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Monemvasia is a medieval fortress town built on a huge rock that rises from the sea off the east coast of Laconia, joined to the mainland only by a short causeway. Its name means 'single entrance', and the lower town can indeed only be entered through one gate in the Byzantine walls, so the rock hides the town completely until you step inside. Within, car-free cobbled lanes wind between restored stone mansions, arched passages, Byzantine and Venetian churches and small squares with views of the sea. Many old houses have become boutique hotels and romantic restaurants, making it one of the most atmospheric places to stay in Greece. A zigzag path climbs to the upper town on the plateau, where the ruins of the fortress and the cliff-edge church of Agia Sofia look out over the Myrtoan Sea. In summer you can swim from rocks below the walls, and there are beaches along the coast nearby. Opposite the rock, the modern village of Gefyra has more hotels, tavernas and parking. Monemvasia is famous for its sweet Malvasia wine and is a good base for exploring the south-eastern Peloponnese, from Elafonisos to the Mani.
Quick facts
LOCATION
Peloponnese
KNOWN FOR
Car-free castle town & sea views
BEST FOR
History, Romantic, Boutique hotels, Old town, Couples
Religious Sites
Church of Agia Sofia (Monemvasia)
Museums & History
Monemvasia (Castle Town)
By air
Kalamata International Airport, with direct summer flights from Europe, is about two and a half hours away; Athens International Airport, with flights all year, is about three and a half hours away by road.
By ferry
Neapoli, about 45 minutes south, has daily ferries to Kythira, and Pounta, nearby, has the ten-minute crossing to Elafonisos and its famous Simos beach. In summer, some fast boats from Piraeus have called at Monemvasia, but services vary.
Getting around
Recommended. The castle town of Monemvasia is car-free and best on foot, with parking at the gate or on the mainland in Gefyra. A car is needed for Elafonisos, Neapoli, the Kyparissi coast and day trips to Mystras and the Mani.
Laconia