The Best Things to do in Monemvasia 2025
Monemvasia is quite possibly the most beautiful place we visited in the whole of the Peloponnese. This ancient castle town built into the side of a rock is so full of charm and romance that we were amazed we had never heard of it before. It’s one of those places you have to see to really believe.
If you have only planned on visiting Athens and you have time to spare then Monemvasia is worth visiting. We would even argue it’s more beautiful than Athens!
If you’re island hopping in Greece then you might not even have considered Monemvasia in the Peloponnese, but it’s somewhere you shouldn’t miss!
The best things to do in Monemvasia are a little different from your usual Greek holiday. This isn’t the destination for relaxing on private beaches or partying the night away (although this is absolutely possible too!)
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The best things to do in Monemvasia involve much simpler pleasures – exploring cobblestone streets, enjoying a glass of wine with an incredible view, and watching the sunset from ancient ruins. Why not tag it onto a 10 day road trip through Greece?
We’ve put together the best things to do in Monemvasia, but remember not to rush! This is a place where time stands still and you can completely unwind. You’re going to want to savour every moment.
Quick Menu for the Best Things to do in Monemvasia
The best things to do in Monemvasia
If you’re visiting Monemvasia by sailboat
A Little History
Monemvasia is brimming with history, which is part of what makes this such a fascinating place to visit. It was originally constructed in the Medieval Ages and is one of the only castle towns that has been continuously inhabited since then.
There is just a narrow road connecting the entrance to the mainland which is how Monemvasia got its name, meaning ‘single entrance’. It is now possible to drive a car up to the entrance, but the town itself is completely pedestrianised.
The impressive houses carved into the rock were designed to be invisible from the mainland to protect against enemy attacks. You can only see the town from a boat or an opposite headland, otherwise it is completely shielded.
The castle town itself was once completely self sufficient and the inhabitants could live for months inside the walls if they were under attack. We imagine it was a pretty awesome place to be holed up inside of!
When to Visit Monemvasia
Greece is well known for its hot summers, and if you’re hoping to swim in the sea then July, August, and September are the months to aim for. The only downside to the endlessly sunny days is the sometimes intense heat that seems to collect in Monemvasia’s narrow streets. Luckily there are lots of cool, dark cafes to cool off in, and the sea is just a stone’s throw away if you need a little dip.
For a place so unique, Monemvasia is surprisingly off the beaten track, though you will find it gets busy during the peak summer months.
We visited Monemvasia castle town in August and found it was still pretty quiet during certain times of the day and much busier in the evening when it was hard to eat out without booking or queuing for a long time!
During the winter months from roughly October to March, tourism in Greece shuts down and some bars and restaurants close down. If you’re happy with this trade-off then you’ll find places that are much quieter and you’ll be able to enjoy the place as it really is.
How to Get to Monemvasia
The closest airport to Monemvasia is Athens international airport. We use Skyscanner to book all our flights, as they find the cheapest deals and best times to fly, plus you have a range of filter options which make finding flights super convenient.
From Athens, you can reach Monemvasia by public bus, or car rental. The journey is about 4 hours long and you’ll get some pretty views on the way to pass the time. Here’s the information on bus timetables and itineraries.
How Long Do You Need In Monemvasia?
We stayed in Monemvasia for a week because we were sailing Greece and we had to wait out some bad weather. In all honesty though we would probably have stayed here for a whole week anyway, because it is a really beautiful area!
If you were in a hurry then you could see all the main attractions in Monemvasia in a day, and some people take day trips to Monemvasia from Athens or the surrounding area.
I think to fully enjoy all Monemvasia has to offer you probably should plan to stay at least one night here. The evenings are glorious, with so much atmosphere and an incredible sunset from the top of the rock. If you have longer to spare here then you certainly won’t be bored!
The Best Places To Stay In Monemvasia
The old town in Monemvasia is one of the most magical places to stay. If you’re looking for charm, character, and romance then you really can’t go wrong here – the old town just oozes intrigue.
We’ve picked out some of the best accommodations among the old cobbled streets. Just make sure you set that alarm on at least one day, so you have the chance to wander without the throngs of tourists!
Note: The castle town itself is pedestrianised so you won’t be able to drive to your hotel. We’ve added an option outside the old town for anyone who needs accessibility from their car.
Casa Felicia – The Castle Mansion of Casa Felicia is in one of the most beautiful parts of Monemvasia, and a stay here will be nothing short of spectacular.
The property has three bedrooms and has been done out to the highest of standards, with mod-cons and even a hot tub! You have to see it to believe it! For more information and current prices head here.
Guesthouse Kellia – This guesthouse is situated at the foot of the lower castle, in an ideal position to explore the best things to do in Monemvasia. The rooms are pretty, with their exposed stonework and incredible sea views.
