Monemvasia and Gefyra travel guide

Monemvasia is a small and beautiful island just off the coast in the far south of the Peloponnese. It is sometimes called ‘the Gibraltar of the east’, but its an insult to compare it to the Carnaby Street kitch of Gibraltar Town and you don’t get mugged by apes either. There is a causeway that joins the island to the mainland making it possible to walk across though the town is still a fair walk further on. There are no vehicles in the town because the stone and cobbled lanes are too narrow, even building materials are carried in on the back of donkeys. There is a Byzantine castle and churches to visit but the main delight is wandering the quiet maze of narrow streets and paths. The climb to the ruins of the upper town is steep and will be a problem if your health and fitness is not good. If possible find accommodation on the island for a couple of nights, there are a few nice hotels and apartments in the town and a number of tavernas, bars, and cafes though many people stay in Gefrya, just across the causeway on the mainland. It’s become a popular tourist destination and can be busy in the peak season, also the heat in summer makes exploring on foot hard work.

Monemvasia is an exceptional place to visit,

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