Amazing destination offering the visitor a travel to time. Monemvasia, the castle town on a rock in the sea affected over the centuries by Byzantines, Othomans, Venetians is situated in a Municipality in Lakonia in the east coast of Peloponnese. The towns name devires from two greek words mone and emvasia meaning “single entrance” the only entrance over the bridge, where you will have to called :Gibraltar of the East, since it looks like a copy of the Gibraltar Rock.
The Rock of Monemvasia is a small island connecting the mainland with a bridge. On the rock Ano poli is situated as Kato Poli is in the south eastern side.
If you love walking through narrow alleys (Kalderimia), the sound of the wind the blue of the sea you are in the perfect place.
Carved on a rock with stone houses, great mansions and traditional alleys which narrate the past. The arches of the alleys are called “dromika” or “diavatika” and it does not mean near that they may lead you somewhere – they can only take you back or just find yourself in the garden of a house. It is like Monemvasia plays with the visitor using a small maze. Don't worry, however hard you try, you will never get lost.
Following the way to the south wall or wall of the sea, you will find small or Great Ntapia, two plateau with breathtaking view! The way ends up to the East Gate where you can see the lighthouse since 1896.
If you enjoy walking, choose voltes the spiral route to Ano Poli. The view is spectacular and at the end there is only deep blue sea!
The church of Agia Sophia (11th - 12th cent) is said to be overlooking Crete!
Monemvasia is famous for its Byzantine monuments 24 out of 40 temples are preserved such as the church of Christ Elkomenos Cathredal in the Central Square, built in the 13th century on ancient ruins influenced from the Venetian architecture.
It really worths visiting the archaelogical collection, housed in an old muslim temple. The findings mainly sculptures and pottery objects, reveal the development of the castle town.
Also don't miss the folklore Museums in Reixia and Velies. The house of the famous Greek poet Giannis Ritsos is also open to the public. To Kato Poli, the main alley used to be called “pazari” by the Othomans you will enjoy unique flavours in the traditional tavernas, your coffee ans sweets and you can visit the shops with local products such as the PDO wine Malvazia. Don't forget to try the handmade pasta of the area “gogges- and fried pies with cheese and herbs – saitia.
If you visit Monemvasia in the summer, you can swim in the beach Kakavos – with all the amenities available and to the small beach – pool of Kourkoula. In the castle, you can choose Portelo. If you aren't tired, though, you can visit Megali Ammos in Kyparissi- and about 1km away the beach of Agia Kiriaki. You can also visit the beach of Neapolis, Ammitsa but Plytra Beach, as well.