There is also a lounge area with a fireplace and board games (though you won’t be going anywhere near a fire in the summer months!) For more information and current prices head here.
Pietra Suite – This traditional room has views out to sea and is located on the main street near to all the action.
It’s a great choice for couples wanting to be close to all the sights in this beautiful old town. For more information and current prices head here.
Hotel Lazareto – For anyone wanting access to their hotel by car, this is a great option. This hotel is decorated in a charmingly traditional way, so you won’t miss out on style by staying here.
It’s still on the rock of Monemvasia but not in the actual town, so you won’t need to lug your bags through the cobbled streets on foot! For more information and prices head here.
The Best Things to do in Monemvasia
Monemvasia is one of the best beach towns in Greece, and one of the closest to Athens. The best things to do in Monemvasia aren’t all that extravagant. It’s a town of simple pleasures and you’ll probably find you don’t want to pack your days full and would rather leave time to pass quietly as the locals have perfected.
Monemvasia can be split into two halves – the lower town and the upper town. The upper town is a bit of an uphill slog in the summer heat so we would suggest saving your time here for the early mornings or evenings when it cools down a little!
There are fascinating things to do and see in both parts so we’ll split this guide accordingly!
The Best Things to do in Monemvasia Lower Town
The lower part of the castle town is probably the best-preserved and it’s here that you’ll find the numerous guest houses and hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops.
It’s a charming part of the town and it would be easy to spend hours just wandering from cafe to cafe, shopping for locally made products in the little shops, and dining out on fresh seafood in the quaint restaurants.
If you’re looking for something more cultured to do then head to one of the many churches found in this area, like the church of Elkomenos Christos. This is also where you’ll find the home of the poet Yiannis Ritsos.
We’ve put together some of the best things to do in Monemvasia lower town below!
Explore the Streets at Sunrise
Monemvasia lower town can get busy in the summer months, for obvious reasons! But you can beat the crowds by getting up early and exploring the pretty cobbled streets at sunrise.
If you’re staying outside the old town, make sure you’re at the gates for when they open and you’ll find you have the place almost to yourself!
Monemvasia takes on an almost fairytale-like feel in the early morning light. With the near-empty streets and the cooler temperatures, it’s a lot easier to soak in the beauty of all the stone houses and pretty cobbled streets.
Relax in a Local Cafe
One of the best things to do in Monemvasia lower town is to sample the local cafes. Monemvasia is full of quaint little family-run cafes and restaurants, usually found down a shaded alleyway and spilling out onto the cobblestones.
Even during the summer months, you’ll probably find you have the cafe all to yourself during the day. Or perhaps be joined by the locals pausing for a catch-up as they go about their daily lives.
There’s so much atmosphere down every street that you’ll find yourself perfectly content watching each little drama unfold.
Take a dip from the cove of Portello
For a truly unique swimming experience head to the cove of Portello. This cove was once the port for the castle town but is now used by locals and tourists alike as the perfect swimming spot to cool down during the heat of the day.
The swimming area is marked with buoys and we’d recommend you stick within them to stay safe from the numerous boats coming and going along this stretch of coast. But make sure you swim out from the rocks and look up at the view of the town from below. It’s quite something!
If you want to do as the locals do then head here in the morning and get a swim in before the sun is at its hottest.
Peruse the Local Goods
Monemvasia is famous for its boutique shops selling local wares. This is the place to head for quality Greek produce.
Sample the honey mead liquor, Monemvasia’s famous wine, and the locally made olive oil in this taste tour of Monemvasia. It’s a great way to soak in the local culture (literally!)
The Monemvasia Archaeological Collection
Monemvasia is a truly fascinating place and it would be a shame to leave without exploring some of its history. The Monemvasia archaeological collection, found in the lower town, has pieced together what remains of Monemvasias ancient past in this 16th-century building. Over time it has been a church, a prison, and now a museum!
It’s not huge so you won’t want to dedicate too much time to it, but it’s a good way to spend an hour or two in Monemvasia.
Eat Out in Monemvasia
Monemvasia has some beautiful restaurants and a highlight of any stay here is dining out. Just make sure to book restaurants ahead of time in the summer months as they fill up very quickly!
We didn’t find a ‘favourite’ restaurant, they all had charm and romance and they all served delicious meals, so pick one you like the look of and enjoy!
While you’re here try to sample the local wine, Malvasia. Monemvasia was made famous for this sweet wine known as ‘nectar of the nobles’.
You should also sample the famous cheese pies (saytes) and pork served with potatoes in a clay pot (stamna).
The Best Things to do in Monemvasia Upper Town
The upper town of Monemvasia was once the most wealthy part, but now it is mostly ruins. Although it’s a bit of a trek all the way to the top, the views are incredible and well worth the climb!
