Panormos is a small village 10km east of Rethymnon. There is a newly constructed breakwall that will provide shelter from north and north west winds. The harbour is open to the east. The town is above the harbour.
The village of Panormos has shopping for provisions especially during tourist season. There are also mailing and international telephone services. Fuel may be purchased but there are no repairs done here. There are hotels and tavernas during tourist season. There is a doctor and a pharmacy. There is a boat ramp for small boats. The alongside mooring in the harbour provides good shelter for all but strong north, east and northeast winds. The harbour is open to the east. There is a light on the harbour entrance

Panormos beach is in fact two separate sandy beaches. The main beach is quite sheltered from the wind by the small harbour. The second beach is equally good and is a short walk to the west of Panormos.
Both are normally uncrowded and have shallow water good for swimming. Watersports like windsurfing and diving are available. Panormos nightlife is based around an appealing mix of friendly good-quality tavernas and bars, some found around the small harbour and others in the winding narrow streets in the centre of the village. Panormos has local shops and tavernas and a much bigger selection can of course be found in nearby Rethymnon, one of the largest and most interesting towns on Crete.