Monemvasia is one of the most extraordinary and romantic destinations in Greece, a medieval fortress town clinging to the flank of a colossal rock that rises sheer from the sea off the eastern Peloponnese. Hidden from the open water and reached by a single causeway, it is a place of breathtaking drama and beauty.
Often called the Gibraltar of the East, the great rock conceals a perfectly preserved Byzantine and Venetian town on its seaward side, invisible until you round the headland. Within its walls, a labyrinth of cobbled lanes, stone houses, churches and hidden squares tumbles down to the sea, entirely free of cars and wonderfully atmospheric.
The surrounding waters are clear and beautiful, with quiet coves and anchorages that offer stunning views of the illuminated rock at night. Swimming beneath its towering walls is an unforgettable experience.
Ashore, the old town offers boutique tavernas, atmospheric lodgings and a profound sense of history, while the upper town and its ruined citadel crown the summit with sweeping views. Few places in Greece are so evocative.
With its towering rock, hidden medieval town and dramatic setting, Monemvasia is one of the great sights of Greece. Guests can anchor beneath its walls, explore its atmospheric lanes and marvel at one of the most extraordinary fortress towns in the Mediterranean.
