, a wonderful sea view are just some of the pleasures a visitor can experience in Panormos. It is also an excellent geographical point to use as a base for excursions all over Crete.
