7 days in the Municipality of Monemvasia

Sponsored by Municipality of Monemvasia

If you are wondering where to spend your next holiday, we have the perfect place for you: Monemvasia. Not just one of the most beautiful areas of the Peloponnese, but a destination that combines the past with the present, tradition with natural beauty, tranquility with fun.

Are you ready for a week full of experiences? Here's what to do and what to see in Monemvasia and its surroundings.

1. Monemvasia : The Gibraltar of the East

Your first day, of course, must start with a visit to the famous castle town of Monemvasia. As the locals say "it’s where the past meets the future". Rumor has it that the golden sunset light that illuminates the walls of the castle town is simply irresistible, and we can't refute them.

Every nook and cranny at the highest point of St. Sophia’s church, reveals the sea and the city in a way that autumn clouds accentuate it even more.

But the magic of Monemvasia is also in the little things. Follow its cobbled streets that resemble stone labyrinths, and you will discover the most beautiful images of a medieval world that is still alive.

Here, lanterns light up the night and the arches of the streets invite you to take endless walks. You can be lost in this jewel city, and every corner to hide surprises with its architecture and its quiet squares. And if you're feeling adventurous, climb the winding route to the Upper Town.

You'll be out of breath but the view from up there is worth every step - endless blue and stone arches that transport you to another world. As poets say “in Monemvasia every moment seems like time is fading”.

10 absolutely Monemvasian experiences you must live

2. Beaches : From Kastraki to Mangano beach

From pebbled or sandy beaches, fully organized or isolated, secluded at the end of a small path or impressive beaches that are a reference point for the coastal villages, the beach you dream of exists and it's waiting for you in stunning Monemvasia.

What makes your choice difficult is the endless variety and wealth of beaches that the region offers. From the incredible sandy beach of Kastraki with its incredible view to the green-blue waters that fade into the white pebbles of Vlychada, every beach is unique in its own way.

The golden sands of Archangelos will invite you to moments of relaxation under the sun, while the dives in Plytra above the ancient ruins of the island will combine nature with history. Pounta and Xifias beaches offer magnificent landscapes to enjoy the sea with the family or your friends, while Tigania beach is the ideal spot for those seeking endless beach parties and lively atmosphere.

If you prefer isolation, the Marathia beach with its pale blue waters will make you feel like you've found your own personal paradise, while the magical turquoise vastness of Manganos beach will give you the long wanted sense of freedom and tranquility that you desire. Choosing is hard but one thing is certain; every beach of Monemvasia will enchant you and offer unforgettable memories.

A bright summer at the beaches of Monemvasia

3. Village Hopping in the nearby villages: In Kyparissi God did not scrimp on the blue

Kyparissi is the destination that feels like the most remote part of the world, it's the place where Mt. Parnonas meets the sea and Myrtoon Sea stretches endlessly before you. In the heart of this unique corner of Peloponnese, Kyparissi invites you to discover its uniqueness and magic.

To get here you'll have to travel a route of about four hours from Athens, through winding roads and spectacular cliffs, but every minute of the journey is worth it as your destination will reward you with its untouched beauty.

On the edge of the world, Kyparissi consists of three distinct neighborhoods: Vrisi, Paralia (Beach in Greek) and Metropolis. Paralia is the liveliest part of the village, with its taverns and rooms to let offering the warmth of hospitality, while the Metropolis offers a view to one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. The narrow streets of the village, among white-colored houses with blue windows and red tiles, create a sense of island atmosphere.

The natural beauty of Kyparissi spreads to its beaches: Megali Ammos Beach, St. Kyriaki's Beach, and Mikri Ammos beach offer the opportunity for refreshing dips in crystal clear waters, while the tranquility of the landscape transports you to another world. Here, in the silence of the horizon time seems to stop, leaving you to enjoy the beauty of the endless blue.

But once you see the sun rising from the sea, you will forget everything else

4. Village Hopping in the nearby villages : From Velanidia to Agios Ioannis villages

The village of Velanidia is a surprise for anyone looking for authentic, island atmosphere in the heart of the village Peloponnese. They are located 54 km south of Monemvasia and they are built with the characteristic white color and blue windows that remind of the Aegean islands.

The narrow cobbled streets of the village invite you to walk slowly, discovering the charm of the traditional village with its tiled roofs and beautiful houses. If you are lovers of hiking, note the path that starts from the village and leads to the chapel of St. Thomas of Maleo.

From there, following the 5.5 km path, you will reach the legendary Cape Maleas Lighthouse, one of the most enchanting spots in the area.

A few kilometers outside Monemvasia, the small village of Agios Ioannis (St. John) offers a unique taste of the local cuisine. Here, you will taste traditional dishes such as goges (traditional pasta), handmade pasta and saitia (cheese and spinach pies), accompanied by thin pastry herb pies which offer the authentic taste of Laconia.

Also, you will have the opportunity to explore the remains of the Ancient Epidaurus Limera, an area linked to the history of the inhabitants of Epidaurus, who followed divine signs and created this sacred place.

The beautiful Mediterranean villages of Monemvasia Prefecture

5. Natural Wonders: The fjord of Gerakas

The fjord of Gerakas is the natural wonder that no one expected to find in Greece. A strip of water impudently invades the land forming the only fjord in the country.

Here, the little harbor with its calm waters and the few houses hanging on the hills, create a picture of a heavenly landscape, which seems to have been drawn from the most beautiful summer dreams.

The windows to the sea of the houses and the warmth of the place will offer lazy afternoons by the sea, enjoying ouzo and fish meze with the salty smell of the air filling your senses.

The only fjord in Greece

6. Natural Wonders: The Cave of Kastania

It's not just the Gerakas fjord that's worth exploring in the area. Just a few kilometers away, the cave of Kastania awaits you for a unique experience.

With age three million years old, this cave is an underground paradise with impressive formations of stalactites and stalagmites that create natural waterfalls in shades of red.

The guided tour takes you on a 500-metre route, where the feeling of grandeur and natural beauty is pervasive in every step you take. If you seek tranquility and exploration in a world that combines nature and history, Gerakas and the cave of Kastania is the ideal spot for you.

Sunken cities, fossilized forests and …islands climbed on mountains

7. The Petrified Forest of Agios Nikolaos

The petrified forest of Agios Nikolaos is one of the most impressive geological wonders of Europe, and certainly deserves its place in the exploration of Laconia. It is located 55 km south of Monemvasia, near the Cape of Maleas, and is a solid proof of the power of nature and time. Once, this area was full of palm trees, which over the years transformed into impressive limestone formations, which now stand proud and silent, looking out to sea.

The geopark, which dates back millions of years, is full of fossilized plants and trees, and is a unique place that will take you back in time. If you walk through the fossils, you'll feel a sense of the primordial world surrounding you, as if you've stepped into a natural museum, which is alive and wild.

The magnificent location of the forest, overlooking the Myrtoo Sea, offers beautiful views, while the sense of tranquility and isolation will make you wonder about the secrets that the passage of time hides. Visiting the Petrified Forest, you will not only enjoy its geological value, but also the tranquility of its landscape.