Vacation Packages to Monemvasia

Information about Monemvasia

Monemvasia is a fortified town located on a rocky peninsula in the southern Peloponnese, Greece. The name means "only entrance" in Greek and refers to its access only by a narrow bridge connecting the peninsula to the coast.

The town was founded in the 6th century AD and became an important commercial and naval port during the Middle Ages. Today, Monemvasia is a popular tourist destination due to its well-preserved medieval architecture and natural beauty.

The town boasts numerous historical monuments. There are also numerous museums, stores, and restaurants offering traditional Greek food.

Monemvasia History at a Glance

The history of Monemvasia dates to the 6th century AD when the citadel was founded by the Byzantines. During the Middle Ages, Monemvasia was an important commercial and naval port and became a natural fortress due to its location on a rocky peninsula connected to the mainland only by a narrow bridge.

In the 13th century, Monemvasia became part of the Principality of Achaia, which was ruled by the Franks. Later, in the 15th century, the Venetians took control of the citadel and turned it into an important commercial center. During this time, many of the medieval buildings that can still be seen in the city were built.

In 1540, Monemvasia was conquered by the Ottomans, and the citadel became a center of resistance against the Turkish occupation. During the Greek War of Independence, Monemvasia was one of the last bastions of Greek resistance before the final liberation in 1821.

Today, Monemvasia is a popular tourist destination due to its impressive medieval architecture and natural beauty.

Places of Interest in Monemvasia

Monemvasia is a city with a rich historical and cultural heritage, and there are many sites of interest for visitors to explore. Some of the highlights include:

The Sea Gate is the main entrance to the citadel of Monemvasia and offers stunning views of the sea and coastline. While the citadel is the main tourist attraction of the town and a true architectural treasure. You can explore the cobblestone streets and stone houses, as well as the castle and church. 

Gerakas Castle is an impressive medieval castle located a few kilometers from the citadel of Monemvasia and offers breathtaking views of the sea and the coast.

The Church of Agia Sophia is a 13th-century Byzantine-style temple with impressive architecture and detailed interior decoration. The Cathedral of Christos Elkomenos is another impressive church dating back to the 13th century, boasting Gothic-style architecture and a wealth of icons and frescoes.

The Archaeological Museum of Monemvasia has a collection of archaeological artifacts dating back to Byzantine and medieval times.

Plateia Square is a picturesque spot in the heart of the city with stores, restaurants, and bars offering traditional Greek food and drink.

Culture of Monemvasia

Festivals Celebrating in the City

Monemvasia has several festivals and celebrations throughout the year, which offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience Greek culture and tradition. Among them you can find:

The Christmas Eve Festival is celebrated on December 24 and is one of the most important festivals in Greek culture. The inhabitants of Monemvasia attend church and then return to their homes to enjoy a festive dinner.

The Feast of St. John is celebrated on June 24 at Pori beach and features bonfires and live music. 

The Trout Festival is held in May in nearby Geraki and features fresh trout tasting, live music, and activities for children. The Wine Festival takes place in September in the town and is an opportunity to sample some of the region's best local wines.

The Feast of the Annunciation is commemorated on March 25 and is a religious feast commemorating the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. 

What to Eat in Monemvasia

The gastronomy of Monemvasia is an important part of the local culture and is influenced by the rich Greek history and culinary tradition. We recommend some of the foods you should try when you visit the town:

Fresh trout is one of the specialties of the region and can be found in many local restaurants. Also, Olive Oil in the region of Monemvasia produces some of the best oils in Greece, with a rich and fruity taste.

Kefalotyri cheese is a strong-flavored cheese often used in Greek cuisine to give flavor and texture to dishes. Taramosalata consists of a dip made with fish roe and is a popular dish throughout Greece.

Baklava is a sweet and sticky dessert made of layers of puff pastry and nuts and is a traditional delicacy in Greek cuisine.

As for drinks, we recommend the wines as the Monemvasia region produces some of the best wines in Greece, including the famous Malvasia wine.

How to Get to Monemvasia

There are several options for getting to Monemvasia, depending on your place of origin and travel preferences. Here are some of the most common ways to get there:

If traveling from Athens or Thessaloniki, it is possible to reach Monemvasia by car. You can take the national road south until you reach the town of Sparta and from there, you can take the road leading to Monemvasia. The drive from Athens takes about 4 hours.

There are regular buses connecting Monemvasia with Athens and other important cities of the Peloponnese, such as Patras and Kalamata.

Monemvasia can be reached by plane, the nearest airport to Monemvasia is Kalamata airport, which is about 2 hours away by car. 

Monemvasia can be reached by boat from the island of Kythera, which lies off the southern coast of the Peloponnese peninsula. The port of Monemvasia has facilities for pleasure boats and small boats.

What to See and Do in Monemvasia

Monemvasia is a tourist attraction thanks to its beaches and natural landscapes that delight the eyes of every tourist who is encouraged to visit the city. It also has a vibrant culture that catches the attention of whoever visits it.

Thanks to its proximity to Pylos and Nafplio, you will find these sites within the travel packages we offer to Monemvasia.

Are you up for a tour of this ancient, fortified city? Are you ready to surprise your palate with its delicious food? Would you like to relax on the shores of crystal-clear waters?

If the answer is "yes", Greca offers you different tour packages to Monemvasia. The best thing about these packages? They can be tailored to your needs and time.

Don't hesitate any longer and start the new adventure you want so much! We offer packages for all tastes.