We had a wonderful two week stay at Nick's house. We are a family of four with two boys aged 13 and 5. Nick is a great host, friendly, polite and so helpful -if there is anything you need either practical or information-wise, he is quick to respond and generous.
Nick has deep ties to Panormos and loves this island, he wants his guests to as well, and we certainly did.
The house is spotlessly clean and perfectly situated. We didn't want to drive too much and really didn't need to, as three to five minutes walk away are enough restaurants and tavernas to keep everyone happy. There is good coffee, great grilled meat and the freshest fish from the morning's catch at the water's edge -all at the bottom of the steps outside the door.
Also, great pizza and pasta and picturesque cafes serving heavenly milk pudding and orange cake in the lovely town of Pyrgos a 10 minute bus ride away.
You can walk to the beach in 4 minutes: it is shallow and sandy and slopes very gently. It is perfect for a "just swimming" 5 year old and I would recommend it also for splashing toddlers. The beach is accessed by a little wooden bridge over a small pond where ducks, fish, eels and turtles are happy to eat any bread or grains the children want to throw for them. An easy and scenic twenty minute walk away are two other beaches (served by beach bars) that offer more for older children and adults -Rohari for waves and St Nicholas and Kavalourko for some snorkelling and beautiful rocks.
There are lovely towns and villages to visit further afield, but we didn't particularly feel the need to. Panormos has a mini market for essentials, and a couple of shops for more holiday-like shopping.
If you are looking for exciting nightlife, pools, crowds and the corporate slickness available pretty much everywhere else, then this place isn't really for you.
What is here is serenity, delicious and varied food, relaxing uncrowded beaches but also convenience. It is the perfect setting for an old fashioned (in a way) magical family holiday. Life is unhurried, prices are very reasonable: sometimes (mid august) it is a little busy at times, but never crowded.
Like most of the Cyclades it can get a little windy, so sometimes you may need to hold on to your hat or wig at the beach, but the beauty is that we hardly saw a fly and nobody got bitten by a mosquito -something that has never happened on one of our holidays before.
Panormos is a rare and special place. Nick's house is as comfortable and well appointed as you could wish for, with a lovely view of the harbour and the bay. We found everything we would want in a Greek island holiday. We would love to return. Thankyou Tinos, Panormos and thank you Nick.