Villa Kamares is a traditional stone villa containing three apartments with heated spa pool situated in the heart of Panormo village - 200 metres from everything: a dozen tavernas, cafe bars, beaches, minimarkets, bakery, shops, excursions offices, buses!
Panormo village is the perfect holiday destination for people looking for a traditionally Cretan, Greek holiday. The village is attractive and authentic, located on the north coast approx. 21 kilometres east of Rethymno, Panormo village is very popular as it successfully blends Cretan character with low-key tourism. The cobbled street on which Villa Kamares resides is a picture postcard scene.
Villa Kamares was originally built in 1912. Largely renovated between 2013-2016 with natural stone, the beautiful structure is adorned with stunning hand finished stone arches and walls with some original wooden beamed ceilings and floors.
Furnished with traditional furniture which retains a totally authentic Cretan feel but with all the modern conveniences such as air-conditioning, smart TVs, Wi-Fi and central heating for evenings in low season.
This listing is for our Selene apartment within Villa Kamares. The apartment has one double mezzanine bedroom with a king size bed; living room with a traditional sofa bed opening out into two single beds, dining table and chairs, handmade wooden painted kitchen incorporating cooker, microwave, fridge and freezer; and one main shower room.
Selene is located on the ground floor of the villa beside a stone-built heated spa pool within a stunning atrium.
Panormo is a picturesque and delightful Greek fishing village that has retained its charm and originality and has not been spoilt by tourism. Extremely friendly and welcoming local people live in the village. The location of Villa Kamares is fantastic, everything you need is just outside or a very short walk away, all within 200 metres including two beaches, three minimarkets, bakery, pleasant café bars, a great selection of tavernas serving delicious home cooked Cretan food, hairdressers and jewellers, a massage specialist and several ATM machines. This all makes for an extremely pleasant small resort with lots of character.
Just around the corner from the villa lies a small stunning harbour and beautiful beach with tavernas and bars overlooking the picturesque deep blue sea with translucent clean water and gorgeous mountain views.
The two beaches in Panormo have firm sand, a small harbour beach is situated with tavernas overlooking, and a larger beach has a lovely taverna on the sand. Both beaches are protected by stone breakwaters making swimming safe even when there's a strong northerly wind. The beaches are gently sloping and ideal for children. There is a dive centre on the larger beach and some low-key watersports.
The church of St George is located in the village, you may be able to hear the church bells ringing on a Sunday morning which gives a lovely feel to the day. The carob mill is situated on the edge of the village, this is a modern cultural centre hosting exhibitions and major music and theatre performances.
Panormo is 20 minutes by car to Rethymno, 45 minutes from Heraklion airport and 1 hour 20 minutes from Chania airport. Villa Kamares is a few minutes walk to the bus stop which regularly transports people to the towns of Rethymno, Chania and Heraklion. Panormo also has its own land train offering a choice of two morning trips into the Cretan countryside. This is a great way of exploring the surroundings if you do not want to hire a car or go by bus further afield.
If you want to go on further excursions, it is possible to book a trip at one of the three travel agents that have offices in the village or rent a car upon your arrival at the airport; however, a car is not necessary unless you want to do a lot of exploring further afield.
Our good friends Stefanos and Cheryl, a local Greek man and his English wife who are well known and liked in the village are available for interaction with guests. Stefanos meets and greets guests and Cheryl looks after housekeeping. We are also contactable by phone or email anytime for assistance and further information.
Villa Kamares is fully insured. Cheryl takes care of the apartment cleaning as well as sheets, towels and spa robes. Guests need to bring beach towels, or they can be purchased in the small shops in the village.
Our good friend Konstantinos owns and manages 'Relaxika Massage Specialists' situated directly opposite Villa Kamares. We are happy to arrange any massages you would like on booking, or you can arrange yourself on arrival if you choose.
House rules are as follows: Panormo is a quiet, relaxing village and therefore noise should be kept to a minimum in the apartments especially between the hours of 3pm and 5pm when local people are resting during siesta time. Noise should also be kept to a minimum from midnight when the village is quiet. Smoking, pets, parties and events are not permitted in Villa Kamares.
