As we continued on our 2024 Greece vacation, we were excited to be visiting Monemvasia, more specific, we were excited to be hiking to the top of Monemvasia! We had heard of Monemvasia quite some time ago, and although the town is quite charming and most people flock there to shop, dine, and stay among the ruins, we had other plans. While watching the show, Greece Explored on YouTube, we became determined to climb to the top of Monemvasia and see the ancient ruins and of course the views from on high. As a matter of fact, Greece Explored has many great videos of the Peloponnese area to check out!
Location
Monemvasia is located on the southern tip of the eastern peninsula in Peloponnese in Greece.
History of Monemvasia
Monemvasia is one of the oldest continuously inhabited fortified towns in Greece and Europe. Its name comes from “Moni,” meaning single, and “emvasis,” meaning approach, reflecting its single entrance. During Minoan times, it may have been a trading post, though there is no evidence of a true city then. Monemvasia is connected to the mainland of Greece by a narrow strip of beach called an isthmus, making it a tied island.
This once majestic medieval town was established in the 6th century AD by the Ancient Spartans, who moved here after leaving Sparta due to a Slavic invasion in 588. Despite some dissent among historians, the locals at that time felt the need to strengthen their town for safety, and the Spartans appreciated the proximity to the sea.
During the 7th century AD, many cities in the Peloponnese experienced little growth and entered a dark age. In contrast, Monemvasia thrived commercially and culturally. Its seaside location allowed Monemvasia to connect with important trade towns and centers across Greece and the Mediterranean.
By the 9th century BC, pirate raids were common along the sea, but Monemvasia continued to grow. It wasn’t until 1249, after a 3-year siege, that Monemvasia was occupied, and by 1259 it came under Byzantine rule. In 1463, it was the last stronghold to fall to the Venetians. By 1540, Nafplio and Monemvasia were the last cities in Greece to surrender to the Turks, prompting most of Monemvasia’s population to seek refuge on Venetian islands like Crete and Corfu. In 1715, the Ottomans regained control of Monemvasia and held it until the Greek War of Independence. The Siege of Monemvasia began on March 15, 1821, lasting four months before the Ottomans surrendered the city to the Greeks on July 23, 1821.
Arriving in Monemavasia
We arrived to our hotel and checked in just in time to see the sunset from our balcony. We could hear the braying of goats and tinkling of their bells in a distance as they made their way along. Although we never saw any goats, but their bells chimed in to provide some background music for our sunset! Our hotel was Villa Cazella, just on the edge of town, clean and comfortable. It was no thrills but was perfect for just the night and the view was wonderful. It was an easy walk downhill to the shore for dinner, a good workout uphill after dinner!
Rise and Shine
Sunrise was just as beautiful from our balcony the next morning. We wanted an early start to hike to the top of Monemvasia as we definitely wanted to avoid the mid day heat of Greece. In reality, the heat here in Greece seemed to start mid morning! We decided we would eat breakfast after our hike so grabbed our hydration packs and some snacks and off we went.
Parking
Just a quick word on parking. To visit Monemvasia you can park along the road going up to the gate. Cars were parked from the end of the Isthmus all along the cliff of the castle. We had a hard time finding a spot even though it was only 8:00 am, although it may have been people parked over night staying in the castle. Once parked, the trek to the entrance can be a bit of a workout as it is uphill. Fortunately, we saw a car pulling out and grabbed a fairly close spot.
Monemvasia Main Gate and Town
As we walked up the road towards the gate it was easy to see how large this fortress actually is. As it was early, only 8 am, there were very few people here and we noticed only one restaurant opened. Walking through the main gate and streets of town are like walking back through time. I felt like I was in a time warp. It was fun to walk through these empty streets. The buildings and narrow walkways gave me a nice idea of how life here once was. We didn’t see any signs pointing the way to the Upper Town and the ruins on top of the Monemvasia Plateau, but we just kept walking upward and had no problem finidng our way.
To the Upper Town
The only way to get to the top of Monemvasia was up, as it seems to be the way for everything we want to see in Greece! There are lots of steps and a fairly steep climb to get to the Upper Town. Other than trying to beat the heat, we were not in any hurry, so we took our time and enjoyed the views of the lovely Myrtoan Sea and the lower town below us as we ascended the winding path. It was a beautiful sunny day, and the slight breeze from the sea felt good as the sun moved up in the sky and the temperature rose.
There were only a couple of people wandering in the Upper Town when we reached the fortified entrance; it was nice to experience this with barely a soul around.
Central Gate Area
Just inside the entryway you will find the two leveled Central Gate Area. The gate still contain its original metal plates and wood panels! This area was crucial for the Upper Town’s defense over the years. The first level of the complex served as different uses throughout the history of Monemvasia with some buildings being older than others. One room once housed a staircase to the second level. Another room, which has a vaulted ceiling, served as a Muslim shrine during the Ottoman occupation. Yet another room functioned as a prison. The second level consists of three vaulted rooms and an upper area that was used as a bastion with an area for a cannon. The complex also held an unnamed two aisle vaulted church most likely built during the late Byzantine era.
Other Buildings and Views
Other buildings in Upper Town are located in the area after you leave the gate area. Again, some great views! We took some photos but did not explore all of them as we wanted to trek to the top before the heat became too much.
