Monemvasia
The town of Monemvasia
The town’s name derives from two Greek words, μόνη και έμβασις, meaning “the only entrance”. This refers to the causeway which is the only entrance. Monemvasia is basically a Byzantine settlement, much like Mystra. The major difference is that it was never abandoned, and people still live here. Anywhere else this would have led to modernisation and the loss of the old town, but Monemvasia had one advantage going for it, and the clue is in the name: it means ‘Single Entrance’.
Like Mystra the town was surrounded by walls, and there is only one gateway that leads through them towards the causeway and the mainland. Crucially it was, and remains, too small for cars. The villagers probably cursed this, and many of them moved to Gefyra, the mainland settlement opposite the rock, but it meant that the old style of the town endured.
~ Above all Monemvasia is for couples: to wander, hand-in-hand, down the cobbled lanes; to browse the small boutiques in search of art or jewellery; to sip cocktails on terraced platforms above tiled roofs. It is still a place of beauty for those on their own, but if you are in love, you have found your Mecca! ~
Activities
Walk through the alleys of the Castle on a trip to the past. Be enchanted by the narrow streets that run through Monemvasia and switch to another era. In the main alley you'll find many small charming shops, cafes and restaurants — the time seems to have stopped in the Middle Ages and you're there.
- 01 Visit Monemvasia's archaeological collection, housed in an old mosque in the main square of the lower town.
- 02 Visit the cathedral of Monemvasia, Elkomenos Christos.
- 03 Visit the lovely, small, white church of Panagia Chrysafitissa.
- 04 Visit the Lighthouse of Monemvasia, behind Panagia Chrysafitissa's church.
- 05 Walk to the top of the rock, explore the Upper City, and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view.
- 06 Visit the famous church of Agia Sophia in the Upper Town.
- 07 Visit the watermill at Talanta village — 20 minutes' drive.
- 08 Running and cycling through the streets of Monemvasia's new town.
- 09 Hiking to the Lighthouse at Kavos Maleas, the southernmost tip of the Peloponnese.
- 10 Visit the Archaeological Museum of Neapolis — 30 minutes' drive.
- 11 Visit the Nautical Museum of Neapolis — 30 minutes' drive.
- 12 Explore the Larnaka Gorge at Molaoi — 30 minutes' drive.
- 13 Visit the spectacular Cave of Kastania — 1 hour's drive.
- 14 Visit the one-of-a-kind Caves of Diros — 1.5 hours' drive.
- 15 Swimming at Simos beach, Plytra, Marathias, Archaggelos, Pori, Ampelakia, Xifias and more.
- 16 Visit Kiparissi village and explore the scenic fjord of Gerakas.