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MONEMVASIA: One of the most exciting touristic destinations

Its official name is Monemvasia, although there are some slight variations in Greek, along with different forms of pronunciation – such as Monovasia. In the Middle Ages, the Franks called it Malvoisie, to the English it was known as Malmsey. Its Greek name is derived from the two words meaning single entrance, that is, the only entrance to the fortress town.

The old town of Monemvasia is a perfectly preserved medieval settlement still inhabited, a world cultural heritage monument and a major attraction for every traveller in the Peloponnese. It has a unique, magical atmosphere and a fascinating history. Monuments and churches are scattered throughout the old town. An important archaeological collection is housed in the old mosque in the Square of Elkomenos Christos.

At the other end of the causeway on the mainland is the new town of Monemvasia. Along the coast to the south is the settlement of Nomia. Neighbouring Aghios Ioannis is recommended for those who would like to try authentic local dishes.

GYTHIO

Gythio is a lovely destination in the southern side of Peloponnese. It distinguishes for the island style, the wonderful beaches and the wild landscape. The most famous spot of Gythio is Kranae islet, at the entrance of the port, where Paris and Helen spend the night before leaving for Troy. Conveniently located in southern Peloponnese, Gythio is a good base for road trips to Monemvasia, Mystras, Kalamata, Elafonissos and the region of Mani.

Kranae Islet

ELAFONISOS

The island of Elafonisos  is a small Greek island between the Peloponnese and Kythira. Elafonisos Island lies off the coast of Cape Malea  and Vatika. The area of the island is 19 km². Nowadays Elafonisos Island is by far the largest inhabited island of the Peloponnese, and the only one that is a separate municipality.

Elafonisos Island is attractive for its white, sandy beaches, and the crystal-clear waters of the island with a characteristic emerald hue. The most well-known beaches of Elafonisos Island are Simos (Sarakiniko and Fragos), Panagitsa (Panagias Nisia) and Lefki. 

The municipality of Elafonisos Island also includes a piece of the mainland, about 600 ft across from the main Elafonisos settlement. This 3 km² of land also includes Punta beach, a long strip of white sand and shallow emerald waters just like the beaches of Elafonisos Island. 

The church of Agios Spyridon, built on a tiny piece of land connected to the settlement with a bridge over shallow waters, is the main church of the Elafonisos Island community, and a landmark of Elafonisos. 

In the area of Kato Nisi there is a Pyrgos (= castle) called “Pyrgos ton Meladon” (= castle of the Melas family), a Mani-style, two-storey castle on the highest elevation of an 11-acre property. Built for defensive purposes in the late 1800s, today the property is used for cultivating produce and raising livestock. Visitors are encouraged to visit Pyrgos, admire the spectacular, panoramic view of the Laconic Bay from the top of the building, taste local delicacies and listen to the interesting history of both the property and the generations of its owners. 

There are some important archaeological discoveries on the island and in the surrounding area, such as the "sunken city" as well as a Chalcolithic period burial site from the Copper Age in the area of Pavlopetri.