Church of Hagia Sophia
The highlight of the Upper Town is the Church of Hagia Sophia which was built in the 12th century. Dedicated to Panagia Hodegetria (the Virgin Mary who leads the way). After the Greek War of Independence, the church was renamed Hagia Sophia (God’s Wisdom). Although this is a Greek Orthodox Church, during the Venetian Rule it may have been used as a Catholic Church and during Ottoman Rule it was used as a Mosque.
I do not know if you can generally visit the inside of this church. The door was locked when we were here although it may not have been opened yet for the day.
Continuing Up Monemvasia
As we walked toward the top of Monemvasia we continued to enjoy the beautiful views of Greece and saw various ruins along the way. The path is not difficult but became more narrow as we ventured away from the Upper Town.
The Citadel on the Acropolis
We reached the Citadel and the view was as breathtaking as we were breathless! The citadel is a Byzantine Fortress. It is located on the top of the Acropolis of Monemvasia, as many fortresses in Greece are. There were once four towers, one in each corner of the rectangular fortress.
Back to Lower Town
Even though it was just a quarter after 9:00 am when we were done exploring, the day was already heating up. We followed the path and stairs back down to lower town. There was one or two stores opened which we explored briefly but decided to run for breakfast in a nearby town and continue our day exploring the Peloponnese. Our final spot for the day would be the Mani Peninsula although we had a couple more stops planned into our day. Our entire trek from getting out of the car to getting back in took about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Breakfast
We stopped at a local bakery for breakfast and coffee. It was delicious. We enjoyed just sitting and relaxing for a bit and then were on our way.
Conclusion
Hiking to the top of Monemvasia is a great way to explore this part of Greece! I know many people visit Monemvasia for shopping and Greek culture which looked incredible here as well, but we were on a mission to visit the top!
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Click on the links below to follow my 2024 Greek Travels and also my Past Greek Travels:
Exploring Ancient Sparta-August 2024
Anthemion Suites and Villas, Greece-August 2024
A Bit of Charm in Nafplio, Greece-August 2024
Acronauplia Fortress-August 2024
Argos Theatre and Agora-August 2024
Exploring the Larissa Castle of Argos,Greece-August 2024
Snorkeling the Sunken City of Epidaurus. August 2024
Ancient Epidaurus: Birthplace of Modern Medicne August 2024
Mycenaean Bridge and Acropolis of Kazarma-August 2024
Ancient Nemea Greece-August 2024
Ancient Mycenae Greece-August 2024
2 Weeks in Greece-Delphi, Meteora, Corfu, Santorini, Athens, Sept 2022
14 Days in Greece-Crete,Naxos, Santorini Sept 2021
10 Day Greece Itinerary-Crete, Santorini, Athens, September 2019
8 Day Greece Itinerary-Athens, Milos, Santorini, September/October 2018
Greece at Home
I have had a hard time finding Greek items that I love for my home in the United States. Below are a few links to items I have found to be dependable and great items. I actually use all of these items almost on a daily basis!
- For true Greek honey, mountain tea, and and also olive oil, I order online through Kilo Tea. They are prompt and in addition, I have never had problems with any of my orders. I highly recommend ordering from here as everything is delicious. You can click here to view and also order the Klio Tea products.
- If you like to cook and bake, why not prepare Greek food at home? I have looked at many Greek recipes and my tried and true Greek cookbook is A Drop of Ladi and My Greek Soul. by Krystina Kalapothakos. This is more than just another cook book. Chef Krystina includes first hand information of Greece, Greek foods, stories and more. Also check out her blog here!
- A Greek product I love that I can order from home is Korres Skin care. This line of skin products uses natural products from around Greece and I really can feel and see the difference. You can check out my favorite product by clicking here.
The Gen-X Travels recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities or tour companies are based on our own experiences unless noted. We are not sponsored by any business or company and all trips are at our expense. All photos are by myself or my husband unless otherwise noted. We are affiliates of some companies such as Amazon,Viator, and others which we do receive a small commission from, at no cost to you if you buy or book through one of our links.
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The views from atop Monemvasia and from your hotel room were all gorgeous Lori. I can see why you liked this spot. Happy Sunday. Allan
Thanks, Allan! Enjoy your week!!
I am glad to see Monemvasia again through your images, where I spent a night in 2022. I also went up to the top, to the citadel.
The view is amazing from the Citadel!
Looks like a great walk. You get a mix of old buildings and wonderful views. Maggie
It was a great way to start the day!
Lori, Must admit, I got hungry just looking at the photos of two you scrambling about. Although my meal wasn’t as tasty as your Greek meal.
Well the reason we scramble about so much is so we can eat more!
Great descriptions and photos. We hope to get to Monemvasia in late spring — hopefully to be able to make the climb!
I bet it will be beautiful in late spring!
Gorgeous! Another great site to visit in Greece! Thanks for sharing Monemvasia with us 🙂
Thank you! There is so much to see in Greece!
Beautiful place! I loved it there.
It is an amazing place! Feels like stepping back in time
Good call on getting an early start to the day to avoid the worst of the heat. Sounds like you lucked out with that parking spot! Beautiful captures of the fortress, ruins and views.
We did get lucky with the parking. I am not sure I could have done this in the heat of the day!
Wow… beautiful!!
So many beautiful places in Greece!
So nice to go wandering around💛
It truly is!