upper town of monemvasia

jeanm440

Fantastic three day escape - sweet restaurants, great accommodation options and a lovely space. They are doing quite a bit of renovation so the upper castle wasn't accessible but still incredible to be there.

Roger_1684

Monemvasia is as small rocky island, reached by a causeway and bridge. The town is entered by a single gateway and this is how the name of Monemvasia is derived.The town has many narrow streets and interesting buildings, many of which have been restored. There are some interesting shops and quaint cafes. It is possible to climb to the Upper Town, but time didn't allow this and I imagine some fitness is required.

Annvarnam

having visited this island while on a thomsons cruise we walked across the recent causeway to this rock in the sea and it isn t until you walk round to the other side that you see its secret an entrance built into the rocks through which is revealed this secret little village built into the rocks. With little cafes with terraces on one side overlooking the sea and small local shops on the other you wind your way to the heart of the village and the church of christ in chains A must on any sightseeing tour of greece

266JosephG

I have now been to Monemvasia twice and will gladly revisit if I am in the area again.This medieval castle town which until 1971 was accessible only by the sea is not visible from the mainland (where the new town has been built); now you an drive over the causeway connecting it to the mainland all the way to the castle entrance and park freely along this road.The streets of the castle town are only wide enough for pedestrians and donkeys; a lot of the old mansions have been converted to guesthouses and boutique hotels. There are a lot of bars, restaurants and boutiques selling local handicrafts and products.A stop in the main square where you can visit the famous church of Christos Elkomenos (Christ in Chains) as well as take photos from the square overlooking the sea.Another stop is in front of the house and bust sculpture of Yannis Ritsos, the poet born here in 1909.Finally if you are up to it and have good shoes, you can climb all the way up to the mountain and visit the Agia Sophia church and take in the spectacular view of the surroundings.

NSTAVROS

Monemvasia is known as the "Gibraltar of the East" A small island joined to the mainland by a narrow strip of land, a bridge that coexists with the watery element Myrtoou Sea. Entering the rock the only entrance - "only remitting" whence the name of the town Monemvasia - begins the journey into the past, from the 6th century, inhabited today.In the Castle there are 40 churches, including the Virgin Chrysaphitissa of Myrtidiotissa Virgin, Our Lady of the Cretan woman, St. Nicholas, St. Stephen, St. Paul, St. Anne, and the silversmith workshop and museum.Within castletown not coaches. Best option is to park in New City and the transition to the Castle with the available bus. Parking to the gate of the Castle is very good and is dykoli be avoided. There are places where parking is prohibited, and drivers will be particularly careful.

Sovolou

A magical journey to the past!! Spectacular view, amazing architecture, a miracle of nature.A definate must -see in southern Peloponese.

331evap

it is definitely worth a visit. it's a unique experience as you walk through an original castle-town. it's an once in a lifetime experience to watch the vistas as you drink or eat something in the castle. but be careful it is slippery wear snickers...

KLIOM

Hotel Kalderimi where we spend a night was perfect. The couple Paraskevas and Fotini who run it are very friendly and kind. The place is out of this world. Had some problems with the behaviour of locals and the prices are comparatively high.

CreteBlue

An amazing caste-town with tons of hidden gems! Take your time to explore this magnificent place full of restaurants, bars and hotels to stay but yet so magical. This is a unique experience as there is no other place like that in Greece. If you go in summer time, then choose to stroll around in the evening as the heat is really not helping in the morning.

floracalin

The citadel of Monemvasia have a unique place in old greek cities. It is the only one castle with habitants in our days, in Greece. It is hide from the land and you can not ss him from the city shore of Monemvasia. You must cross the see on the road, to the island, in front of Monemvasia city, and go a few hundreds of meters on the right. If you there early in the morning you will be rewarded with some of unique views. If you travel in the South of Greece, this is the hidden pearl of region!

Mak2009

Apart from the very interesting ruins of the past...the scenic shops ,3-4 greek-cuisine taverns, and some bars with easy listening music bars with astonished view to the old houses of the castle and the open Aegean sea are completing the now a day alive Monemvasia...Any body has to visit this magnificent place of the South Peloponnese!!!

726happyt

Loved the beautiful medieval streets all with gorgeous bars and restaurants as you walked through the pebbled roads. BeautifulChurch and views from the top. All the gorgeous shops also along the way. Beautiful surrounding beaches and town. Definitely more than a day trip needed here.

803RobertaM803

There is something heavenly about this place. We visited it in late May of 2013. Yes, this is a late posting and I noticed someone said it was closed! Eek! I hope it re-opens! When we did the trail, the wild flowers, grasses and clover were out in abundance and the bees were buzzing away. The air was so fragrant.The ambience was peaceful, yet the sleepy, but ever present past was made tangible by the ruins of buildings strewn along the cliff top. We explored some of the paths along the cliff. The view is breath-taking. Some paths will lead you to a vantage point where you will be able to see the Old town below. Of course once this area is explored the gorgeous quaint town below awaits offering great food and refreshing drinks!

lesliekaplan

Monemvasia is a beautiful and dramatic site to visit, but something happened recently to the gate to the upper town, and the whole upper town including Hagia Sophia church is closed. The lower town is still open, and you can wander all over the lower slopes, but the upper town has only one entrance and it is closed. Disappointing!

Steve-Mackem

Hidden out of the way from the new Town of Monemvasia and accessible via a 15 minute walk along a causeway, this old gem of a town really surprises when you enter through the fortified walls. Its old narrow streets and buildings have a magical blast from the past quality and will not fail to impress. Prices in the tavernas tended to be more than in the new town but it is still worth sitting down with a beer or wine to take in the ambience.