Behind a pretty Venetian harbourfront of fish tavernas sits the charming Old Town with a seafront promenade and one of the island's largest expanses of golden sandy beach. There are popular Greek bars and local restaurants behind the beach with boutiques, stylish cafes and rustic gourmet dining along cobbled streets in the historic heart of this resort. Between Rethymnon and Heraklion, there are traditional harbour resorts like Panormo for a relaxed way of life try the unspoilt rural villages of Prines, Atsipopoulo and Xirohori.