A small fisherman’s village Bali (9 km from Panormos) has developed over the last decades into a prominent travel destination in this part of Crete. Besides the monastery of St John Prodromos and the two-aisled stone church and old fountains with a characteristic decoration Bali offers and beautiful beaches west and east of the village, an islet and a scenic view onto the little port.
Arkadi is known for a siege that took place during the strife of Crete against Turkish occupation in 1866. Its architecture adds to the site’s attraction while the small museum contains a significant display of icons of the late C17 besides church archives. The monastery is 14 km southwest of Panormos.
Traditionally know for its clay urns - pitharia and terracotta making Margarites is a small beautiful village at only 9 km south of Panormos. In its picturesque narrow streets you will find a number of byzantine churches, decorated entrances and walls built during the occupation by Venice as well as numerous workshops and terracotta outlets.
Tucked into the rocks of south base of Kouloukonas Mountain, a short way out of Melidoni village (6 km south east of Panormos) is the entrance to Gerondospilio. A place of great natural beauty, the cave played a part and is associated to the rising against Ottoman presence in Crete. The cave served as a settlement and place of worship from the late Neolithic era to Roman times.
