Karines is only 35km from Rethymnon and less than 10 kms from the bustling mountain village of Spili, with its fountains and kafenion culture. It is a small town of approximately 80 inhabitants but looks surprisingly lively especially during the evenings when the kafenions are well supported by young couples who like to escape notice in the larger villages. The village is lush and green and very well tread, with massive walnut trees hanging over the water ways as well as almost every garden having fruit bearing trees and vines. It is a pretty village and quite busy over weekends when people who work in the city come to their weekend homes or to visit family. It is a sheep and goat farming area and sheep shearing despite hard work is also a festive occasion.