The apartment was ideally situated for our needs. The outside area was perfect for the two of us and gave sunshine at breakfast and a view of the spectacular sunsets in the evenings. Panormo is a comfortable 15 minute walk and has a lovely atmosphere. A perfect place to finish off each day. Check out Gironimos and Elias Cafe bar for great food, drink and hospitality whilst you watch the world go by. Panormo is a great location if you're driving as it gives you easy access to all the main attractions in the north and easy access to the south of the island, between 15 and 1hour 15min away I recommend:
Arkadi Monastery for a flavour of local history in a beautiful tranquil setting.
Livadi Beach (and Taverna). On the turnoff just before the busier Bali beach (15 minutes by car from Panormo) a quiet and relaxed family run place with great food.
Preveli/Plakias area (south). The drive through the gorge to the south of the island offers spectacular views. Preveli was quite an experience walking down (then up) the steps to the beach. Not for the faint hearted, but a great challenge.
Chania is best for the Market day lovers and has a pretty, bustling old town and Venetian Harbour.
Knossos gives a great sense of time and place and insight into Minoan life, though too many guided tours made it feel a bit overcrowded and conveyor belt culture at times. However, combining this with the Archaeological Museum in Herkalion is a must (€16p.p for both sites within a 3 day period). The museum has a vast, well curated collection of artefacts from Minoan and Cretian history. Well worth a visit and a good way to spend a hot afternoon in the shade.
Rethmyno is a great all rounder with something for everyone: endless beach, lovely harbour and old town. Visit the Fortress/ruins at the end of the day for beautiful views, it doesn't have lots of tourist information but if you like exploring old ruins then it's perfect and worth €4 to have access.