Location

A fairy tale scene in the Peloponnese
A fairy tale scene in the Peloponnese: Vaulted alleys, Byzantine churches and Venetian mansions Monemvasia means “one entrance” and in fact the only access to this castle is via a causeway. This uniquely preserved mediaeval town is carved into the majestic grey rock like a sculpture.

Explore the area

The “Gibraltar of the East” or a “stone ship” about to set sail, as the famous Greek poet Yannis Ritsos described his birthplace, is calling you for immediate boarding for a journey through time. Wander around the vaulted alleyways, churches and aristocratic mansions. Take a swim in its crystal-clear waters and sample its delicious cuisine and legendary wine. Follow in the footsteps of knights, pirates, crusaders and emperors, who all fell under the spell of this mythical place in Pelloponesse. Here time stands still, and you’ll become one with history.

Experience the beaches

If you are feeling like taking a swim, Monemvasia and its area offers a wide variety of beaches for every taste: whether sand or pebble, busy or isolated, all of them have crystal clean waters.

Activities in Monemvasia

If you’re feeling like getting more active in your vacation or learning more about local culture, our activities’ list contains many & varied options: walking tours in the Lower & the Upper Town of the Castle, take part in cooking lessons, trekking, scuba diving, cycling, sailing & horse riding. In addition to the walks in the Castle of Monemvasia and the neighboring beaches, you can enhance your stay by assisting to the concerts and the other events that take place during the summer season or by participating to the activities offered by our partners. The events are often associated with local and religious holidays, but especially during the summer, there are more artistic events, exhibitions, concerts and theater performances.

Places to visit

The main attraction of Monemvasia is undoubtedly the impressive rock with the legendary Castle Town. Nevertheless, there are many other attractions and points of interest in the area waiting to be discovered by curious travelers.

Open sesame: the mediaeval castle.
As soon as you walk through the gate, you’ll begin to uncover the secrets of this mediaeval castle. First have a coffee in the Agora, on the main cobblestone street in the Lower Town. This was the Byzantines’ Central Avenue, the Venetians’ Market and the Ottomans’ Bazaar, the commercial artery and cultural hub for so many civilisations. Today you’ll see cafes, tavernas, shops and artisans’ workshops. Duck in and out of arched alleyways of Monemvasia until you reach the sea wall, where you’ll pass quaint homes and crumbling churches. Look up and see the grand mansions of the Upper Town, where the nobility lived. At twilight, the stones turn lavender (hence its nickname, the Violet City) and the streets fill with mysterious shapes, sounds and shadows. By now you’re no longer a visitor but a resident, as were the Byzantines, Ottomans, Venetians before you. In the evening you’ll have your choice of elegant restaurants, traditional tavernas, charming cafes and chic wine bars.

A culinary journey in Monemvasia.
Try the local homemade pasta called goges (like gnocci, but flour-based) or saitia (fried cheesepies with fresh herbs). Oenophiles should sample the regional sweet wine called Malvasia, the authentic flavor of Monemvasia, dubbed the “nectar of the nobles”.

A fairy tale stay.
Monemvasia is an ideal romantic hideaway and honeymoon destination. Boutique bed & breakfasts and luxury hotels with suites boasting Turkish baths, mosaic floors and flowering courtyards will transport you to another time, without stinting on modern comforts. In the dimly lit rooms, with their vaulted ceilings and handmade wooden furniture, you’ll live your own fairy tale.

Up, up and away: The Upper Town.
The Upper Town was home to the Venetian aristocracy and, although it’s a steep climb to reach the beautiful mansions (in the 17th century travellers once counted 500), you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the whole area. The half-Byzantine, half-Venetian church of Agia Sofia clings to the side of the cliff, and is one of the most significant attractions in Monemvasia. Once inside, you’ll be awe-struck by its magnificent octagonal dome.