Panormo, about 22km east of Rethymno, is one of the few relatively unspoiled beach towns on the northern coast. Despite a couple of big hotel complexes, it retains an unhurried, authentic village feel and makes for a quieter alternative to the overcrowded scene immediately east of Rethymno and at nearby Bali. In summer, concerts and other events are held in a carob mill turned cultural center.

In Panormo, cats are king. You’ll see a number of wooden snack huts around town, built just for them by local expats.