
Diakofti bridge, a hidden gem on a Greek beach
Greece, europe
N/A
115 m
easy
Year-round
# Diakofti Bridge: A Gem on Kythera Island
Ready to experience one of the world's most jaw-dropping bridges? Head to the northeast corner of Kythera, that gorgeous Greek island that used to hang out with the Ionian Islands crew, and you'll find the stunning Diakofti bridge waiting for you.
This beauty stretches just over 114 meters across the water, connecting the charming village of Diakofti to a tiny islet called Makronisi (also known as Makrokythira). Spoiler alert: the views from this bridge are absolutely incredible—seriously, bring your camera.
While you're in the area, don't miss the town itself. Diakofti is packed with character, featuring a beautiful beach that's perfect for a swim, cozy cafés where you can sip your morning coffee, excellent restaurants serving up local flavors, quirky shops to browse, and plenty of places to rest your head for the night.
Whether you're a road-tripping enthusiast or just someone who appreciates stunning coastal scenery, this bridge is an absolute must-see. The combination of engineering marvel and natural beauty makes it one of those drives you'll be talking about for years.
Where is it?
Diakofti bridge, a hidden gem on a Greek beach is located in Greece (europe). Coordinates: 38.8139, 21.4910
Road Details
- Country
- Greece
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 115 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 38.8139, 21.4910
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