19°C
The settlement is on the sea and a tourist destination which is 21 km from Rethymno; even so, despite the numbers it receives, Panormos yet retains quite a bit of its traditional image as many of the stone-built houses have been restored, and not simply replaced by concrete boxes.
Above the small harbour here, on a rocky outcrop, sits the remains of an old fort (the Genoese grabbed Crete before being ejected by the Venetians), and by it a stone-built church (to the Ascension).
The shore front has many (larger and smaller) beaches, all tending to get predictably crowded: some have sand, some are pebbly. The waters are shallow and for that reason very safe for young children.
The main beach is a natural harbour, and there the locals moor their boats. Both this and the adjacent strand are fully organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, numerous water-sports and a lifeguard.
In addition there are other beaches, more or less developed, that attract fewer people – a fact that makes them fitting for those having in mind some relaxation and calm.
10 km east of Panormos is Bali, another very touristy setting.
Αμμώδης, Βότσαλο
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The Rural Greece is an online portal that connects travellers with unique destinations and local businesses in the countryside, offering authentic experiences through activities that highlight nature, traditions and culture.
For the Rural Greece accessibility is fundamental to enhancing an inclusive tourism experience. Following the principles of inclusion and equality, the epaithros Rural Tourism Network and its member businesses are constantly working to enhance the tourism services provided, ensuring that all visitors have the opportunity to experience the authentic beauty of the Greek countryside.
Sustainability in tourism refers to a way of developing tourism that respects and protects the environment while strengthening the local economy and preserving cultural traditions. The aim of sustainable tourism is to provide unique and authentic experiences for visitors without harming the natural and social environment, while ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism activity.
This type of tourism is based on three pillars:
With sustainable tourism, visitors can have authentic experiences, knowing that the impact of tourism on the region is positive and lasting for future generations.
For Rural Greece, localism is one of the most important factors for the development of sustainable tourism, as it promotes a strong link between the tourism product and the local society, economy and culture. Through localism, visitors get the opportunity to explore authentic elements of the destination, such as local products, traditions and culture. This not only boosts the local economy, but also helps to sustain and strengthen local businesses, creating new jobs and supporting the development of local communities.
Furthermore, localism contributes to the sustainability of the tourism sector, as it reduces the use of resources from other regions and encourages the use of local goods and services, reducing the ecological footprint of tourism activities. Thus, integrating localism into tourism practices enhances sustainability awareness, both among visitors and local businesses, creating a more responsible and sustainable tourism destination.