From the main square, head up the cobbled path. The first section of the climb is in the shade through Byzantine houses and public buildings. Make sure you have a sun cover-up and some grippy shoes for the second half of the walk – the stone pathway is slippy!
Right at the top of the upper town, you’ll find the Fortress of Goulas which is entered through a tunnel. This is where you’ll find the most dramatic views looking down onto the tumbling town and out to the sea beyond.
Higher still is the Agia Sofia church, an octagonal 12th-century church with a rich history.
Visit Agia Sofia Church
Nestled right at the top of Monemvasia, Agia Sofia is probably the most important monument in the Castle, and certainly the most eye-catching. It has a fascinating history and is in great condition.
It is octagonal in shape and unusual compared to other Greek churches. It was converted to a mosque, a cathedral, and then back to a mosque in keeping with the patterns of occupation of Monemvasia.
Visiting Agia Sofia church is one of the best things to do in Monemvasia because of its fascinating past and interesting architecture.
Explore the Ruins at Sunset
Once you’ve seen the main ruins that lie around Agia Sofia church, head off across the rock plateau. Here you’ll find numerous other ruins tucked away amidst the undergrowth.
Reach the end of the rock for sunset and you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the sun setting behind the mountains beyond the new town, with the bridge between the two towns and the sea on either side. It’s pretty special!
The Best Things to do Outside Monemvasia Castle
Across the bridge, you’ll find the new town of Monemvasia with all the amenities you could need, such as supermarkets and pharmacies. It isn’t as pretty as the old town of Monemvasia but it has a local charm that is worth soaking in if you have the time.
There are also a few highlights which we’ve listed below!
Take a Sea Kayaking Tour
It’s common knowledge that the best way to see Monemvasia is from the sea, but that was pretty tricky to do (unless you owned your own yacht) until these sea kayak adventure tours started.
This is a great opportunity to take in Monemvasia from the water, and it’s also a really fun day out with some good built-in exercise and you’ll have the chance to see other beautiful spots around the rock itself.
The tour includes breaks for storytelling where you’ll find out more about the history of Monemvasia, and a beach picnic!
Head to the Beach
Monemvasia really does have it all, beaches included. Pori beach is one of the more popular, with a view of the rock and sunbeds and umbrellas. You can also visit the pebble beach of Kakkavos which is near the new town of Monemvasia and also has beach facilities on offer.
The beaches near Monemvasia don’t have quite the same dream-like qualities of some of the Greek island beaches but if you’re looking for a place to lounge by the sea and relax with a good book then the beach is the perfect place to head.
Tour Monemvasia’s Vineyards
This tour is your opportunity to learn about Greek culture and experience something a little different. Set in one of Monemvasia’s traditional villages, this tour of the local vineyards and olive groves will give you an insight into one of Greece’s most famous industries.
Plus, you’ll get to sample the local produce with a traditional Monemvasian meal (wine included – yes please!)
Spot Turtles in the Marina
In the new town of Monemvasia, just a short walk from the castle, you’ll find a small marina that is frequently visited by turtles. They are most likely to be found as the fishing boats come home with their hauls!
Turtles are quite common in Greece but it’s unusual to find them so close to human activity. This is a great place to spot them if you’re a turtle fan.
Visiting Monemvasia by Sailboat
If you’ve hired a charter sailboat from Athens or you have your own sailboat then visiting Monemvasia while sailing the Peloponnese couldn’t be easier.
Monemvasia is very well set up for sailors, with an anchorage right next to the bridge and several town quays. Although it isn’t the most beautiful Greek anchorage, there is something special about anchoring right next to a place of such historic importance.
If you’re planning on approaching the north town quay from the north then make sure you take a detour to the south of the rock so you can see the incredible views of the town. If you’re anchoring south of the rock (which is usually more protected) then you can’t miss the view!
The best things to do in Monemvasia don’t have to be expensive or extravagant, Monemvasia itself is more than enough to satisfy any holiday wish! But hopefully, this has shown you that Monemvasia is worth more than just a day trip!
If you’ve got any questions about Monemvasia then ask away in the comments section below, and follow us on social media for more travel inspiration. We hope you enjoyed this post!
excellent information
very nice info on Monemvasia. Our group of 4 ladies will be visiting in mid October via a cruise port day. We are looking forward to it.
Could you please tell me what is the best and safest way to get to a local beach? We are fine with a taxi, but will there be one available to return us to our ship?
Thank you!
The post provides valuable insights and recommendations for travelers exploring this enchanting destination. The writing is descriptive and well-informed, presenting a balanced perspective on the highlights of Monemvasia. The inclusion of personal experiences adds authenticity to the recommendations. This article serves as an invaluable resource for travelers, ensuring they can make the most of their visit to this picturesque town.