Feb 9-12, 2022
Technically, Monemvasia is an island, and for a long time the locals liked it that way.
I can only assume they kept it that way for defensive reasons, but eventually a bridge was built (with a drawbridge of course).
The little town was built on the far side of the island, as to be out of site from the mainland. There are no cars or moto scooters allowed inside the main gate, all products and building supplies are carried in on foot or donkey!
The lower town is surrounded by walls on three sides and the steep cliff - into which the stone road to the upper town is built. Known as the Gibraltar of the East, the plateau at the top is near 600 ft above the surrounding sea. Over the two days we had there, we scoured every pathway and alley street, as well as the precipitous trail that ringed the island. Lush green and flowering vegetation covered all but the steepest cliffs, making it a likely spot to see a Greek Tortoise… Maybe it was a Marginated Tortoise, because it did have a weird shell? For the fauna and flora geeky ranger - that was a real treat!
I will admit it was a long way from anywhere to visit, but I will highly recommended taking the time to come here if you’re ever in the Greek Peloponnese. Although it will be a hassle, I do recommend staying on the in the old city on the island, but pack light, unless the hotel has a donkey…😜
