Caledonia Waterfalls is the Latin name given to the waterfalls discovered by a Scottish expedition visiting the Platres region, in 1878. They were surprised by the resemblance of the waterfall with their homeland and named them Caledonia which is an ancient Latin name of Scotland
The village of Platres
Etymology
The name of the Caledonians may be found in toponymy, such as Dùn Chailleann, the Scottish Gaelic word for the town of Dunkeld meaning “fort of the Caledonii”, and possibly in that of the mountain Sìdh Chailleann, the “fairy hill of the Caledonians”.
According to Historia Brittonum the site of the seventh battle of the mythical Arthur was a forest in what is now Scotland, called Coit Celidon in early Welsh. The etymology is probably from a P-Celtic source. The modern use of “Caledonia” in English and Scots is either as a historical description of northern Britain during the Roman era or as a romantic name for Scotland as a whole
Caledonia waterfalls
Ptolemy’s referred to the Caledonia Silva, recalled in the modern expression “Caledonian Forest”, although the woods are reduced today compared to the Roman times. This association with a Silva (literally the flora) reinforces the idea that Caledonia was a forest or forested area named after the Caledonii.
The waterfalls are the highest in elevation found on the island and are located about 2 km north of Pano Platres village. The official starting point is 3km from Troodos square. Some tourists visit the area by using the roadway towards the waterfall or following the nature trail on foot leading to it through Psilo Dendro
Caledonia waterfalls
The nature trail can take between 1.5 and 2.5 hours to walk. It is ranked as average (Level:3) in difficulty. The trail can be used for either hiking or walking but is best used from March until October. Dogs are able to use this trail as well.
The water of the waterfall falls vertically from a height of 12 meters. According to the season, the surrounding area is covered in lush forest and native wild flowers
Caledonia waterfalls
Avoiding the nature trail, some choose to walk through a shortcut from Aeodion road through the Psilo Dendro Trout Farm
Trout pond
The trail can be followed from a parking area near the ‘Psilo Dendro’ (Tall Tree in Greek). Caledonia Falls can be enjoyed all year long, however, the rocky parts of the trail may be quite slippery after wet weather. Hiking boots are recommended for crossing the river in wet weather or after snowfall.
Did you know? Business Insider ranks Caledonia waterfall as the 14th best waterfall in Europe!
Caledonia waterfall
Sources:
Wikipedia
Tripadvisor
Photos:
Pixabay
