Discover Karoti: Cycling Route, Petres and St George’s Chapel

Karoti can be explored through several specific local features and activities: a circular route for road bikes, the annual celebration of the Feast of St George and two named chapels. The Petres also flows through the village. If you are looking for hotels in Karoti, these themes can help you decide what you would like to focus on during your stay—from cycling to local customs.

A 39-kilometre loop for road cycling

The 39-kilometre circular route is designated for road bikes and runs west of Rethymno, above the new and old National Roads. From the Petres Bridge, the route climbs south to Karoti and joins the Old National Road. Karoti is therefore part of the described route; the southbound climb is a specific section of the loop. The stated distance refers to the circular route. Check local conditions before setting out.

The route climbs from the bridge to the village and then joins the Old National Road; it therefore links named points and includes a climb that is explicitly described.

St George’s Day and the chapel in the village

The people of Karoti celebrate the feast day of St George every year. They ask for a blessing for their sheep and give the community fresh milk and meat. The tradition thus includes both the blessing of the flocks and a gift to the community. It offers a different way to experience Karoti from the road cycling route: here, the focus is on a recurring local custom.

The Chapel of St George also stands in Karoti. It is a named local building. The old Chapel of St Anthony is located in the Karoti Gorge. The two chapels are named after different saints: the Chapel of St George is in the village, while the Chapel of St Anthony is in the gorge. Together with the Petres, they are specific geographical landmarks that make Karoti a tangible part of travel planning.

The river and gorge as local features

The Petres flows through Karoti. The Karoti Gorge is a distinct geographical landmark, with the old Chapel of St Anthony standing there. The Petres, which flows through the village, and the gorge with the old Chapel of St Anthony are two separate points of reference for navigating Karoti.

The wider destination of Rethymno

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

The museums also offer specific cultural themes. 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 presents traditional crafts and folk art in five rooms; it is housed in a 17th-century Venetian mansion. The Rethymno Renaissance Festival takes place every summer, featuring music, theatre and dance performances, as well as art exhibitions.

When choosing a destination, you can distinguish between local features of Karoti—such as the road cycling route, the St George’s custom and named local landmarks—and the urban cultural attractions of Rethymno.

Discover more destinations: Asteri, Aghia Triada, Garazo, Prines, Vederi, Vlichada, Platanés, Mikro Metochi

For the wider travel overview: Rethymno.