In and around Panormo you'll find small beaches of smooth sun-warmed pebbles, sandy coves, some with shallow waters, ideal for children, some with water sports facilities, fishing, diving etc. There are buses, which go regularly to Rethymno (20 min) or to Heraklion and Chania making Panormo an ideal base to explore many parts of Crete. For culturally interested outings you may choose to visit the Monasteries of Arkadi and Preveli, and the world famous Minoan Palace of Knossos. Otherwise you may wish to explore the wilderness wonders of the Samaria Gorge, or simply take time to visit the mountain villages, for example the village of Margarites where traditional pottery and wood carving are still being produced.