Beautiful Monemvasia – 4 Best Attractions, Top Restaurants and Accommodation

Monemvasia was established by the Byzantines in the sixth century. It is a spectacular medieval tower town that lies on the south-eastern coast of the Peloponnese, Greece. You can explore this magical stone-built settlement, lying against the edge of a giant rock by the sea.

Once you enter the castle, you start your journey through times. You can explore the “Gibraltar of the East” fortress which was occupied by the Byzantines, the Crusaders, the Venetians, and the Turks in the past. 

You can also stroll around its narrow cobbled streets, and admire the stunning restored stone buildings. You can also taste the delicious food at a restaurant on the roof of a tower house, and enjoy a romantic night at a stone-built tower. 

How to Get to Monemvasia?

Monemvasia doesn’t have airports. The most appropriate airport is the International Airport of Athens, which works all year round with internal and international flights. From Athens, travellers can go to Monemvasia by bus or car.

Monemvasia Weather- Best Time to Visit 

• Spring- From March through May

This season has moderate humidity and temperature. The highest temperature ranges from 24.3°C to 14.1°C. The season has from 0 to 3 days of significant rainfall per month. Spring is the second busiest season for tourism, which makes it an ideal time for travellers looking for things to do.

• Summer- From June through August

The middle-year months have very comfy weather with warm weather. Rain is rare from 0 to 1 day of precipitation per month. June through August is the most active season for tourism in Monemvasia.

• Fall- From September through November

Fall daily highs vary from 28.2°C to 18°C, which will feel very pleasant. Precipitation is from 1 to 3 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months are the slowest months for tourism because of the weather.

• Winter (December through February)

The weather is extremely cold these months of the year in Monemvasia. The average high during this season varies from 16.3°C to 12.9°C. On average, the precipitation is fair about 4 to 5 times per month. This season is relatively slow with tourists.

Monemvasia- Attractions and Sightseeings

• Church of Elkomenos Christos: 

The small church of Elkomenos Christos lies in the Old Town of Monemvasia. It is the most well-known church in the castle town. It is devoted to Christ. It was built in 1697. You can watch the two thrones of the Byzantine Emperor and the Empress. 

• Monemvasia Archaeological Museum

The Muslim Mosque houses the Archaeological Collection of Monemvasia. It is one of the best-preserved buildings in Monemvasia. The Muslim Mosque was constructed during the 16th century. 

The Muslim Mosque was changed into a Frankish church, a prison, and a Greek Kafeneion. The museum opened its gates to the public in 1999.

Today, the Archeological Museum exhibits a great collection of findings that express the long history of Monemvasia. These findings contain remains of temples, fortress, walls, and houses. 

The permanent exhibition of the museum tends to present many archaeological findings from the excavated sites of Monemvasia through a wide range of marble temples, ceramic objects, sculptures, and items used in daily life.

• Church of Panagia Chryssafitissa

The church of Panagia Chrysafitissa lies near the edge of the Monemvasia town in Peloponnese. The stunning 17th-century whitewashed church functions to this day. Although the churchyard is not very big, it is the only open area there.  

• Church of Agia Sofia

The Church of Agia Sofia is one of the oldest and most significant Byzantine churches in Greece. It lies on the highest point of Monemvasia and gives a splendid view of the Aegean Sea. 

This church was originally founded in the 12th century by the Byzantine emperor Andronicus II. It was devoted to Panagia Hodegetria, which means the Virgin who guides the way.

In the Venetian times, it was changed into a Catholic Convent. After the Greek Independence, it was devoted to the Wisdom of God and was given the name of Agia Sofia. The church was seriously damaged due to wars and time. It was restored by Eustathios Stukas in the middle 20th century.

Amazing Cafes and Restaurants in Monemvasia

• Enetiko Bar in Kastro Monemvasias

It is located right by the entrance of Kastro Monemvasia. It is a cocktail bar with really delicious breakfasts facing a local art gallery. Amazing drinks, staff members and exquisite panoramic view of the sea. You can also have your coffee with a nice breakfast.

• Emvasis bar in Kastro Monemvasias

You can have your cocktail or coffee in the roof garden. It lies right by the entry of the Castle of Monemvasia. It is a  cocktail bar and a 3-storey cafe. You can have a nice breakfast facing a local art gallery called Malavas. 

You can also enjoy Amazing drinks, staff members, and exquisite panoramic views from the top floor of the sea. It serves nice coffee and a freshly prepared breakfast. 

• Mateo’s in Kastro Monemvasias

Mateo’s Café & Snack Bar lies in the panoramic small port of the new town of Monemvasia. It is directly located next to the sea. You can enjoy breakfast and coffee all day long. It serves seafood appetizers including, squid, the famous grilled octopus and marinated anchovies.

• Oinomelo in Kastro Monemvasias

It is located in the castle of Monemvasia with a lovely environment. It features amazing decoration of the splendid terrace that overlooks the ocean and the sweet-tranquil garden. It features traditional food and drinks flavours, and tsipouro-ouzo-raki under special musical melodies.

• Voltes in Kastro Monemvasias

Voltes is a family-owned restaurant, established by two brothers in 2014. It serves traditional Greek dishes prepared with a twist. It also serves fresh ingredients, wine and craft beers. It features a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. 

• Chrisovoulo in Kastro Monemvasias

Chrisovoulo Restaurant & Bar is open throughout the four seasons of the year. It serves the popular local wines accompanied by beautiful traditional Greek and international treats. It offers cocktails taken from alchemy. You can also find a wide selection of local Greek wines and traditional snacks.

Monemvasia- Exciting Activities

• Hiking in Kosmas Arcadia: You can go hiking in Kosmas with a local guide. It takes 4 hours. You can take stunning photos of Kosmas Forest, Old cobbled stone road, Mountain View, Traditional Greek coffee and traditional sweet on the square. 

