Monemvasia

– Gefyra
A quick visit at the modern village of Gefyra – not particularly attractive but with all the basic amenities one might expect, and just the place to stop and sample some traditional sweets such as almond biscuits and samousades (similar to baklava) before heading to the citadel jutting out from the sea just ahead.

– Giannis Ritsos House
Just inside the castle gate is the house of Greece’s lauded poet, Yiannis Ritsos. Internationally renowned and winner of the Greek First State Prize for Poetry and the Lenin Peace Prize, Ritsos was born and raised in Monemvasia, which features prominently in many of his works.

– Church of Christ in Chains (Christos Elkomenos)
The Church of Elkomenos Christos is the first you’ll notice on the square with the cannon in the middle of town. It was probably built in the 6th or 7th century and has undergone numerous transformations. Its sparse exterior does not prepare visitors for what is on display inside: a massive icon of the Crucifixion that dates from the Palaeologan Renaissance.

– Archaeological Collection of Monemvasia
This small museum is located directly on Monemvasia’s central square. The building it is housed in has been used at various points throughout history as a mosque, prison, and coffee shop. Today it holds a cozy collection of artifacts found in the fortress and its surroundings that help to tell the history of the Kastro.

– Upper Town of Monemvasia
Ano Poli was gradually deserted in the years following the second period of Venetian rule (1685-1715). Today, the entire area is considered publicly owned land and is administered by the Greek Archaeological Service. Its key monument is the Church of Hagia Sophia, dating from 1150. Rest for a while and get the chance to take lovely photos of view.

– Monemvasia
The square known as “Tapia” in the local dialect has as its crowning glory the Church of Panaghia Chrysafitissa. Right beside it stands the Kellia guesthouse, once the family home of the renowned Greek poet Yiannis Ritsos (it’s said that he was actually born in this building). Today it hosts various tastings of Peloponnesian wine

– Monemvasia
The walkway ends at the East Gate, although a path continues the short distance to the lighthouse outside the walls, where you can enjoy a quiet moment looking out at the Myrtoan Sea. Monemvasia’s southern gate opens directly to the sea and is known as the Portelo, which serves as a unique swimming platform.

– Monemvasia
The Monemvasia region produces many distinct and delicious food products, such as wine (the local Malvasia sweet wine was mentioned in three Shakespeare plays), honey mead, homemade liqueurs and preserves, almond-flour cookies, and local olive oil and honey. You have free time to taste all of them.