Panormo Holidays

Panormo holidays have the family-friendly formula sussed. It’s nice and quiet, and stocked with a toddler-approved beach.

Pocket-sized Panormo

This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town is stashed away on the north coast of Crete. Lots of holidaymakers in these parts tend to head straight for the likes of better-known Rethymnon or Heraklion. But, in recent years, Panormo’s started to build up a fan base of in-the-know families, who come running for its peachy beaches and laidback outlook on life.

Kid-friendly coastline

Panormo means ‘sheltered harbour’ in English, and this teeny retreat sure lives up to its label. The go-to strip of sandy beach, called Limani, is protected by a pier on either side. Acting as beefed-up bodyguards, these wooden jetties keep the water swimming pool-still, making it ideal for armband wearing little’uns. Soft sands and an onslaught of sunbeds polish things off.

Relaxing evenings

Nightlife also follows the family-friendly theme. After dark, the done thing here is to take a stroll along the seafront, munch on meze at a traditional taverna or sit back with a tot of raki in hand. That said, you can easily hail a cab to Rethymnon, 15 minutes down the road, if you decide you want a more lively night out.

A hit with history buffs

You can’t come to Crete without taking a peek at the Palace of Knossos. This royal complex was built thousands of years ago, way before Rome’s Colosseum even had a blueprint. It was home to the powerful King Minos, and is full of tales of Theseus and the Minotaur. You’ll find it just outside of Crete’s capital, Heraklion, an hour’s drive away.