Monemvasia - Peloponnese

The place - Monemvasia

Monemvasia a destination that echoes symbolic cousins in some other parts of the world. Mont St Michel in France and St Michael's Mount in England also can be reached by a tentative-looking roadway leading to what otherwise appears as a rock mound, an island pounded by the surrounding sea, just offshore.

To reach many places in Greece requires a love of winding, precipitously-edged roads and their careful navigation.
The Peloponnese has few interruptions in this scenario and this is what makes it so tempting, so continually changing in shape, tempo, geology and features of interest.
Most routes to Monemvasia, by sea or by road will give pause for gasps of delight prompted by the visual stimulation, the scenery, nature and - by land - architecture, archaeology, multifarious windows to the history of the areas you pass through. But when you arrive on the coast at the village of Gefyra, ready to cross the causeway to Monemvasia, the rock is daunting but you see no houses. As you cross you see the original quarantine hospital on your left and then as you start to round the rock, you come to the castle wall. Inside, through the thicker than you ever imagined outer walls - you are in another world. Perhaps a donkey will be the method of carrying your luggage along unevenly cobbled streets and  passages - you are immersed in atmosphere of ancient times a place that was safe from attack and afforded views good enough to thwart any such attempt.
The houses are built next to, above, below almost inside each other - some extend over vaulted archways across the streets. The surprising Venetian chimney pots characterize Monemvasia's largely terracotta tiled rooftops. There is one tiny main square with its ancient cathedral  church to one side.
 

How to get there - Monemvasia

By car or bus:
Most of the time, like most people, you will drive from another part of the Peloponnese or from Athens or Sparta, but in the summer there are sea routes and sailings, cruises and tours which head for Monemvasia.
Connected to Athens and most cities in the Peloponnese by KTEL (long-distance) buses.

From Athens to Monemvasia by bus:
There are 3 direct buses at 06:00, 10:00 & 17:15, from the KTEL Lakonias (Bus terminal at Leoforos Kifissou 100, tel. 210-5246805) - journey takes about 4.5 hours. There are more buses via Sparta or Molai.
Tip: From Athens Airport you can take the Express bus line "X93" to the KTEL terminal on Kifissou (line runs 24hrs, with buses every 20-30 minutes).
From Monemvasia to Athens by bus:
One direct bus at 05:15. And with bus change at either Sparta or Molai at 07:15, 14:15, 17:15.

By plane:
Kalamata airport (code: KLX) is about 130 kilometres from Monemvasia - with many choices of which route to take - scenic and mountainous or scenic and even more mountainous! Allow 2.5 hours and more as you will want to enjoy this trip.
Athens airport (code: ATH) to Monemvasia: about 285 km (4.5 to 5 hours).

By sea:
Githio in the south, Patra in the northwest and Piraeus (Athens) are main ports of arrival for a trip to Peloponnese and Monemvasia, between April/May and September ferries to and from the few islands surrounding this region can be most helpful if you are visiting several places.
 

Where to stay - Monemvasia

If you prefer to be inside the castle, right there in the centre of this ancient and historical landmark then there are several places clearly signed and visible around the old village, scattered amongst the ancient buildings. In guesthouses you can enjoy a unique, if a little "funky", room; eat in the evening enjoy drinks and take a few steps back to your "home on the rock". Rooms are expensive for what they offer - you are paying a premium for the location.
Wake up with a walk up to the church on the top of the hill and a hearty breakfast or bold cup of coffee before revisiting the corners of the place and taking a few more photos.
NEW: See our 2 new hotel finds in Monemvasia, Malvasia Hotel and Monopati Apartments.

You will find a good choice of small hotels, rooms and studios on offer at Gefyra (the village at the causeway to the rock of Monemvasia). One that looks attractive is the "Flower of Monemvasia", on the road into the village from the north.
 

What to see/do - Monemvasia

After breakfast, walk up to the church on the edge of the cliff atop Monemvasia castle and try your hand at throwing a small iron or steel metal object to the sea (it will be drawn in towards the side of the hill, never reaching the sea, due to a magnetic field emanating from the rocks below.
Beaches:
To the north and south of Monemvasia there are beaches 2-3 kilometres from the causeway at Gefyra. Some well liked beaches slightly further away are at Plytra (20 km) and the stretch from Viglafia to Neapoli (35 kilomtres) both of which on on the west side of the peninsula, across from Monemvasia. The island of Elafonisi  has some of the more scenic beaches.
Archaeology:
The Richia Museum of Folklore: Richia, about 25 km from Monemvasia in a building of 1875, which was the first school in the village. With farm tools, spinning wheels, clothing and woven items.
Monastery of the Annunciation of the Virgin and Agios Georgios of Gerakas near Gerakas village, founded in 19th century.
There are many caves within easy reach:
Kastania - at Kastania Voion (south of Monemvasia before you reach Neapolis).
Vri Cave is north of Monemvasia with a precipice which you can climb down. You can find the entrance on the south west side and there is a lake below with crystal clear water.
Read more about sights in the Peloponnese
 

Where to eat & drink - Monemvasia

Best bet if you would like to stay close to base, will be to choose one of the four tavernas in Monemvasia which appeals most - or at busier times can seat you soonest!
The tavernas on the seafront, over the causeway, at Gefyra, offer most acceptable fare at good prices.
There are also two cafes to enjoy.
As there is just one "main" street - only about 200 metres long - you will find the shops, cafes and restaurants in one stroll through the castle.
 

Special Comments - Monemvasia

Busy and quickly full in the summer, weekends and national holidays.

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