Cyclops cave, Archaeological site and cave in Makri, Greece

Cyclops Cave is a cave in the rock at Makri beach with three chambers, carved niches and steps. Its interior holds clay constructions, statuettes and animal figurines. The cave has two areas, with steps, basins and a lookout point.

Evidence from the cave shows human presence spanning from prehistoric times through the Byzantine period, demonstrating long-term occupation of the site. During the Byzantine era, the location functioned as a burial ground for the surrounding community.

Local tradition holds that the cave was a cult centre of the Thracian Greek deities, and that it is the cave of the Cyclops Polyphemus, whom Odysseus blinded with a stake after making him drunk. The Neolithic settlement uncovered at the site, one of the most important in the Balkans, is shown to visitors alongside the cave.

The cave lies inside the rock at the beach of Makri, and its interior is divided into three chambers with carved niches and steps, so expect uneven footing. Daylight reaches the entrance; bring a torch for the inner rooms. The site is a listed archaeological site, so keep to the paths and do not touch the clay structures or figurines.

Standing inside the cave, visitors can see across the landscape toward Alexandroupoli and the Ismaro mountains through the main opening. This vista gives a sense of how the location connected those who lived there to the wider surrounding region.