Fortress of Monemvasia
Exploring Monemvasia Sailing Holidays area
The Byzantine fortress town of Monemvasia, known as the “stone ship” is situated on the southeastern coast of Laconia, ready to travel the visitors on a historic journey back to time. Castles, walls, old mansions, narrow lanes, churches, imperial marble thrones and Byzantine icons give the impression of a town untouched by the time. The Castle of Flowers is situated on an islet linked to the mainland by a small bridge, as standing on the edge of the Myrtoon Sea. The single entrance that gives the rock its name, beginning in the 6th century AD. As one enters the main gate of the Lower Town, he can see the birthplace of the poet Yiannis Ritsos. The main street is full of shops and leads to the main square dominated by an old cannon and the town cathedral, the Church of Elkomenos Christos. One of the narrow streets beginning from the square leads to the Upper Town or Goula, a climb lasting about 15 minutes, but the panoramic view will delight even the most demanding of visitors. There are 40 churches in Monemvasia, as the Panayia Chrysafitissa, Panayia Myrtidiotissa, Panayia Kritikias, Aghios Nikolaos, Aghios Stefanos, Aghios Pavlos and Aghia Anna. There is, also a silver and gold workshop and museum.
Navigational Aids
Gerakas is a small, medieval village built on a natural harbour surrounded by steep hills, where the sea runs inland creating Greece’s only fiord. In ancient times, the entrance to the harbour was known as Porto Cadena (Chain), because of the chain that was used to close off the entrance to the harbour.
Deserted pebbled beach opposite the island Daskaleio. The beach is located near the village of Ariana.
Heading to Athens at 3 kilometers descend right on the beach of Pori. On the beach there are trees and other trees that offer shade at midday.
Heading South to Xifias to 6 km is the beach Ambelakia turn tricks before and after. The beach Ambelakia has sand and fine pebbles, ideal for swimming in the clear waters and for the game and relax on the sandy coast.
Heading to Athens about 6 km if you turn left towards Agios Ioannis and Geraki follow the signs to Epidaurus Limiras and will reach the sea in Kastraki, there is the beach of Kastraki. This is a great and pure beach full of sand and very small pebbles.
In the village of Monemvasia is the beach of Kakavos. On one side is a rocky bay, ideal for diving , while the other side continues with white and shiny pebbles and hospitality area with sunbeds and umbrellas for swimming and sunbathing.
On the way to the castle of Monemvasia is the Kourkoulas, a sheltered harbor which usually resembles a swimming pool and is protected by 3 points, ideal for swimming. With the help of small stairs, immediately immerse in cool and clear water next to you having the imposing rock towers.
Inside the castle, at the end of the Lower Town and then the walls follow the signs to the castle, located in Portello. The output is a Portelo down the walls that leads to a narrow strip of rock, but also a unique experience of swimming and literally in the shadow of the castle of Monemvasia.
Leaving Monemvasia and heading to the village of Kastella, after Agia Paraskevi is the beach of Agia Thekla. It is a pure beach sand and very small pebbles.
The settlement Kastella, a wide beach that stretches down a long hill with great views. The Kastela is a beach sand along with small pebbles and clear waters for the eagerly waiting summer divers.