An hour away from Monemvasia

Sponsored by Municipality of Monemvasia

An hour away from Monemvasia: 7 unforgettable excursions that will make you leave the castle and go exploring

Monemvasia is beautiful. Okay, it's great. You know it, you see it, you feel it in every walk along the cobblestones, in every sunrise behind the castle, in every fading sunset along with a glass of wine on the terrace.

But no matter how much the “Gibraltar of the East” steals the show, the wider region of southeastern Laconia hides little treasures - and they're all within an hour's drive.

We have seven reasons for you to close the castle-door for a while and grab the wheel.

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28 kilometers

40 minutes of driving

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Gerakas - The Norwegian fjord of Laconia

If no one had told you, you would have sworn you took a wrong turn and found yourself somewhere on the coast of Norway, somewhere between fjords and smoldering boats.

Gerakas, with its idyllic little harbor and the natural fjord that stretches lazily like a painting, is one of those places that are perfect for slow travelling - for journeys that are not measured in kilometers, but in moments.

Walk along the pedestrian lane with the sea breeze, watch the fishing boats sailing carelessly, and let the sounds of the water lull you to sleep.

In the fish taverns that almost touch the waves, you will taste seafood delicacies that combine the fresh with the authentic.

And before the sun sets, climb the ruined Byzantine castle - the view from up there is hard to reach, but when you see it, you'll understand why it's worth every pixel of the battery of your phone.

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33 kilometers

about an hour minutes of driving + 10 minutes ferry ride

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Elafonisos - The Greek exotic island

Elafonisos (Deer island in Greek) needs no special introduction - its name alone evokes images of heavenly landscapes. Every photo of Simos beach seems to have been taken from an exotic postcard, with the Maldives or the Indian Islands as the background.

Here though, no passport or transatlantic travel is required - you arrive by car, following a short route to Punta. From there, a ferry boat that departs every thirty minutes takes you to another world: a place where fine, golden sand caresses your feet and turquoise waters reflect the sky in an almost dreamlike way.

If you can resist the magic, return the same day - though it’s easier said than done. Otherwise, indulge in the charms of the island and seek accommodation; because some places are made to be lived a little longer.

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58 kilometers

about 1 hour and 30 minutes

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Kyparissi - When nature wants to hide

Accessible only through a rugged -but incomparably enchanting- route, Kyparissi looks like the well-hidden secret that Laconia chooses not to reveal easily.

A serene settlement, with whitewashed little houses lazily climbing the foothills of Parnonas, surrounded by beaches that even the most persistent GPS will not detect.

Here, climbers from all over the world pitch their tents under the starry sky, seeking the ultimate combination of nature and adrenaline.

And you, without the need for nothing more than a bathing suit and a towel, will enjoy swimming on beaches that feel like they're exclusively yours - even in August.

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30 kilometers

45 minutes of driving

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Neapoli - When the sea makes way

Neapoli is not just a beautiful seaside town. It is also the gateway to Kithira – a starting point for longer exploring. Even if you don't take the ferry boat,

Neapoli itself offers a beautiful coastal road, fresh fish and access to one of the most impressive caves in Greece: The Kastania Cave, just 12 kilometers outside Neapoli.

With stalactites and stalagmites in almost surreal colors, it's an experience that stays in your mind - and on your timeline.

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47 kilometers

1 hour of driving

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Archangelos - Authentic Laconia at its best

It’s one of those villages that don't need to impress, because they are simply authentic. They don't show off and they don't pretend. Archangelos exists with the modesty and grace of a place that knows its worth.

It has true hospitality, people who greet you with a smile and buy you a drink without a reason, courtyards that smell of jasmine and basil, and a peace that is hard to find elsewhere.

A few kilometers away, the beach of Sopatamos spreads its silence over calm, crystal clear waters - perfect for those who prefer to swim with the soundtrack of rustling leaves instead of music beats.

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35 kilometers

 40 minutes of driving

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Karavostasi - The ultimate silence

Karavostasi is the port of escape from everything. It’s a small, sheltered bay with waters as clear as crystal that’s embracing its visitors with the tranquility of a forgotten era. It’s the ideal place for those who do not seek the crowds and the tourist pulse, but an authentic pause - the kind that fills body and soul.

A few tables spread out in little taverns by the sea, a clear horizon as far as the eye can see, and a sense that time flows differently here: slower, quieter, more human. If you belong to those who know how to enjoy the art of “nothing”, then Karavostasi is your personal mecca.

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 28 kilometers

 40 minutes of driving

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Plytra - A Dive into History

If you want to combine sea and culture, this is how you’ll do it: go to Plytra, put on a mask and snorkel, and dive into the waters above the oldest sunken city in the world - Pavlopetri.

There, a few meters from the shore, a prehistoric city awaits that exists under the surface of the water, with foundations, roads and tombs at least 5,000 year old. If you don't upload this to your instagram stories, no one will believe you.

Are you ready for a week full of experiences?

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. Here's what to do and what to see in Monemvasia and its surroundings.