Is Monemvasia Worth Visiting? Discover The Hidden Gem Of The Peloponnese.
Are you planning to visit Peloponnese and you’re wondering if Monemvasia is worth visiting?
Monemvasia is a small town located on a rock on the southeast coast of the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece.
I didn’t expect it to be such a pretty place and so unique, as it is a ‘hidden’ town from the rest of the world.
In this article, we’ll discover what Monemvasia is known for, how to get from Athens or Nafplio to the town, what to do when in Monemvasia, we’ll check some of the best hotels in town and we’ll answer some of the frequent questions addressed.
So, let’s dive into the world of Monemvasia and determine if it truly lives up to its reputation as a hidden gem of Greece.
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What is Monemvasia Known For?
First of all, why should you visit Monemvasia?
Monemvasia is located in a unique setting.
The only way to access the town is over a causeway. That’s why Monemvasia is known as the Gibraltar of the East.
Monemvasia means the only entrance (mono means only and emvasis means entrance).
Furthermore, Monemvasia’s old town is a well-preserved medieval fortress that dates back to the 6th century. The fortress is located on a rocky hill around 120m above sea level.
Monemvasia is home to several Byzantine-era churches known for their frescoes and architectural details. The church of Agia Sofia is the one you will want to visit as you will have an amazing top view of the Myrtoan Sea.
Moreover, the town is known for its delicious local cuisine, which includes fresh seafood, traditional Greek dishes and local specialities.
Lastly, Monemvasia is famous for its sweet fortified wine, which is made from the local grape variety.
Athens to Monemvasia
Depending on your preferences and budget, there are a few different options for travelling from Athens to Monemvasia.
Driving from Athens to Monemvasia
Driving from Athens to Monemvasia is a scenic and enjoyable option.
The journey takes around 4 hours, depending on traffic.
You will follow the road along the Saronic Gulf, passing through towns like Corinth, Tripoli and Sparta before reaching Monemvasia.
Bus from Athens to Monemvasia
The bus company operates daily services between Athens and Monemvasia and the journey takes around 5 hours.
You will depart from Kifissos KTEL bus station and pay 29,60 euros (on October 2023). You can find schedules and book tickets online here.
*The travel time can vary depending on the time of day and season. Summers are popular for travel in Greece, so it’s advisable to start early to avoid traffic and heat.
Private Transfer
If you prefer a more comfortable and convenient option, you can book a private transfer from Athens to Monemvasia.
Prices vary depending on the size of your group and the type of vehicle you choose.
Nafplio to Monemvasia
There is one main way to reach Monemvasia from Nafplio: by car.
Driving from Nafplio to Monemvasia
The most flexible option is to rent a car and explore the region at your own pace.
The drive takes around 3 hours depending on the traffic.
The most common route is to take Route 70/E65 from Nafplio to Sparta, and then Route 38/E961 from Sparta to Monemvasia.
Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to make stops in charming villages, and beautiful cities like Kalamata, and explore historical sites like Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Things to Do in Monemvasia
Explore the Old Town
Monemvasia’s old town is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways that wind their way up the hillside.
Byzantine churches, Venetian mansions and Ottoman fountains fill the old town and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Visit the Fortress
Monemvasia’s ancient fortress is a must-see attraction.
The fortress was built in the 6th century and is surrounded by impressive walls that offer panoramic views of the town and the sea.
Taste Local Cuisine
There are several delicious local dishes in Monemvasia you must try.
It includes fresh seafood, traditional Greek dishes, and local specialities like pastries, goggles (pasta with tomato sauce and grated cheese), teahouses (pies with cheese and herbs), and syrupy desserts.
There are many restaurants and tavernas in the town where you can try these dishes.
Visit the Wineries
Monemvasia is famous for its sweet fortified wine, which is made from the local grape variety.
There are several wineries in the region that offer tastings and tours, including Monemvasia Winery.
Hike the Surrounding Hills
The hills around Monemvasia offer stunning views of the town and the sea.
You can hike the trails that wind through the hills and explore the region’s nature.
Attend Local Festivals
Monemvasia hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Feast of Agios Stefanos (the town’s patron saint on the 27th of December) and the Malvasia Wine Festival (the first festival will take place in summer 2023), which celebrates the local wine and food culture.
There are also celebrations for Easter, summer events (including concerts and theatre performances) and the festival of the Liberation of Monemvasia from the Ottoman Empire on the 23rd of July.
