Panormo
Panormo is a small seaside village with 400 inhabitants, which lies almost in the middle of the distance between Rethymno and Heraklion. It is easily accessible from both cities as it is situated close to the national road. Panormo is situated 22km east from Rethymno and 55km west from Heraklion.
Among the sights of the area, the Early-Christian basilica of Agia Sophia dates back to the 5th century. Excavated in 1948, this basilica is biggest Early Christian basilica in Crete.
River Geropotamos flows into the sea in and forms a small lake at the wonderful beach which is called Paralia Geropotamou. Located just under the national road connecting Rethymno and Heraklion, this is definitely one of the places worth visiting in the area.