Thinking of booking a trip to Panormos in Crete? Here’s what to expect from this charming beach resort on the island’s north coast.
Where is it?
Panormos (or Panormo) is on Crete’s popular north coast, between Heraklion and Rethymnon and just down the road from Bali.
What’s the vibe like?
Small, quiet and charming, Panormos was originally a fishing village and the heart of the village has retained its traditional feel but with the added benefit of a few tourist amenities.
If you’re worried that you’ll find most of the beach resorts along the north coast of Crete too built up and busy then you might like Panormos.
The village spreads out along the coast enclosing two bays and a working harbour and is set on a slight hill. The centre of the village is behind the harbour and has some attractive historic buildings and tavernas. It’s a protected area which has curtailed development. Some parts of the village can feel a bit workaday and the beaches aren’t the best in the area, but this stops it from feeling too touristy.
There are some popular waterfront tavernas by the harbour which attract daytrippers.
Panormos attracts independent travellers, from families with older children to solos and mature couples. It has a number of small hotels and villas, with a cluster of small resort hotels beyond the main beaches and some larger luxury hotels down the coast at Lavris.
Compared to neighbouring Bali, Panormos is smaller and quieter and much less developed. The scenery is not quite as picturesque but it’s a bit more traditional and upmarket.
What’s the beach like?
Panormos has two main beaches:
- Limenaki is the main beach and is right by the harbour. It’s wider than the others and the sand is a coarse golden brown. The sea is shallow and sheltered.
- Limni is a 5-minute walk west of the harbour and is the more private of the two. There’s a taverna right on the beach.
Both beaches have sun loungers available. They don’t suffer from the same crowding that the Bali beaches do, however, due to the compact geography of the area they will still feel busy in the summer. There are a few smaller coves if you keep exploring.
The beach nearest the hotels at Lavris is called Geropotamos.
Activities and amenities
The restaurants in Panormos are mostly Greek food and seafood. There are a few food stores and a pharmacy in the centre of the village.
Panormos is largely an entertain-yourself kind of place although there are some activities available.
Boat trips explore the coast from the harbour, or you can discover a world underwater with Atlantis Diving Centre.
Bali Travel Agency and Aitidis Travel organise day trips around the island and activities like Cretan nights and jeep safaris.
There’s a tourist train which runs from Panormos up into the mountain villages where you’ll find pottery workshops.
Carob Mill Arts & Cultural Centre is a museum about local life and history.
The Klados Winery is a short drive outside the village – you can book wine tastings on their website.
Rethymnon is around 30 minutes on the bus so an easy day trip.
Transport and accessibility
From the airport:
Panormos is a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport and 80 minutes from Chania Airport.
A private transfer from Heraklion airport is around €70.
Public transport:
Panormos is served by the regional KTEL coaches – see the KTEL website for timetables.
The bus stop is up on the main highway which is a short but steep walk uphill from the village.
Buses run east towards Heraklion, or west towards Rethymnon, usually at least once per hour during the day.
Panormos also has a tourist train which connects Panormos village with the big hotels along the coast at Lavris/Geropotamos, as well as two routes into the mountain villages.
Accessibility:
Panormos is gently hilly. Reaching both beaches requires some steps, and the walk from the beach up to the heart of the village is moderately steep.
Where to stay
4-star Z Boutique Hotel has a traditional aesthetic with stone walls and a small plunge pool.
Captain’s House is popular with solo and independent travellers. It’s located in a traditional building right by the harbour. Visitors will find a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. It’s only a matter of steps to the beach.
The modern rooms are Casa D’Oro Suites are located up behind the old part of the village and are adults-only.
Philoxenia has holiday homes right in the heart of Panormos, but there are plenty of villas in the area – browse VRBO for a selection.
4-star Grecotel Marine Palace & Aqua Park is the main resort hotel in Panormos village, just west of the beaches. It has great facilities for families including water slides.
Luxury hotels at Lavris:
The cluster of big luxury resort hotels is west of Panormos along the coast It’s a bit too far to walk into the village every evening – around 1 hour – but you can hop on the train or get a taxi, and the hotels all have extensive facilities.
- The Royal Blue, A Luxury Beach Resort – 5 star
- Iberostar Creta Marine – 4-star
- Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare – 4-star
- Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton – 5-star
There are some beautiful coves and beaches around here but watch out for turtle nests, particularly at Geropotamos. They will be marked with cages, avoid digging or putting parasols up in these areas.
Read more about Crete:
Where to Stay in Chania Near the Beach
How to Get Around Chania By Bus
10 Most Beautiful Beaches Near Chania
Where to Stay on Crete: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
10 Most Beautiful Beaches on Crete
Image credits: All images © The Mediterranean Traveller
