A crossroads for centuries-old civilisations Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian and Ottoman conquerors have all left their mark on this magical fortress town.
Monemvasia fortress town is the most important tourist attraction in the municipality and the reference point for the region’s overall tourism sector.
An internationally recognised destination and a designated archaeological site, it is a must for every traveller to the Peloponnese. In recent years the municipality has been making efforts to have it included among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
A long coastline with significant seaside settlements and a wide variety of beaches
Over 50 beaches are accessible by car, many more only by boat. Five of the region’s beaches have been awarded Blue Flags.
Traditional seaside settlements of interest are Kyparissi and Gerakas in the Zaraka area, and the seaside settlements of Nomia with a large variety of tourist amenities.
On Cape Maleas are Velanidia and Profitis Ilias, while along the west coast, Marathias, Archangelos, Plytra and Elia are ideal for family holidays.
History
Apart from the Monemvasia fortress, other monuments are scattered throughout the region dating from prehistory up to more recent times. Ancient Epidaurus Limera, the submerged town of ancient Asopos at Plytra, the ruins of Zarakas, the walls of ancient Kyphanta, the Carved Asclepium at Kyparissi, Palaiokastro at Papadianika and the ruined fortress at Mesohori are the most important. Most are mentioned by Pausanias, the travel writer of antiquity.
Sites of interest from more recent history include the Cape Maleas lighthouse and the restored watermills at Talanta and Paradisi.
Lying on the sea bed just off the coast between the municipalities of Monemvasia and Elafonisos are traces of the oldest known submerged city int he world, Pavlopetri, which in recent years has attracted the interest of the international archaeological community.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
