Karoti: Cycling Route, Flock Blessing and Chapels

Karoti is defined by specific landmarks: the Petres River flows through the village, the chapel of Saint George stands here, and the old chapel of Saint Anthony is located in the Karoti Gorge. There is also a cycling circuit and a local tradition observed on the feast day of Saint George.

Cycling Route and Saint George Tradition in Karoti

The 39 km road cycling circuit runs west of Rethymno, above the new and old national roads. From the Petre Bridge, it heads uphill south to Karoti and joins the Old National Road. If you plan to include the route in your holiday, check local conditions before setting out.

Every year on the feast day of Saint George, April 23, the people of Karoti have their flocks blessed. They ask for a blessing for their sheep and give the community fresh milk and meat. The custom links the feast day to the life of the flocks and the community. The chapel of Saint George in the village and the old chapel of Saint Anthony in the gorge provide their own local landmarks.

History and Culture in the Wider Destination of Rethymno

The wider destination of Rethymno offers another historical perspective. Rethymno’s Old Town is designated a protected historic monument and a traditional settlement. Its urban layout, which took shape during the Venetian period, was later transformed under Turkish rule. The historic city centre lies below the Venetian Fortezza fortress.

Since 1991, the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno has been housed in a pentagonal building in front of the main entrance to the Fortezza. Its exhibitions present the history of the prefecture from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Historical and Folklore Museum is housed in a 17th-century Venetian mansion; its permanent exhibition presents traditional crafts and folk art in five rooms.

The Chromonastiri Military Museum is also part of this cultural theme. It is housed in a Venetian villa built in 1610 for the Clodio family. One room is devoted to the historic Battle of Crete; the weapons exhibition spans the Greek Revolution of 1821 to the Second World War.

The Museum of the Archaeological Site of Eleftherna is the first archaeological site museum in Crete. Its exhibitions show life in ancient Eleftherna from the later millennia of the 4th millennium BC through the Byzantine period. The Armeni Necropolis offers another glimpse into the past: more than 220 tombs have been excavated at the Late Minoan cemetery. The family tombs contained several deceased people; their grave goods shed light on the art, religion and social organisation of the time.

Coast and Events in Rethymno

The Rethymno Renaissance Festival takes place every summer, featuring music, theatre and dance performances as well as art exhibitions. The traditional carnival includes a parade organised annually by volunteers. The Venetian harbour is also located on the coast of Rethymno Municipality. Rethymno Beach is 12 km long, beginning at the historic city centre and stretching east to Scaleta; its sand is fine-grained and light brown. Loggerhead turtles (Caretta-caretta) nest on the sandy beach in the Arkadi municipal district, and systematic measures are carried out to protect them. Before travelling, check whether specific event dates fit your plans.

When choosing a holiday apartment, your preferred travel focus may be decisive: Karoti offers cycling and local tradition, while the wider destination of Rethymno centres on city history, museums, the coast and events.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Adelianos Kampos, Triopetra, Roussospiti, Kerames, Asteri, Adele, Viranepiskopi, Aggeliana.

Return to the wider travel guide: Rethymno.