he northern part of the Prefecture of Rethymno has a particularity. This particularity is in fact the endless kilometers of golden sand which form a vast beach starting from the town of Rethymno and ending to the Herakleio Prefecture border. This factor, has its own influence into northerner's part character which undoubtedly consists a tourist paradise. The crystal-water sea, the sun and the fine sand are all around waiting for the visitor to enjoy them.

Here, you can find everything concerning enjoyment and nightlife, but you also have access to the most beautiful remote places. Luxurious hotel units offer endless possibilities for the demanding visitor, countless fancy bars and cozy clubs guarantee the night satisfaction, traditional tavernas offer a large variety of taste and water sports and activities give a recreational and relaxing tone.

n the other hand, you can discover picturesque little harbors, pretty fishing villages, seductive places where you can swim almost alone and unique colorful landscapes. The character of the northern part is dinstictive in resorts like Panormos and Bali. You can reach there using the new highway for Herakleio.

But before reaching these famous resorts you can discover other villages with fine beaches like Perivolia, Mysiria, Paralia Adele and Stavromenos via the Old National Road for Herakleio. In recent years, this area has been much developed for tourism. Large hotel units have sprung up all along the coast, which in summer hums with life. At Stavromenos which has a good beach, the Old National Road crosses the new highway leading into internal mountainous areas of the prefecture with their own fascination, giving the opportunity for an unforgettable off the beaten track experience.

		aking the new highway for Herakleio after 22 km you can reach to the coastal village of Panormos. The village is built on a fine and densely-vegetated site between two bays and it has developed into a notable tourist resort. It also acts as a center for trade and fishing in the area.
It is believed to stand on the site of ancient Panormos, which was an important port from 800 - 900 BC until Classical and Roman times. Coins which have been found in the area and which depict the head of a goddess on one side and a palm tree on the other have been assigned to Panormos. In early Byzantine times it was the seat of a bishop. A large Early Christian basilica which had a wooden roof has been excavated. In the village, a number of mansions with tiled roofs, many windows and stone- carved decoration have survived.

aking the new National Road for Herakleio and as we travel east, a branch road at 33 km takes us down to the pretty fishing village of Bali. The village stands at the head of a little bay, on the site of ancient Astale. The heights around the bay form small valleys and little cones.
Thanks to its natural position, which is protected from the north west wind and also to its fine pebble beach, Bali is an excellent place for swimming. Once, Bali was noted for its beekeeping, now is a famous tourist resort. Near Bali, on the slopes of Mt. Kouloukonas, is the restored Atali Monastery which worths a visit. This monastery was constructed in the 17th century and was dedicated to John the Baptist.

Photos and text taken from "Crete - today and yesterday" and "Crete - A tour of all the towns and villages" (Toubis Editions)

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