A hike through Arkadi Gorge leads to Pikris, while Venetian mansions also shape the village. Pikris lies within the gorge, bringing together a specific hiking route and a distinctive village character. This combination offers a clear starting point when choosing a destination: landscape and Venetian-influenced architecture sit side by side here.
Hiking through Arkadi Gorge
The hiking trail starts at Arkadi Monastery and takes approximately two hours to reach Pikris. This time is an estimate for the route; the actual walking time may vary. Pikris is therefore not only a place within the gorge, but also the named endpoint of this trail. Those interested in a hike with Pikris as their destination will find a specific connection between the starting point and the village here.
The Arios River, also called the Arkadiotis, flows through Pikris. Its waters irrigated fields and powered numerous watermills. Along with its role as a hiking area, the river and the traditional use of its water give the landscape an agricultural and historical context.
Venetian traces in the village
Pikris is a village shaped by Venetian influence, with numerous magnificent mansions. The cemetery church in Pikris is also of Venetian origin, and remnants of frescoes have been preserved there. The mansions and the church reveal different aspects of the architectural heritage: stately homes on the one hand, and sacred architecture with remnants of frescoes on the other. Those interested in historic village settings can consider these details as a distinct focus alongside the hike.
More perspectives in the wider destination of Rethymno
Within the wider destination of Rethymno, the old town of the same name offers its own urban historical context. It is designated as a protected historic monument and traditional settlement. Its urban layout took shape during the Venetian period and was later altered under Turkish rule. The historic city center lies below the Venetian Fortezza fortress. This makes it possible to compare the Venetian-influenced village architecture of Pikris with an urban layout that was also shaped by later historical changes.
The museums in Rethymno also offer different ways to explore history. Since 1991, the Archaeological Museum has been housed in a pentagonal building in front of the main entrance to the Fortezza. Its exhibitions cover the history of the prefecture from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno, by contrast, is housed in a 17th-century Venetian mansion. Five rooms in the permanent exhibition display traditional crafts and folk art. Archaeological periods and traditional forms of art and craft thus offer distinct cultural themes side by side.
The Renaissance Festival is one of the recurring events in the wider destination of Rethymno. Held every summer, it features music, theater and dance performances, as well as art exhibitions. The Rethymno Carnival is also a traditional annual event; the carnival parade is organized by volunteers. If you plan to time your trip around one of these events, check the specific dates.
Another landscape feature in the wider destination of Rethymno is Rethymno Beach. It is 12 kilometers long, starting at the historic city center and extending east to Scaleta. Its sand is fine-grained and light brown. Unlike the gorge in which Pikris lies, the beach is a coastal stretch within the wider destination.
Arkadi Monastery is another architectural landmark: the two-aisled Church of Saint Constantine and the Transfiguration of the Savior was built there in 1587. It is a structure dating from the Venetian period, with elements of Renaissance architecture. This adds a specific construction date and architectural classification to the Venetian context of the hike, which starts at the monastery.
Discover more destinations: Pagkalochori, Garazo, Mikro Metochi, Agia Galini, Kouloukonas, Panormos, Agia Fotini, Myxorrouma.
See the wider travel guide: Rethymno.
