Mycenaean Bridge and the Acropolis of Kazarma Hike

The Mycenaean Bridge and Kazarma Acropolis Ruins were unplanned stops on our 2024 trip to the Peloponnese in Greece. After a wonderful breakfast at our hotel, Anthemion Suites and Villas, we headed toward Ancient Epiduarus. We had tossed our hiking shoes in the car, just in case we found something interesting so we were prepared.

Location

Located halfway between our hotel and Epidaurus the Mycenaean Bridge was easy to find and is just off of a maintained road. As a matter of fact, you can see it from the road. Reaching the Acropolis of Kazarma was not as easy. The unimproved road appears not to have many visitors.

Mycenaean Bridge of Arkadiko

We saw a sign for a Mycenaean Bridge and decided to explore it a bit. The Mycenaean Bridge of Arkadiko, also known as the Kazarma Bridge, is just off the road and not far from the Acropolis. This 3000 year old bridge, a testament to the engineering prowess of the Mycenaean Age, has witnessed the crossing of countless generations over its path. This bridge used as an ancient trade and military route, was important in connecting the ancient cities of Mycenae, Argos, Nauplion and Epidaurus. It was truly awe inspiring to cross this bridge as we couldn’t help but ponder the countless people who have crossed over this bridge throughout history.

Don’t Trust Google

Although this was only our second day of vacation, we soon became entangled in the Google map world of misdirection. While at the Mycenaean Bridge, I noticed on GPS there was an Acropolis very near us called the Kazarma Acropolis, which seemed like a great spot to explore. Google did not make it easy for us. First we were directed one way, which took us into a grove of olive trees while our destination crept further away. Regardless of what Google Map instructed, we returned to the road by the bridge and reset our map.

Next Google Map took us to a pretty little church claiming we had arrived with no Acropolis in sight. We tuned off the GPS and just followed the map instead and realized the Acropolis was on the other side of the hill where the church was. All in all, I guess you could say we took the scenic route!

The Kazarma Acropolis

We drove on a very unimproved road but could see the ruins so we knew we were on the right path this time! We found a good spot to park near a sign. It appears that the Kazarma Acropolis is part of a hiking trail in Greece that connects the acropolis to the Mycenaean Bridge. This area did not look like anyone has been in here in a long time which made it more of an adventure. We finished walking up the road to the trailhead which was just around the bend.

There is no discernible path or trail here that we could find as it is rocky with overgrown vegetation. You definitely will want to wear hiking shoes. Steve started hiking up behind the sign and I followed. We were able to easily, but slowly and carefully, while checking for loose stones, Mae our way up to the acropolis. There was a bit of scrambling towards the top but not difficult.

Once on top we made sure to continue to step carefully and check for loose rocks with each step as we continued slowly towards the tower. It is obvious why the fortress was built here. This location is very strategic as we could see quite a ways in all directions. Although we did not go near any of the ledges, the views were spectacular! The walls of the Kazarma Acropolis date back to the 4th century BC although the fortress was reconstructed in the Byzantine Era.

It was quite hot out so we did not stay long on the Acropolis. The way down was a bit more technical as we navigated and crawled down the rocks back to the beginning.

Conclusion

In spite of the heat, this was a fun, short and impromptu stop that we greatly enjoyed. The Mycenaean Bridge was a wonder to see, along with the Acropolis of Kazarma they are perfect places to visit in Greece. Have you found similar hidden gems in the Peloponnese? I am guessing there are many.

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Click on the links below to follow my 2024 Greek Travels and also my Past Greek Travels

Ancient Nemea Greece-August 2024

Ancient Mycenae Greece-August 2024

2 Weeks in Greece-Delphi, Meteora, Corfu, Santorini, Athens, Sept 2022

14 Days in Greece-Crete,Naxos, Santorini Sept 2021

10 Day Greece Itinerary-Crete, Santorini, Athens, September 2019

8 Day Greece Itinerary-Athens, Milos, Santorini, September/October 2018

More Books About Greece

Although these next books are not set in the Peloponnese, they are wonderful reads that will endear you to Greece and make you want to book a trip as soon as possible!

• Parthenon on our Roof by Peter Barber. This fun book is a great read to learn more about Greek culture. Peter, an Englishman, moves to Greece and marries his Greek girlfriend, Alex. Read about their adventures as he navigates his new lifestyle in a humorous and also relatable way. As a matter of fact, this is the first in his series and each book leaves you wanting to read more of their adventures.
• Goat in the Maze by Katerina Nikolas. This is the first in a series of books set in a small fictional village in Greece. I have laughed out loud at many of the antics of this fun written series. It has been a great summer read.
• Although not a story type book I love the cookbook, A Drop of Lady & My Greek Soul. Chef Krystina Kalapothakos family history is from the Mani Peninsula area. Her cookbook not only has wonderful, easy to follow Greek recipes, but she also includes great stories and insightful articles on Greece and its cooking culture. Along with family stories, information of interest, and beautiful photos, this book is truly a treasure for anyone who loves Greece!

Greece at Home

I have had a hard time finding Greek items that I love to import to my home in the United States. Below are a few links to items I have found to be dependable and great items. I actually use all of these items almost on a daily basis!

• For true Greek honey, mountain tea, and and also olive oil, I order online through Kilo Tea. They are prompt and in addition, I have never had problems with any of my orders. I highly recommend ordering from here as everything is delicious. You can click here to view and also order the Klio Tea products.
• A Greek product I love that I can order from home is Korres Skin care. This line of skin products uses natural products from around Greece and I really can feel and see the difference. You can check out their products by clicking here.

Resources

Rick Steve’s Athens and the Peloponese. When planning a trip I like to use travel books which I can mark, hi-light and take with me. If you have watched Rick Steves travel shows, and are familiar with him, this book will feel familiar. The book is organized and gives very good practical information. It even includes a great two week itinerary. What I especially like is Athens and the Peeloponese in one book is very convenient.

DK Eyewitness Guides are my tried and true tour guides for just about everywhere. . If you follow my posts, you will see I have recommended these for everywhere we go, from the USA to Europe. I love the way these books are broke down in sections for top 10 of each area, type of tours, places of interest and even places to eat. You can can click here to view the DK Eyewitness Guide for Mainland and Peloponnese.

Map of Greece. I really like the National Geographic Maps and use them everywhere. Therefore, I am getting quite a collection. I already have this map of Greece so I did not purchase a separate Peloponese map. The map is durable, and I have been using the same map for a number of years now.

My Greek Odyssey-My Greek Odyssey is a collection of videos amassed over a few years by Peter sailing and exploring Greece on his yacht. Peter has many adventures on the various islands and mainlands and these videos are a plethora of information.

Greeka.com-This web site has information on just about everything and everywhere in Greece. Worth taking a look at.

The Gen-X Travels recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities or tour companies are based on our own experiences unless noted. We are not sponsored by any business or company and all trips are at our expense. All photos are by myself or my husband unless otherwise noted. We are affiliates of some companies such as Amazon,Viator, and others which we do receive a small commission from, at no cost to you if you buy or book through one of our links.