A spot intentionally kept hidden from travelers, Kryfos is a special place that seems to have a touch of mystery.
Now, let’s dig into the more recent history of this secret cove. Captain Jean Joseph Allezard first noted the name ‘Kryfos’ (Hidden) in 1804. On a piece of paper, he described the Kryfos region in his language as ‘Puit ou lon fait l eau,’ which roughly translates to a water well. This confirmed the presence of a good source of drinking water both then and now.
The significance of the name ‘Kryfos’ became clear in November 1943 when German pilots strategically landed soldiers in an area hidden from Italian artillery. Seaplanes landed, wounded soldiers were taken away, and military equipment was left behind in the chaos of battle. Today, you can still find remnants of this equipment scattered around the area, supported by photos that show the hidden entry points to the powerful fortress known as Leros.
With my friend Maria, we took on the challenge of reaching the elusive Kryfos—a tough and risky journey for beginners. Yet, our tough climb revealed beautiful views etched in our memories and captured through Maria Zairi’s camera.
Here, the rough landscape has big gaps, dangerous cliffs, and rocks that seem to defy gravity. It’s said that the Erinyes, chthonic deities, believed to have chased and punished those who went against moral and natural order, roamed this place. Our fisherman friend, who took us back, called it the ‘Gates of the Unconquered Castle,’ maybe because of the many fig trees decorating the lunar-like landscape.
When we arrived, a breathtaking natural cave showed up, starting at the sea’s edge and going deep into the water. My first sight of a mix of colors dancing as sunlight entered the cave, lighting up both water and rocks, left a lasting impression. There’s speculation that this cave might have been the home of the mortal Gorgon Medusa, daughter of Phorcys and Ceto—a fascinating story I’ll share in a future post, as local fishermen still whisper her name today, calling her Gorgo.
In our journey through Kryfos, a hidden sanctuary blending history, myth, and natural wonders, we uncovered a rich tapestry—from Captain Allezard’s 1804 record to secret German maneuvers in 1943. Guided by the whispers of the Erinyes, our climb revealed a rugged landscape with tall cliffs and a sunlit sea cave. Gorgo’s name echoes, promising an untold myth. Join us in the next chapter as we go deeper into Kryfos, where every step is filled with the secrets of a fascinating past.
