Sightseeing in Monemvasia - what to see. Complete travel guide

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.

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.

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.

This guide to iconic landmarks and sights of Monemvasia is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.
City tours, excursions and tickets in Monemvasia and surroundings
Reference information
Survived castles around Monemvasia
♥ Castle 'Monemvasia Fortress' Monemvasia, 0.1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Cythera Castle' Cythera, 47.7 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Mystras Palace' Mystras, 74.9 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Palamidi' Nafplion, 99.8 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Acronauplia' Nafplion, 100.1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Monemvasia Fortress' Monemvasia, 0.1 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'Cythera Castle' Cythera, 47.7 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'Mystras Palace' Mystras, 74.9 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'Palamidi' Nafplion, 99.8 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'Acronauplia' Nafplion, 100.1 km from the center. On the map


Sights around Monemvasia from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'
Pavlopetri
From the series “Famous Sunken Towns”
Check on the map:
Distance from Monemvasia center - 20.1 km.
Researchers have identified about 15 separate buildings in the flooded city. The total area of residential buildings, according to approximate calculations of scientists, is 9,000 square meters. Currently the ruins of Pavlopetri represent the attraction of world importance. However, it’s extremely difficult to ensure the proper security of historic sites hidden underwater. Not only inexperienced divers and robbers can harm old buildings, but the anchors of vessels, whose traffic in the area is virtually unregulated. …
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