Monemvasia is an old Greek fortress town which is located on an island off the coast in the south of the Peloponnese. It is also believed that it was the site of a Minoan trading post in the ancient times. Once this small island was connected to the mainland of Greece by a narrow strip of land, but it got loose during an earthquake in the 4th century AD. Nowadays the island is connected again to the mainland by a causeway, which is about 200 meters in length. Residents from Laconia that were hunted by hordes from the northern areas founded a city here in the 6th century AD, during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Mauricius. From the coast this city was not visible.

Monemvasia could only be reached through this narrow strip of land. Mone Emvasia in Greek means "The only or single entrance". Monemvasia remained in Byzantine hands for about 700 years and it withstood many attacks until it was conquered by the Franks in 1249. Ten years later it returned into Byzantine hands again and it became the main port of the Despotate of Mystra. While in 1460 the entire area around Monemvasia in was conquered by the Turks, Monemvasia escaped the dance by putting themselves under the protection of first the Pope and then of the Venetians. In 1540 the Venetian garrison left and Monemvasia was occupied by the Turks. Between 1690 and 1715 it was again in Venetian hands.

The town of Monemvasia is largely situated on a plateau on the south east part of the island and it is about 300 meters wide and 1 kilometer long. There was an imposing medieval fortress on this place and the city walls of Monemvasia and several Byzantine churches are preserved here (there once were 40 churches and 4 of them have survived). The oldest one is the St. Paul dating from 956, which nowadays houses the museum. There are many narrow streets and houses made of natural stone. Many of the medieval buildings have been restored and turned into hotels.

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On the mainland directly above the bridge that connects the island with the rest of Greece begins the long gravel beach of Monemvasia. Here are a number of accommodation and there are facilities such as restaurants and rental of sunbeds and parasols.

Set in the Medieval fortress of Monemvasia, Moni Emvasis is a complex of private, stone-built suites enjoying panoramic views over the sea. It has a restaurant and 2 bars and provides free Wi-Fi throughout. Each with a furnished balcony, Emvasis suites follow the local architectural style featuring arched walls and wooden beamed ceilings. They come with a flat-screen, satellite TV, living area with fireplace and minibar. In the bathroom, you will find bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.

Guests can enjoy drinks and cocktails at the 2 on-site bars, while the restaurant serves a la carte breakfast, as well as local cuisine for lunch and dinner. Room service is also available. You can take a walk at the cobbled alleys of Monemvasia and find traditional taverns and charming cafes. The town of Gefyra is 2 km away. Free parking is available near the premises and luggage porter service is also provided upon request.

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Situated inside the castle of Monemvasia, in Chrysafitissa Square, Likinia is a stone-built hotel featuring traditional accommodation with unobstructed views to the Aegean Sea. It serves homemade breakfast and provides free Wi-Fi access throughout. Likinia Hotel is built in accordance with the local architecture featuring handmade furniture and traditional fireplaces. In-room facilities include a satellite LCD TV, air conditioning and minibar. The marble bathrooms feature signature toiletries and hairdryer. Guests are welcomed with a bottle of wine and soft drinks.

Breakfast is prepared daily with local products and served in the warm dining area by the fireplace. Guests can also spend some time at the lounge of Litinia featuring a stone-built arched ceiling. Likinia guests can walk around the cobbled streets of Monemvasia and visit one of the 40 Byzantine churches of the castle.The hotel is inside the Castle, located 250 metres from the gate.

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Awarded as the "Most Popular Mansion" by the Reader's Choice Awards 2010, Conde Nast Traveller, Kinsterna Hotel and Spa offers boutique accommodation with privileged views of the castle of Monemvasia and the endless blue of the Aegean. Set within a restored Byzantine rural mansion, the suites and rooms have been authentically furnished and designed to reflect the building's history. All rooms are individually designed and equipped to the finest detail; flat screen TVs, Hermes cosmetics, bathrobes and slippers, heated towel rack, scales, pillow menu and internet connection are standard.

Guests can start their day with a Greek Breakfast with organic in-season products coming mostly from the mansion's gardens, such as virgin olive oil, citrus fruits and vegetables. The gourmet restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine using hand-picked ingredients with contemporary twists, whereas the appealing Spa offers a variety of treatments including a traditional hammam. Kinsterna Hotel & Spa's features a truly unique signature swimming pool. The freshwater spring emerges from the basement and eventually forms a river-like swimming pool with private relaxation areas.

The pool bar serves delicious salads, sandwiches, cocktails and fresh fruit juices. The setting could not be more relaxing and inspiring. Guests can visit the castle-city of Monemvasia, the famous beach of Simos at Elafonisos, the unique port of Gerakas or Kastania Caves offering countless and rare geological formations

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Set amidst a fragrant garden of palm trees and roses, Venetia Apartments is located in Monemvasia Town, within 150 metres from pebble Mandraki Beach. Its self-catering units open out to a private balcony enjoying views over the Aegean Sea and Movemvasia Castle. Offering free Wi-Fi access, the air-conditioned apartments of Venetia are traditionally decorated with wooden furnishings and white-washed walls. Each includes a kitchenette with dining area and a living room. An electric oven, a fridge and a TV are available. The private bathroom is stocked with a hairdryer and free toiletries.

Guests will find a variety of restaurants, supermarkets and bars within a 5-minutes' walk from Venetia Apartments. The Medieval Castle of Monemvasia is at 2 km, while Xifias Village and Beach are 6 km from the property. Free private parking is possible on site.

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Offering a panoramic view of the sea, the Paraschou Rooms is built on the outskirts of Monemvasia, across from the historical rock and only 50 metres from the sea. Rooms come with pristine tiled floors, while some feature wooden roofs and wooden furnishings. Free Wi-Fi internet, air conditioning and a fridge are standard. Some units also have a kitchen with all necessary equipment. Paraschou Rooms features a spacious parking area. The port of Gefyra is within a 5-minute walk. Monemvasia port is a 10- minute walk.

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Akti Nefeli offers free on-site parking and free internet access. It is situated 30 metres from the beautiful sandy beach of Ampelakia, offering views of the nearby castle of Monemvasia, 5 km away. The traditionally built hotel Akti Nefeli offers spacious and tastefully furnished rooms with private bathrooms. Most rooms enjoy views of the castle and the sea from their spacious balconies. The friendly reception is open between 08:00 and 24:00. Maps and tourist information are offered.

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