Monemvasia is a must for any visit to the Peloponnese. Perched on its rocky outcrop in the middle of the sea, the fortified town takes us by surprise. Here are a few tips and practical information to help you discover it in a different way, avoiding the “tourist traps”.
- Where to sleep in Monemvasia
- Good places to eat and drink
- What to do in Monemvassia
- How do I get to Monemvasia?
- Practical advice
=> Find all our good addresses on the map at the bottom of this article.
Where to stay in Monemvasia?
In Monemvasia
Sleeping in the old town of Monemvasia is undoubtedly a unique experience. However, this experience comes at a price, as hotels are generally more expensive than outside the area. We advise you to book well in advance, especially during school vacations, to benefit from the best rates and find space.
- Kellia GuestHouse:A great address in Monemvasia, ideally located in the town. What’s more, the welcome is friendly. Last but not least, the delicious breakfast (all homemade) is served in a quiet little square. Excellent value for money.
- Malvasia Castle: located at the very end of the main street, the hotel is quiet. The upstairs rooms offer superb sea views and access to a small terrace. We particularly recommend the spacious family rooms, which are reasonably priced per person.
- Likinia Hotel: also very well placed in the city. Ask for a room with a view. The welcome is really friendly and the breakfast delicious.
- Theofano Art Hotel: not tested but highly recommended by a very good friend. Style and rooms with a view.
- Pablito House more reasonably priced. The rooms have sea views and are located in a traditional house.
- Booking selection here and the AirBnB offers. However, we would ask you to take care not to book a room in the dark and often damp “cellars”. Don’t hesitate to read the reviews carefully and look at the precise location.
Outside Monemvassia
Outside Monemvasia, you’ll also find a wide range of accommodation options. The advantage is that they are often close to the sea and the beach. And you can park at the foot of the hotel (whereas Monemvassia’s old town is pedestrianized, so you have to park outside). This can be a good solution if you’re traveling with children.
- Astrolithos Suites: quietly located just outside Monemvasia, less than 5 minutes from the beach. A warm welcome. The rooms and apartments are tastefully furnished. There’s even a very comfortable family suite. There’s also a children’s play area. Finally, breakfast is particularly hearty and can be enjoyed on the terrace, with a view of Monemvassia. Here again, very good value for money
- Kinsterna: Attention, very very luxury, therefore very very expensive but very very very unforgettable! About 5 km south of Monemvasia, this Byzantine mansion has been tastefully renovated. An infinity pool adds even more character to this establishment.
- Aeolos Guesthouse: not tested but very well located (a few meters from the bridge leading to Monemvasia, in the new town). The board is simple and inexpensive. Family room.
Find a good restaurant in Monemvasia
Restaurants in Monemvasia are confined to the beginning of the shopping street.
- Marianthi: a small tavern on the main street. The restaurant is not large, and is extended by a few tables on the street. It’s not for the setting, but for the food and the kindness of the host that you come to this little tavern. The recipes are simple but skilfully executed (zucchini dumplings, beet served with leaves, fried cheese puffs….). Best served when the street isn’t too busy. Local cuisine; reservations recommended
- Matoula: a tavern with a lovely shaded terrace. We succumb to the charm of this somewhat touristy tavern. No big surprises on the plate, but a real pleasure to have lunch facing the sea.
- Voltes: a restaurant at the start of the shopping street. It’s a change from the classic taverna, with modern, original dishes inspired by traditional Greek recipes. Rolls of pastourma (traditional spicy charcuterie) and smoked herring with tarama made our taste buds tingle. The setting is resolutely modern and a welcome break.
- Chrisovoulo Restaurant & Bar: an upmarket restaurant, but well worth a visit. Tasty, refined cuisine, terrace with magnificent views, attentive service. High bill justified by quality of cuisine and setting
What to do in Monemvasia
Here’s our best-of for visiting Monemvasia.
How do I get to Monemvasia?
- By road. It takes about 4 hours by car from Athens. A very good freeway takes you straight to Sparta. Secondly, this is a more modest but recently resurfaced road. You’ll then need to leave the car outside the city, which is entirely pedestrianized.
- By public transport: KTEL buses serve Monemvasia from Athens. Click here for the timetable.
- By boat: Surprisingly, Monemvasia is not easily accessible by sea. The nearest ports are Neapoli and Githio, but they only serve Kythera and Elafonissos. You then need to take a car to get to Monemvassia.
- By air. The nearest airport is Kalamata in the Peloponnese.
Practical advice
- The walled city is accessible only to pedestrians. By car, park along the access road or on the mainland. You then have to walk a good kilometer to reach the gate.
- The village is cobbled, making the road slippery and sometimes unstable. Avoid flip-flops!
- To get to the kastro (at the top of the village), it’s a 30-45 minute walk up a flight of stairs. Good shoes are a must.
- You can swim in the town, but it’s not the easiest – it’s a platform. Access to the sea is via ladders. If you’re looking for a beach, we recommend the nearby sandy beaches.
Sophie B.