Panormo
Panormo is a seaside village of the prefecture of Rethymno located approximately 20 km west of the city of Rethymno.
Built on a spot where probably a homonymous roman city once existed, the Panormo village has been an important port of Crete since the antiquity.
At the beginning of the century, Panormo was called Kasteli of Mylopotamos or Roumelí Kasteli. Later, the name changed because of the small church that bore the name of Agios Georgios the Panormos.
Near the dock of the current village of Panormo, the fortress Castel Milopotamo was built in the early 13th century by Genoese pirate Henry Pescatore; around it, a settlement had developed, later evolving into the today’s popular village.
In the middle of the village of Panormo, the unique in Crete carob-mill stands, which was declared an industrial monument by the Ministry of Culture and currently operates on behalf of the Department of Arts and Culture, hosting various cultural events throughout the year.
Moreover, in Panormo you will find shops of every kind and quaint taverns where you can taste local delicacies, while in the area there are two car rental companies, travel agencies and many tourist facilities. The largest basilica of Crete, Agia Sophia, built in the 5th century is located only 200 meters far from the village. The church is dedicated to the Ascension of Christ and Agios Georgios (Saint George). Finally, the homonymous beach of the settlement and the coast of Geropotamos are the closest beaches for a quick dip.
