Our Favorite Monemvasia Hotels
– Kastro (Old Town): Moni Emvasis
• Gefyra (New Town): Filoxenia
• For families: Malvasia
• Best Scenery: Likinia
• Best Villa: Casa Rodanthi
• Near Bus Station: Filoxenia
Monemvasia Basics
- Monemvasia is an enchanting and romantic Byzantine fortified town from the sixth century AD located in southeastern Peloponnese, Greece. It takes roughly four hours by car to drive to Monemvasia from Athens, with most of the route along a well-maintained highway. There are multiple daily bus routes between Monemvasia and Athens or Sparti run by regional transportation services.
- A causeway connects Monemvasia to the mainland at Gefyra, the modern village. It takes around 20 minutes walking between Gefyra and the fortified old town of Kastro. Gefyra has the bus station and several inexpensive to moderately priced hotels. A shuttle runs every half hour during summer (less frequently in winter) between Gefyra and Kastro for €1.10. A taxi between the two locations costs approximately €4.
- There are no motor vehicles in Kastro, though cars can travel all the way up to the fortress entrance to drop off people and baggage. Limited parking is available along the causeway and on the road leading to the castle gate, and a sizable (free) parking lot is located off to the right as you approach the causeway.
- Facilities on Kastro are very scarce beyond eateries and cafés; there`s a tiny grab-and-go shop but no market, pharmacy, or ATM. Guests lodging on the rock should stock up on cash, snacks, or meds before crossing over, just to be safe.
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Staying in Monemvasia
Known by the name “the Gibraltar of the East,” Monemvasia’s expansive rocky mass in the Myrtoan Sea is connected to the mainland town of Gefyra through a narrow pathway. (The name Monemvasia originates from the Greek terms mone and emvasia, ‘single entrance,’ referring to the town’s small western gateway which serves as its only point of access.) The historic core of Monemvasia (recognized as Kastro) is located on and behind the huge rock slab and is not visible from the mainland. Kastro can only be navigated on foot.
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Compact, densely populated, and incredibly charming, the Old Town/Kastro area of Monemvasia enjoys an absolutely magical setting. Narrow gravel paths and staircases lead upwards, downwards, and in all directions, lined with stone-constructed shops, tavernas, rooftop bars, Byzantine churches, and historic castle structures that have been converted into lavish hotels and guesthouses. And every time you turn a corner there are beautiful ocean views.
There is a minor archaeological museum in the lovely central square, and a 30-minute uphill climb will guide you to the atmospheric remnants of Monemvasia’s abandoned Upper Town that includes the beautiful Agia Sofia Byzantine church. If you’re on a romantic getaway or looking to live for a day or two in a piece of history then definitely spend a little extra to stay in the Kastro. Hotels on the rock are limited both in number and size, so book well in advance.
Across the causeway, the modern community of Gefyra provides cheaper and abundant lodging options, along with a few quality waterside eateries, bakeries, shops, cafes, and a pebbled blue-flag awarded beach. For those traveling on a budget or reserving last minute, Gefyra makes an excellent base locale for exploring the region. The Monemvasia Kastro is readily accessible from Gefyra: just 20 minutes by foot, or a couple minutes via taxi (€4) or shuttle (€1.10). You can drive all the way to the castle gates to drop off passengers, but parking along the causeway can be difficult to find especially during the busy summer months.
The best phases of the year to go to Monemvasia are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). In the peak of summer, the Kastro can get piercingly hot; in the winter it is regularly cool, gray, and brooding – which can be enjoyable all alone. Most inns and restaurants in Monemvasia don’t close up during the winter months.
11 Best Hotels in Monemvasia
Best Luxury Hotel near Monemvasia
Kinsterna Resort
Hotel phone: +30 2732 066300
As charming and romantic as hotels come, this beautiful five-star boutique resort is established on twenty-five idyllic acres of organic gardens, vineyards, and olive and citrus groves. Impeccably-restored lodgings range from lovely double rooms to two-bedroom private pool villas; Hotel amenities include two fantastic pools, three dining establishments (Mouries all day dining area, Linos tavern, & Sterna fine cuisine restaurant whose menu is curated in cooperation with Michelin-starred chef), library, and spa. Family friendly too, with a kids’ playroom, stables, and activities from horseback-riding to soap-making offered for all ages. Open March through November and situated five kilometers and a ten-minute drive south of Monemvasia, with lovely views to the sea.
