Monemvasia

Wandering in the castle of Monemvasia, in the Prefecture of Laconia, looks like a journey in the past, in places and times we haven’t lived but have read and heard about them. Spartan nobles, Romans, Turks, Venetians are some of the inhabitants of this place and their presence has remained indelible through the centuries. Churches, fountains, hammam and wealthy merchants’ homes are within the cobblestones of the castle as well as small wooden arched doors reminiscent of the land of Hobbits.

The name of Monemvasia, built on a limestone rock on the southeastern coast of the Peloponnese, about 20 nautical miles from Cape Malai, overlooking the blue of the Myrtoan Sea, is a compound word derived from the two Greek words “Moni” and “Emvasis”. The poet Yiannis Ritsos came from Monemvasia, where his tomb is today. In the area of ​​Monemvasia, Malvasia is also produced, a sweet, sun-dried wine of protected designation of origin (PDO).

Accommondation – I would strongly recommend to stay in the Castle, so you won’t loose the magic. I had personally stayed at Kellia Guesthouse, a listed building, right on the recently renovated Chrysafitissa Square and the house where the Greek poet Yiannis Ritsos was born. Another beautiful hotel is Casa Rodanthi right at the entrance of the castle, with sea views and elegant décor.

Food –

• At Matoula, steady value since 1950 with delicious cooked and fresh fish.
• At Kanoni for fresh fish with nice views from its terraces.
• At Voltes for Greek delicacies.
• At Chrisovoulo Restaurant & Wine Bar for gourmet dishes with great views.
• At Emvasis for breakfast.

Drink –

• At Enetiko Cafe & Cocktail Bar for the fanciful cocktails. Try the award-winning “Skyfall II”.
• At scenic Malvasia Cafe to drink your coffee quietly away from the noise.
• At Vathisfairo, a “house” cafe, where you can have your drink in its different spaces.

Transportation – Inside the castle cars are not allowed, so you can leave it outside the entrance and walk around the castle. Leave your car in the parking lot for free before or after the bridge.

By Car: The distance from Athens is about 285 km and the total journey takes about 3.5 hours. The shortest and easiest route from Athens to Monemvasia is the one following the A7 motorway that crosses Corinth and Tripoli. In Tripoli you take the exit for Sparta (sign “Sparta without tolls”) and as soon as you reach Sparta you take the Sparta ring road and follow the signs to Monemvasia. When you enter the new city of Monemvasia, continue on the main road, cross the bridge that leads to the Castle and you will find yourself at the gate of the mythical Castle.

If you have the time (and you enjoy driving), there is another option, much longer (about 330 km, 5 hours from Athens) but it is a journey of scenic beauty, and you will even cross a gorge. Immediately after Corinth you need to follow the picturesque seaside route that passes through Argos, Astros and Leonidio and continues through the traditional mountain villages of Kosmas and Geraki until you reach Vlachiotis, Molasses and finally Monemvasia.

Alternatively: You can reach Monemvasia using the intercity buses of KTEL. For more information see here.