Panormo beach

Panormo is situated about 20km east of Rethymno, in the region of Milopotamos. It is a tranquil resort, which has met a fast development in recent years, without however losing its traditional face. The wild beauty of the pure Cretan landscapes, the picturesque village, the beautiful beaches and easy access, have contributed to this development.

In Panormo there are actually two main beaches and a few smaller ones. As the name implies, Panormos is a natural harbor with calm waters.

Limani The harbor (Limani) beach in front of the village is the port of the area. It is sandy and has clear waters. It is ideal for children, as it is shallow and well protected from winds with piers, where the boats tie up. It is organized with umbrellas, showers, water sports and accommodation facilities around. Adjacent, on the east, there is a smaller sandy unorganized beach, not preferred by swimmers.

West Panormo beachThe second main beach is located just 200m west of the village. Similarly to the harbor beach, it’s a sandy beach, well protected by a rocky pier. Even further to the east, there is a small cove with a pebbly beach, ideal for seclusion and snorkeling.

West secret coveYou can access Panormo with direct bus services from Rethymnon, but also with buses connecting Heraklion and Rethymnon. The latter will leave you on the highway, about 500m away from the village. Moreover, excursion boats run from the local harbor.

Brief history of area

Castel MilopotamoPanormo is situated in a historic place and is believed to be on the site of the ancient city Panormus. The existence of an ancient city is confirmed by the discovery of the basilica of St. Sophia (6th ADCentury) 500m southwest of the village. The basilica is considered as one of the greatest Christian churches in Greece and the largest in Crete. Morover, Panormos is called Kastelli of Milopotamos (i.e. Castle of Milopotamos), because it was fortified by the Genoese, who conquered it in 1206. The fort, however, fell a few years later at the hands of Venetians. Traces of the fort are still visible next to the harbor.

In the modern history, Panormo was a center for the transportation of goods produced in the wider region. The area produced large quantities of olive and carob. You can still visit the renovated carobmill, which is nowadays used as a cultural center. After the German Occupation, when it was bombed, the small fishing village and port transformed into a tourist resort. The new national road that was constructed next to the village and the construction of the marina in 1980, contributed to the touristic development of Panormos.

Three festivals take place here every year: Ascension, St. John on June 24 and St. Nicholas on December 6.

Photos

Harbor beach

Main beach

If you cannot see the photos, click here.