Known to many as the Gibraltar of the East, the tiny Greek island fortress city of Monemvasia felt to us more like the Mont Saint Michel of the Mediterranean. Both are walled, medieval strongholds, surrounded by water on all sides, and tethered to the mainland only by a single slim causeway. And while its rough-hewn cobbles and Byzantine influences set Monemvasia apart from Mont Saint Michel’s well-laid stone and grand Gothic design, walking the streets of one felt reminiscent of the other.
With that in mind we thought we’d do something a little different and invite our readers along on a short walking tour of Monemvasia’s twisting alleys.
Monemvasia is a two and one half hour drive southeast of our last stop in Kardamyli, longer if you loop through the Mani Peninsula on route. During peak season it’s a good idea to arrive early as parking on the causeway leading into old-town is pretty limited.
As with Mont Saint Michel, we booked a room and stayed overnight so we could explore in the off hours when the streets were empty. You can see from the video how well that strategy works.
Don’t miss the rest of our Greek road trip series:
Part 1: Greece Road Trip, Delphi and Olympia
Part 2: Greece Road Trip, Kardamyli
