In the opinion of many, the castle town of Monemvasia is one of the most picturesque and attractive places in Greece. The unusual location of this settlement is one of the reasons why so many foreign tourists decide to visit Monemvasia. The town is built on a high rock that looks completely impenetrable at a glance. A devastating earthquake many centuries ago formed this rocky area. Nowadays, Monemvasia is widely recognized as one of the most interesting destinations in Greece and the Peloponnese. Having arrived in this town, tourists feel like they are in a medieval fairytale. Centuries-old streets of Monemvasia still have old buildings that are in good condition.
In the 50s of the 6th century, military commander Belisarius, who was famous during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, chose a high rock to build a fortification on it. The first inhabitants appeared in this area eight years later. These were the refugees from Laconia. During the reign of Constantine V, in the mid-40s of the 8th century, the Plague of Justinian appeared in the city. Just like fire, the infection didn’t have mercy on anyone. In 1147, Sicilian Normans tried to invade Monemvasia but locals resisted the attackers well, making the alien troops depart. When the Crusaders attacked the settlement, Monemvasia wasn’t powerful enough to defeat them and surrendered.
Nowadays, this sunny town greets thousands of foreign guests who arrive to admire the beautiful coastal area and combine beach recreation with sightseeing. The urban recreation area is located not far from Monemvasia port. This is a small part of the coast with attractive, clean sea and soft sand. Here, vacationers can enjoy such activities as sunbathing and swimming, try different water activities or simply relax with a fishing rod. There are several taverns along the coast that offer delicious beverages and traditional Greek cuisine.
Monemvasia suburbs also have charming recreation areas. Pori, which is located approximately two kilometers from the town, is a great place with a serene atmosphere. It is never loud or noisy here because tourists are rare in this neighborhood. Despite this, Pori is comfortable and had a developed infrastructure. Visitors can get beach equipment directly at the beach. Numerous supermarkets along the coast offer various goods and memorable souvenirs.
A bit further, seven kilometers from Monemvasia, tourists can visit Xifias. This is a long beach that is particularly popular with European vacationers. Many of them want to buy property in this area after a vacation in Monemvasia and Xifias. Because of this growing popularity, this beach has a well-developed infrastructure. Visitors can always rent beach gear to make sunbathing really comfortable. Besides, there are rental centers that offer surfing and diving equipment.
Would you like to try the wine that Monemvasia is famous for? There is a winery in the town, and it produces Kallisti, a legendary species of wine. The winery is open in a historical castle, and this fact makes it even more exciting and interesting to visit this place. Kallisti is an old wine – the winery has been producing it for five centuries already. Give it a try – this Greek wine can compete with many wine brands of the West and East. Wine species produced in Monemvasia won many honorable awards in the past. The first wine was produced in the region yet in the 12th century.
Having visited the castle winery, it is time to explore local vineyards that cover an area of three hundred acres. Only the best grape species grow here. During an international competition, the wine from Monemvasia was an undisputed leader and won the first prize. With years, the assortment not only has become better but also has added new labels to its collection, offering more fine wines with excellent flavor and taste. Visitors can see the process of making wine with their own eyes and even finish their excursion with a small sampling.
It is not easy to get to Monemvasia because of its unusual location. The first way to reach the Greek town is by ferry that departs from Pireas, a Greek port city. However, this way to Monemvasia is available in the summer months only. During the rest of the year, tourists can get to Monemvasia by car or bus using the road that starts in Athens.