• Mountain Bike Tour in Tyros Arcadia: You can enjoy a 4-hour mountain bike tour at Parnon mountain. You can reserve a private guide for a more personalized experience. The circular tour moves past mountain villages.

• Guided tour in Talanta Watermill: You can go on a tour in the picturesque village of Talanta. It features the old restored watermill. It is among the eleven watermills that operated in the village. The miller will guide you through the authentic process of grinding the wheat with the power of the water and how finally the flour is produced.

 

You can also explore the Olive Oil Museum of  Liotrivi Historical Estate where you can learn all the secrets about growing olive trees, production of olive oil, and tasting extra virgin olive oil. 

 

In the basement of the Historic Mansion, you can taste five different varieties of wine and know about the local traditional winemaking. In the lovely garden of the Mansion, You will have a prepared meal cooked with fresh ingredients, herbs, and extra virgin olive oil, produced on the Estate.

• Private Tour of the Historic Estate: You can book a private tour of the Historic Estate. A special guide will take you through the estate. You will try the cold press extra virgin olive oil. You can also buy excellent quality homemade traditional products, wines and extra virgin olive oil.

• Karavas Mitata Avlemonas Tour: You can book a tour of the village of Karavas. You can take photos and visit the village’s popular bakery. The village lies in the northern part of the island. The springs of Amir Ali, Portokalia, Keramari, and Magana are some of the many springs in the region. 

 

You can also visit the old olive press “Fava’s Liotrivi”. It was among the oldest olive presses on the island and it has been recently restored by the grandchildren of the original owner. You can buy local products and recipe books as well. 

Castle of Monemvasia Tour: You can book a tour to explore the unique inhabited castle of Monemvasia and to know about the production of two of the most well-known products of the region, olive oil and wine. Once you enter the main gate of the castle you feel that you went back to another era.

 Then, at the Liotrivi, in the bright garden full of aromas you can taste a four-course meal made with fresh ingredients, herbs, and extra virgin olive oil produced on the Estate. 

Accommodation in Monemvasia

• Cyrenia Guesthouse

It is one of the top-rated hotels which is located in Malvasia str., Monemvasia, 23070, Greece. The hotel offers free parking, free wifi, family rooms and non-smoking rooms. It features various amenities including, an outdoor dining area, outdoor furniture, and more. 

The hotel provides various accommodation types for guests to choose from. Most rooms feature a private kitchen, private bathroom, air conditioning, flatscreen tv, refrigerator, electric kettle, kitchenware, dining table, microwave, toiletries, and more. 

• Alkinoi Resort And Spa

It is a -star hotel which is located in Monemvasia, Monemvasia, 23070, Greece. The hotel offers family rooms, free parking and free wifi. The hotel features a variety of amenities including, a picnic area, outdoor furniture, a coffee house on site, a bar, a snack bar, and more.

The hotel also features breakfast in the room, 24-hour security, a safety deposit box, a shared lounge or tv area, a 24-hour front desk, express check-in and check-out, daily housekeeping, laundry service, sauna, spa and wellness centre, massage, body treatments and more.

• House in the Castle

It is one of the top-rated hotels which is located in the Castle of Monemvasia, Monemvasia, 23070, Greece. The hotel offers family rooms, non-smoking rooms, and free wifi. It features various amenities including, a seating area, dining area, ironing service and more.

The hotel also features various accommodation types for guests to choose from. Most rooms feature a private kitchen, private bathroom, air conditioning, dishwasher, flat screen tv, coffee machine, refrigerator, electric kettle, kitchenware, dishwasher, and many more.

• Kissamitakis Guesthouses Kouzina Klimataria Kamara

It is one of the top-rated hotels which is located in the Castle of Monemvasia, Lakonia, Greece, Monemvasia, 23070, Greece. The hotel offers family rooms, non-smoking rooms, and free wifi. It features various amenities including, electric blankets, a seating area, a dining area, ironing service and more.

The hotel also features various accommodation types for guests to choose from. Most rooms feature a private kitchen, private bathroom, air conditioning, dishwasher, flat screen tv, coffee machine, oven, refrigerator, electric kettle, kitchenware, dishwasher, and many more.

• Villa Cazala

It is one of the top-rated hotels which is located in Monemvasia Bridge, Monemvasia, 23070, Greece. The hotel offers free parking, non-smoking rooms, and free wifi. It features various amenities including, hiking, a games room, a seating area, a dining area, ironing service and more.

The hotel also features various accommodation types for guests to choose from. Most rooms feature a private kitchen, private bathroom, air conditioning, dishwasher, flat screen tv, coffee machine, hairdryer, refrigerator, electric kettle, kitchenware, dishwasher, and many more.

• Pietra Suite

It is one of the top-rated hotels which is located in Monemvasia, Monemvasia, 23070, Greece. The hotel offers free wifi, non-smoking rooms and a bar. The hotel features various amenities including, a coffee house on site, a snack bar, a minibar, luggage storage, and many more. 

The hotel also features private check-in and check-out, daily housekeeping, room service, express check-in and check-out, private entrance, ironing service and more. The restaurants and the bar serve fruit, wine and champagne. 

The hotel has one room type. Most rooms feature a sea view, mountain view, landmark view, air conditioning, flatscreen tv, free toiletries, bath or shower, toilet paper, clothes rack, towels, refrigerator, electric kettle, dining table, seating area, sofa and more. 

Conclusion

Monemvasia is a breathtaking medieval tower town. There are various attractions to see and explore. It features many bars, cafes and restaurants where you can taste amazing food and drinks with fresh ingredients and special wine. There are many activities to do as well, and a variety of accommodation types to choose from as well.