Homeland of the legends and Gods, Peloponnese abounds in deeply moving views, ancient sites, crystal clear water and beautiful beaches. With its first-rate food, wine and hospitality, Peloponnese is among the best Greek regions to add on the bucket list.
The region is utterly vast with so many attractions to see, so one single week is not enough to discover all the beauty of Peloponnese. So, we decided to took it at a slow peace and chose two incurable romantic towns, Kardamyli and Monemvasia as base of our trip, the both located in the Southern part of Peloponnese.
Kardamyli
This small village surrounded by the mountains, gorges and the sea, with its notable charm, ancient settlements and beautiful beaches, reminded me a little bit of the lakes of Northern Italy.
I just loved the simplicity of getting lost aimlessly among the narrow streets, discovering the ancient ruins of Old Kardamyli, then dining at Dioscouri Café while enjoying one of the most picturesque view in town, beside the delicious food.
Accommodation
We had our own private villa surrounded by the mountains, Viros Gorge, overviewing the sea. It was an absolutely perfect remote location with scenic views, tranquility and the charm of the local architecture. The host welcomed us with rice pudding, a traditional desert in the region, homemade cake and fresh drinks. In the morning we were brought eggs from the chickens raised at property, so I’ve made a delicious omelette.
All these must mean the traditional way of “welcome”.
The Beaches
We visited three of the most beautiful beaches in Kardamyli:
The beaches are located at a short distance one from another. I loved the clear turquoise water surrounded by the green foliage of gorges, mountains and cypress trees, a scenery that reminded me somehow of the days spent by the shore of lakes in Northern Italy.
The Castle-town of Monemvasia
Our second stop was The Castle-town of Monemvasia, the magical town nestled on a small island connected to the mainland only by a road bridge built over the sea. There is one single entrance to the town, through a gate, Moni Emvassi (“One entrance” in Greek, hence the name) and as soon as you will enter it you will never want to leave. Here the time has stopped and old centuries never look so close.
The Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans left behind pastel castles and old mansions dated back from the 6th century, surrounded by the teal Aegean Sea and ancient walls, giving the impression of an imaginary town untouched by the passing of time.
Monemvasia is by far like no other places I visited before in Greece.
Top things to do in Monemvasia
- getting lost wandering the romantic pathways is the most beautiful thing to do in Monemvasia.
- take a unique walk to the Upper Town for magnificent views, then dine at one of the restaurants located on the main alley of the Lower Town, overviewing the sea.
- try the local wine, Malvasia
- visit Agia Sofia Church, the main attraction in Monamvasia with Byzantine and Venetian roots.
- Go to the beach. Portelo is the only entrance to Monemvasia by water. Swimming under the impressive fortress was one of my favorite experience there.
- day-trip to Elafonissi Beach, recognized to be among the most beautiful beaches in Peloponnese
Accommodation
Many of the ancient houses of Monemvasia were renovated and transformed into hotels. I highly recommend to stay there for a truly authentic experience.
Is good to know that the vehicles are not allowed inside the Castle Town. In fact driving on the tiny cobbled alleyways is impossible for any type of vehicle, there’s simply no room. All the cars are parked alongside the causeway which leads to the entrance gate.
Our first accommodation was on the Monemvasia island, Malvasia Hotel a traditional hotel, very cosy and romantic, with intimate courtyards, old authentic furniture that will transport you in a fairy-tale world.
Our second accommodation was Kinsterna Hotel, a luxury mansion with centuries of history meticulously preserved, located 7 km away from the castle-town. You can read about our stay and the experience in my previous article.
Restaurants and cafes
The restaurants, cafes and souvenirs shops are all aligned on the main cobblestone street in the Lower Town.
We dined at To Kanoni restaurant, a romantic place to have dinner with sea view and serving very good food. Among the local specialties I loved Goges a local homemade pasta and saitia a type of fried spinach pie.
The region is famous for its winery, the Malvasia Wine is the authentic flavor of Monemvasia. The exceptional virgin olive oil, seafood, onions from Vatika, the honey and organic products render the local cuisine an authentic culinary experience.
I just stumbled upon your blog and your photos are absolutely dreamy! I will be using your suggestions a lot on my upcoming trip to the Pelion. Can you share where you found the adorable cream dress you’re wearing in this post, with the tie back and red flowers on the sleeves? I simply LOVE it!
Thank you so much Alyse. The dress is from Sundress