These are just a few of the many things to do and see in Monemvasia.
Monemvasia Wine
Producers in the region surrounding the town of Monemvasia in the southeastern Peloponnese peninsula create Monemvasia wine, a type of Greek wine.
They name the wine after the local grape variety, Monemvasia, which experts believe originated in the area during the Middle Ages.
Monemvasia wine is typically a sweet, fortified wine, similar to Porto wine.
It has a deep amber colour and a rich, complex flavour, with notes of caramel, nuts and dried fruit.
They make the wine using a traditional method that involves fermenting the grapes in the sun for several days before adding brandy to stop the fermentation process.
Restaurants often serve Monemvasia wine as a dessert wine, and it pairs well with cheese, nuts, and chocolate.
People also use it in cooking to add a unique flavour to dishes like stews and sauces.
Monemvasia Hotels
There are many hotels and accommodations in Monemvasia, to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some options:
We stayed at this boutique hotel located in renovated little houses in the old town of Monemvasia. The rooms are decorated in a traditional style and are very interesting from an architectural point of view.
A luxury hotel located in a restored Byzantine-era mansion, Kinsterna Hotel offers beautiful views of the sea and the surrounding hills. The hotel has a spa, outdoor pool and on-site restaurant.
These elegant suites are housed in a restored 19th-century building in the heart of Monemvasia’s old town. The suites feature traditional stone walls and modern amenities, and some offer views of the sea.
This charming hotel is located in the heart of Monemvasia’s old town and offers traditional stone rooms and a rooftop terrace with views of the town and the sea.
This hotel is set in the castle town of Monemvasia with pretty views of the sea, vaulted ceilings and a mix of old and new architecture.
These are just a few of the many hotels and accommodations in Monemvasia. There are options for every budget and preference, whether you’re looking for luxury or traditional charm. You can search them below:
Monemvasia Restaurants
Here are some recommendations for Monemvasia restaurants:
This is a Greek restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining options with creative Greek cuisine. It has an outside balcony overlooking the sea and a hidden courtyard below it. Recommended for traditional pasta and moussaka.
Located in the heart of Monemvasia’s old town, Matoula is a traditional Greek taverna that serves fresh seafood and classic Greek dishes like moussaka, stuffed peppers and grilled lamb chops. The restaurant has a cosy atmosphere and offers outdoor seating with views of the sea.
This restaurant is located in the new town of Monemvasia and offers traditional Greek cuisine with a modern twist.
Chrisovoulo’s menu features dishes like grilled octopus, beef tenderloin with truffle sauce and homemade pasta with shrimp and tomato. The restaurant has a stylish interior and a terrace with panoramic views.
The restaurant has a great wine selection and Greek homemade food. It is recommended for soups and vegetarian options. Note that it does not have sea views but the food is totally worth it.
Located in Monemvasia’s old town, Enetiko is a cosy wine bar that serves a variety of local and international wines, along with light bites like cheese and charcuterie boards. The bar has a relaxed atmosphere and is a great spot for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap.
These are just a few of the many restaurants and tavernas in Monemvasia. Be sure to also explore the town’s local bakeries and cafes for delicious pastries, coffee and ice cream.
FAQ
Is Monemvasia worth visiting?
The short answer is yes, Monemvasia is definitely worth visiting!
The town is a unique and beautiful town steeped in history with picturesque stone houses and narrow alleys up the hillside.
Can you stay in Monemvasia?
Yes, you can!
Monemvasia has a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and resorts to more affordable guesthouses and apartments.
If you’re looking to stay in Monemvasia’s old town, you’ll find a variety of charming traditional guesthouses, many of which are housed in historic buildings.
If you prefer more modern amenities, there are also several hotels and resorts outside of the old town that offer luxurious accommodations and facilities, such as swimming pools, spas, and restaurants.
Can you swim in Monemvasia?
There are nearby beaches where you can swim like Pori, Gefyra and Charakas.
How many days do you need in Monemvasia?
While this is a personal experience, I would suggest spending at least a full day visiting the town.
What is the closest airport to Monemvasia?
Unfortunately, there is no airport in Monemvasia, but you can travel from Athens (around 4h 30 minutes) or Kalamata by car (2h 20 minutes).
Is Monemvasia an island?
No, Monemvaisa is not an island as there is a 200-m-long causeway that links it to the mainland.
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