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4-Star Boutique Hotels in Monemvasia Kastro
Moni Emvasis Luxury Suites
Hotel phone: +30 2732 062122
The finest lodging in Kastro ideally suited for both couples and families. Featuring medieval architecture evoking ages past and designed with upper-class Italian aesthetics, the luxurious suites at Moni Emvasis all incorporate marble restrooms, fireplaces, and furnished balconies with spectacular ocean perspectives. The Junior Suite accommodates 4, with a loft well-appointed for children 8 and up. An incredible a la carte breakfast is provided daily in their exquisite Chrisovoulo restaurant – Kastro`s top fine-dining destination. Exceptional and warm treatment by the hotel`s friendly proprietors only enhances an unforgettable visit. Situated near the castle entrance.
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Likinia Hotel
Hotel phone: +30 2732 061939
This newly-constructed family-run hotel has preserved original structural elements like stone arcs and cisterns, while adding luxe details like marble flooring and bathrooms. Rooms and suites here sleep 2 to 4, featuring wonderful sea views from their many windows. Breakfast can be taken in the hotel’s lovely flower garden or in the charming breakfast room with adjacent guest lounge and library. Located in quiet Chrysafitissa Square on the southern sea wall and ideal for couples.
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Hotel phone: +30 2732 061520
Beautifully-restored historic building on peaceful Chrysafitissa Square, a former monastery and the birthplace of the Greek poet Giannis Ritsos. Spacious lodging suitable for two guests, with original stone details and timber ceilings; many offer sea views and fireplaces. A residence that sleeps four with a dining area and balcony is also available. Guests additionally have access to the elegant lobby lounge and wine bar, as well as an excellent local and organic breakfast.
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Ardamis Traditional Guesthouse
.” retains all elements as stated in the original
Hotel phone: +30 2732 061887
Comfortably changed fortified rooms and suites, charmingly dressed with dark wood furnishings and conventional textiles. Each contrasts in its strange layout, but all have pleasant connected sitting territories and access to one of a kind outdoor spaces like yard gardens or balconies; the 2-room Apartment highlights its own private hammam. A shared terrace offers unsurpassable sea sees. Located on the southern divider close to the Portello sea swimming access entryway.
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Malvasia Traditional Hotel
Hotel phone: +30 2732 061160
Situated at an elevated location on the settlement’s eastern end, Malvasia Traditional Hotel provides a wide variety of lodging options ranging from cozy Budget Doubles to spacious two-bedroom apartments well-suited for families. Most rooms feature beautiful sea views; many include a fireplace, private balcony, or garden courtyard. The breakfast room here is lovely, and the hotel bar’s aerial viewpoint is one of the finest spots in town to enjoy a beverage accompanied by stunning ocean scenery.
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Theophano Art Hotel
Hotel phone: +30 2732 061212
Luxurious lodging expanding across four structures from picturesque Chrysafitissa Square. Décor is thoughtfully traditional, with antique carved furnishings and elegant wood-and-stone architectural details. Some rooms and suites offer ocean-view balconies or fireplaces. A breakfast room (with buffet or table service, depending on hotel occupancy), central atrium courtyard, and beautiful view terrace are shared by guests.
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Best Villa in Monemvasia Kastro
Casa Rodanthi
Hotel phone: +30 694 865 6168
A three-level townhouse situated directly on Kastro`s central roadway near the fortification`s principal entryway. It includes 3 rooms and 2 restrooms that can accommodate 6 visitors. The villa has been beautifully renovated with traditional design but modern comforts. There`s a complete cooking area, indoor jacuzzi tub, and furnished balcony with spectacular ocean perspectives.
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3-Star Hotels in Nearby Gefyra (Good value but not as romantic)
Filoxenia Hotel
Hotel phone: +30 2732 061716
Comfortable and tastefully designed lodgings with sea and rock views. Accommodations here accommodated between two to four people; all included small refrigerators. Monemvasia Beach, just outside and ideal for swimming despite the pebbles, and the property offered beach lounge chairs and cafe tables near the sand for guests. Friendly and useful staff, simple nearby parking, and a convenient location one block from the Monemvasia causeway and bus stop.
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The Aeolos Guesthouse
Hotel phone: +30 2732 061476
Spotless sea-view guest house, with modestly outfitted rooms accommodating 2 to 4 guests. Friendly host, wonderful breakfast, adjacent parking area. Situated just across from Gefyra’s row of waterfront eateries, a 5-minute walk to the causeway and bus station.
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Pramaratis Hotel
Hotel phone: +30 2732 061833
Good value hotel with a prime seafront setting across from a pebbly blue-flag beach advertised. Rooms are straightforward yet pleasant, and feature balconies and mini-fridges. Family apartments sleep 5. A buffet breakfast and on-site parking are provided. 5-minute walk to the causeway and bus station.
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Getting To & Parking in Monemvasia
