Monemvesia, Greece

Monemvasia is worth the effort to see.  The island is quite “Gibraltar-like.”  It is one big rock off the east coast of Peloponnese, in Greece and linked to the mainland by a short causeway.  It is tiny.  Only 300 meters wide and a kilometer long.  The walled town is remarkably romantic.  It is a living museum of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian history dating back to the 13th century.

Upon my approach
Upon my approach.  Maarku’s yacht was small enough this time so that we were not required to moor, but instead could dock and walk ashore.
The walled little town shot from Maaku’s vessel.
Local hotel
Local hotel.  The landscaping needed some attention, but the place looked charming.
Cannon
This little village is a walled city dating back some 700 years.  The site of a powerful medieval fortress.  The towns walls and many Byzantine churches remain from that period.
Walled city battlement
Walled city battlement.
Restaurant
Really quaint Restaurants dot the labyrinth of narrow streets here.  We chose to eat and drink our way through this town, stopping to enjoy a bite and a beverage at about a half dozen or so places.
Seaside view
Seaside view. Again, unless you are traveling by boat, this little gem is a difficult place to access.  That said, it is worth the effort and once you are here you’ll agree.  Maarku is great at finding these really interesting and off the beaten path places.   But he should be as this part of the world is his home.
Aerial shot of the island.  Easy to see the western facing walled town.

 

One of the beaches seen upon our departure.  Once back on board we yet again enjoyed some more Greek beer as our cook prepared an awesome dinner of local fish.  So fortunate to have been able to rendezvous in the Greek Isles with my old friend Maarku.  And I am much obliged for his hospitality, not to mention being able to share his ocean vessel all this time.

We are not sure where we are headed next but the weather is still good, so stay tuned.