Beautiful Monemvasia – 4 Best Attractions, Top Restaurants and Accommodation

Updated On: April 22, 2024 by   Yomna Salah

The Byzantines established Monemvasia in the sixth century. It is a spectacular medieval tower town on the southeastern 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 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 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 tourism season, making 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 be pleasant. Precipitation is from 1 to 3 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months because of the weather.

• Winter (December through February)

The weather is freezing 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, fortresses, walls, and houses. 

The museum’s permanent exhibition 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 town of Monemvasia in the Peloponnese. The stunning 17th-century whitewashed church functions to this day. Although the churchyard is not very big, it is the only open area.  

• Church of Agia Sofia

The Church of Agia Sofia is one of Greece’s oldest and most significant Byzantine churches. 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, 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 Agia Sofia. The church was seriously damaged due to wars and time. Eustathios Stukas restored it in the middle of the 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 delicious breakfasts facing a local art gallery: incredible drinks, staff members and an exquisite panoramic sea view. You can also have your coffee and an excellent 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 an excellent breakfast at 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 excellent coffee and a freshly prepared breakfast. 

• Mateo’s in Kastro Monemvasias

Mateo’s Café & Snack Bar lies in the panoramic small part 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, which has a lovely environment. It features impressive decoration on the splendid terrace overlooking the ocean and the sweet-tranquil garden. It features traditional food and drink flavours and tsipouro-ouzo-raki under memorable 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 famous local wines and beautiful traditional Greek and international treats. It offers cocktails taken from alchemy. You can also find many 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. On the square, you can take stunning photos of Kosmas Forest, Old cobbled stone road, Mountain View, Traditional Greek coffee and traditional sweets. 

• Mountain Bike Tour in Tyros Arcadia: You can enjoy a 4-hour 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 tour the picturesque village of Talanta. It features the old restored watermill. It is among the eleven watermills that operate in the town. 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, producing olive oil, and tasting extra virgin olive oil. 

 

In the basement of the Historic Mansion, you can taste five different varieties of wine and learn 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, which is produced on the Estate.

• Private Tour of the Historic Estate: You can book a private tour of the Historic Estate. A unique 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 famous bakery. The town lies in the northern part of the island. Amir Ali, Portokalia, Keramari, and Magana are among 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 the original owner’s grandchildren recently restored it. 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 learn about the production of two of the most well-known products of the region, olive oil and wine. You feel you have returned to another era once you enter the castle’s main gate.

 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 in Malvasia str., Monemvasia, 23070, Greece. The hotel offers free parking, wifi, family, and non-smoking rooms. It features various amenities, including an outdoor dining area, furniture, and more. 

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

• Alkinoi Resort And Spa

It is a 5-star hotel 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 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, etc.

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 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, an 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 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, an 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 in Monemvasia, Monemvasia, 23070, Greece. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, 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, flat-screen TV, complimentary 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 fantastic food and drinks with fresh ingredients and exceptional wine. There are many activities to do and various accommodation types to choose from.