Travel to the Cyclopean Walls on Kefalonia
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The island of Kefalonia often feels like an enchanted place. One of the major draws to the island is its stunning natural beauty, and this is what has drawn people here for centuries. In fact, the history of the island is a long one, and there are plenty of ruins on the island to explore. One of the places you won’t want to miss is the Cyclopean Walls, which are located at the ancient site of Krani. It is thought that these walls date back to the Mycenaean Era, which is the time period when the myth of Odysseus was born. Here’s more information:
Getting to the Cyclopean Walls
Before you can enjoy this historical site, you need to first make it to Kefalonia. There are no direct flights from Athens to the island, but you can arrive here from a stopover if you are originating in Athens. It is also possible to take a ferry. To get to the walls, you can start your journey in Argostoli, the capital city of the island. From there, the easiest way to get to the walls is by car or taxi.
Since Kefalonia is one of the larger islands in the Ionian archipelago, renting a car is the most convenient way to visit this archeological site. Travelers without a car can find a taxi at the central taxi station in Argostoli. Travel time from Argostoli is approximately 20 minutes. To get there, drive southwest from Argostoli towards Sami for 9.4 kilometers. Then, head to the Cyclopean Walls from there.
About the Cyclopean Walls
Named after the mythological, one-eyed giants known as the Cyclops, the Cyclopean Walls are massive, limestone boulders that guard the ancient site of Krani, one of the four cities, or tetrapolis, belonging to the legendary Odysseus. Built during the Mycenaean period, between the 7th and 8th centuries, the walls represent ancient Greek fortification techniques. The unworked stones are fitted together without the use of masonry, which is characteristic of engineering during this time period. Thought to originate in the Bronze Age, the Cyclopean Walls climb from the coves at the gulf of Kostavos to span the lowland valleys of Krani.
What to Do at the Cyclopean Walls
Several kilometers in length, visitors should wear good walking shoes, bring plenty of water and a snack or two. The panoramic views along the trail provide ideal vistas for photographers and travel bloggers. The walls are dotted with additional archeological sites of interest. For example, located a short distance away, hikers can explore the Doric Temple of Demeter, a patron goddess of the island. Since the region is normally quite hot during the summer months, bring a swimsuit to dive off the rocks on the lower portion of the trail or swim at the secluded beach along the base of the cliffs.
A visit to the Cyclopean Walls of Kefalonia is an unforgettable experience. The massive limestone walls that span the picturesque island take travelers back to the age of Odysseus and the giants. The Cyclopean Walls are best for couples, families with older children, and solo travelers.
Categorized in: About Kefalonia Island, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
