PANORMO
a seaside paradise, where tranquility meets tradition...
Panormo Village
Panormo is located about 20 km east of Rethymnon. It is a quiet tourist resort, which has developed strongly in recent years, without losing its traditional form. The picturesqueness of the village, the beautiful sandy beaches in the village and the easy access via the Northern Road Axis of Crete have contributed to this.
Beaches
In Panormos there are essentially two large beaches and some smaller ones. As its name suggests, Panormos is a natural harbor with calm waters. Limanaki beach is located in front of the village, under the ruins of Mylopotamos Castle, and serves the port of Panormos. It is sandy and has clear waters. It is ideal for children, as it is shallow, and it is protected in the east by a jetty, where boats are moored. It is organized, with umbrellas, showers, water sports and all the accommodation possibilities around.
Beaches
The western beach of the area is just 200m away. west of the village. Similar to the port, it is a sandy organized beach protected to the west by a jetty. Further west, there is a small pebbly bay, perfect for seclusion and masking.
Basilica of Agia Sophia
Panormos is located in a historical area, as this is where the ancient Panormus is located. The existence of an ancient city is also confirmed by the discovery of the basilica of Agia Sophia, from the 6th AD. century. In fact, the basilica is considered one of the largest early Christian churches in Greece and the largest in Crete. Dating from C4 the timber-roofed church dedicated to Hagia Sofia was possibly attacked during invasions by Arab troops in C7th when it was destroyed. Findings from the excavation however testify that it was in service as late as C9 and provide evidence to its strong position in the community of Panormos at the time.
Kasteli ruins
Kasteli is a second name was added to Panormos and survived up to the beginning of C20. Kasteli derives from fortifications – seven towers and two gates whose ruins are still visible by the church. The fortress was built by Genoan forces of Enrico Pescatore who occupied the site for a short period.
Traditional carob mile
In the modern history of the region, Panormos was the most important port for the transport of the agricultural products of Mylopotamos region. The province produced large quantities of olive oil and carob. You can even today visit the restored Carob Mill, which is used as a cultural center. After the occupation, when it was also bombed, the small fishing village and port gradually turned into a tourist resort, as the national road was built, while in 1980 the current port of the area was built.
The way to the lighthouse
On the hills east of the village halfway to the cemetery of Saint Nicholas starts the way to the lighthouse of Panormos. Following the rough eastern coastline and at a short level above the sea, the easy 30 min walk takes you to the lighthouse of Panormos where you can enjoy a panorama onto the Cretan Sea.
Church of Saint George
The village church has a double dedication to the Ascension of the Savior and to Saint George. A large holy temple is also constructed which is dedicated to one of the Ten Saints, Saint Agathopodas, who according to tradition was born in Panormos.
The center of Panormo
The center of the village consists of picturesque pedestrian streets, where the visitor can find a multitude of shops, restaurants, cafes, a bakery, a market for traditional products, as well as infrastructure such as an ATM, pharmacy, etc.
Painting depicting the coast of Panormos and the cemetery of Agios Nikolaos the previous century, by Fedra Vavessou.
