Places to visit
If you've got a car, there are loads of things to see on Crete though it is a big Island. We didn't and couldn't be bothered anyway :-)
Here are a few things you can do locally without your own transport.
Rethymnon
A 15 min taxi or 35 min bus ride will see you in the closet big town of Rethymnon which is worth a day out. Buses go frequently though not late at night.
Back street in Rethymnon
Rethymnon doesn't look much on the way in with endless characterless holiday apartments and complexes but once you get there you'll find a charming old quarter with lovely little back streets.
You'll find plenty of tavernas and bars on the bigger streets and there is also a small park just outside the old quarter. There are many small pensions offering accommodation and ferry links to other islands. Check out the Rough Guides for a more comprehensive description of the town.
The castle on the hill is worth a visit and gives you great views over the coast and town.
There are beaches either side of the town, though when we visited, it was blowing a gale and you'd have to be like being sand blasted to contemplate using them. Far better to head to a sheltered bar or cafe and catch some rays while sipping a cool drink :-)
Around Panormos
If you're bored of beaches but don't want a big trip out, there are a couple of things to see right around Panormos. First you've got the Little Train which does both short and long trips around the local area.
Yay! Sitting on the Little Train!
The Little Train is wonderfully tacky and we just had take a ride! Kids and immature adults like myself will love it ;-). We took one of the cheap €2 (return) evening trips that depart hourly from 4pm. The trip is 30 mins each way and just runs along the coast to one of the big german complexes up the road. Still, a pleasant enough little excursion! It also does full day trips to local ruins and you can get details from the train office.
A short walk away from Panormos is a ruin of a church that makes a nice enough 20 minute walk. Head upwards out of town past the school, under the road and you should find it easy enough - although i cant remember exactly how to get there now.
