Kissamitakis Guesthouse: Guidebook for Monemvasía

George
Kissamitakis Guesthouse: Guidebook for Monemvasía

Food Scene

Matoula Restaurant is located on the main alleyway of the Castle of Monemvasia and its history is interrelated with the history of the castle itself as it is open since 1950, gaining by far the title of the oldest and most renowned restaurant of the area. In their beautiful garden, under the shadow of the arbor, you may enjoy the breathtaking sea view, the extraordinary dishes and the warm hospitality offered by the staff.
Matoula Restaurant
Matoula Restaurant is located on the main alleyway of the Castle of Monemvasia and its history is interrelated with the history of the castle itself as it is open since 1950, gaining by far the title of the oldest and most renowned restaurant of the area. In their beautiful garden, under the shadow of the arbor, you may enjoy the breathtaking sea view, the extraordinary dishes and the warm hospitality offered by the staff.
In a modern environment you will taste an exceptional cuisine; dishes, mostly based on local recipes and the best local ingredients. The combination of this exceptional cuisine and the genuine hospitality offered generously by the owners will make you love it and come back at the earliest opportunity! Incredible range of ''mezedes'', delicious appetizers and formal but friendly staff! A great restaurant for the price!
Bóltes
Γιάννη Ρίτσου
In a modern environment you will taste an exceptional cuisine; dishes, mostly based on local recipes and the best local ingredients. The combination of this exceptional cuisine and the genuine hospitality offered generously by the owners will make you love it and come back at the earliest opportunity! Incredible range of ''mezedes'', delicious appetizers and formal but friendly staff! A great restaurant for the price!
To Kanoni Restaurant is located at the center of the Castle of Monemvasia, just next to the main square of the medieval town where stands the church of Christ Elkomenos (in Chains). The restaurant -and the square- took its name from the old cannon that lies at the center of the square. At Kanoni, you can taste extraordinary dishes, mostly based on local recipes and local ingredients. You may enjoy your meal on the restaurant's terrace with one of the most spectacular views of the area, overlooking the sea, the main square and the impressive rock with the Upper Town of Monemvasia!
The Cannon
To Kanoni Restaurant is located at the center of the Castle of Monemvasia, just next to the main square of the medieval town where stands the church of Christ Elkomenos (in Chains). The restaurant -and the square- took its name from the old cannon that lies at the center of the square. At Kanoni, you can taste extraordinary dishes, mostly based on local recipes and local ingredients. You may enjoy your meal on the restaurant's terrace with one of the most spectacular views of the area, overlooking the sea, the main square and the impressive rock with the Upper Town of Monemvasia!
One of the most atmospheric places to dine. It is right on the main cobbled street, and you can really get a sense of Monemvasia. The food is Greek country cooking, with ingredients sourced locally, and all very tasty. Service is very warm and accommodating...
Marianthi
One of the most atmospheric places to dine. It is right on the main cobbled street, and you can really get a sense of Monemvasia. The food is Greek country cooking, with ingredients sourced locally, and all very tasty. Service is very warm and accommodating...
Chrisovoulo offers all the wholesome freshness that the Laconian hillsides have to offer with an enticing array of regional specialties served with his signature avant-garde cuisine. Traditional past meets the present with selective gourmet cuisine aimed to delight our guests with a unique gastronomic experience, guaranteed to impress whilst, served in a glamorous setting for a relaxed candlelit dinner.
6 yerel halk öneriyor
Chrisovoulo
6 yerel halk öneriyor
Chrisovoulo offers all the wholesome freshness that the Laconian hillsides have to offer with an enticing array of regional specialties served with his signature avant-garde cuisine. Traditional past meets the present with selective gourmet cuisine aimed to delight our guests with a unique gastronomic experience, guaranteed to impress whilst, served in a glamorous setting for a relaxed candlelit dinner.
Delicious Greek fish food with an amazing view of the rock of Monemvasia. Taste of unique traditional recipes, in Trata fish restaurant. All the ingredients are pure and made from local producers. Fresh fishes are fished from the bay of Monemvasia every day. Efficient, friendly service and a very reasonable pricing.
Trata
Ethniki Odos Monemvasias Krokeon
Delicious Greek fish food with an amazing view of the rock of Monemvasia. Taste of unique traditional recipes, in Trata fish restaurant. All the ingredients are pure and made from local producers. Fresh fishes are fished from the bay of Monemvasia every day. Efficient, friendly service and a very reasonable pricing.
Mateo's Café & Snack Bar is located in the picturesque small port of the new town of Monemvasia, right next to the sea. It is open all day long and you can enjoy your breakfast or coffee or drink an ouzo with a variety of seafood. Mateo's specialties are seafood appetizers, among which we recommend the grilled octopus and squid and the marinated anchovies. For beer and ouzo lovers, here you may find the largest variety of these drinks not only in Monemvasia but in the wider region, with more than 30 beer labels (Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, etc.) and 15 ouzo labels (from Lesvos island, Chios island, etc).
Mateo's Café & Snack Bar
3 Malvazia
Mateo's Café & Snack Bar is located in the picturesque small port of the new town of Monemvasia, right next to the sea. It is open all day long and you can enjoy your breakfast or coffee or drink an ouzo with a variety of seafood. Mateo's specialties are seafood appetizers, among which we recommend the grilled octopus and squid and the marinated anchovies. For beer and ouzo lovers, here you may find the largest variety of these drinks not only in Monemvasia but in the wider region, with more than 30 beer labels (Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, etc.) and 15 ouzo labels (from Lesvos island, Chios island, etc).
Outside Monemvasia there is a small village, which is called Foutia. There you will find one of the best restaurants in the area. The food is excellent and so tasty. This is the most beautiful view because from the balcony of this restaurant visitors have the chance to admire not only the great castle of Monemvasia but the sea as well.
Epidilion
Outside Monemvasia there is a small village, which is called Foutia. There you will find one of the best restaurants in the area. The food is excellent and so tasty. This is the most beautiful view because from the balcony of this restaurant visitors have the chance to admire not only the great castle of Monemvasia but the sea as well.
Cafe Byzantino is located in the most central spot of the Monemvasia castle. Going up the central street with all the stores, Yiannis Ritsos St., you find Café Byzantino on your left, exactly over the main square of the Old Town with its famous canon, the beautiful church of Elkomenos Christos with the 17th and 18th century post-Byzantine icons and the archaeological museum of the fortress town. Cafe Byzantino is an elegant and sophisticated café, where the hotel’s breakfast is served and which features an upper room with an uninhibited view of the sea.
Byzantino Cafe
31 EO Monemvasias Krokeon
Cafe Byzantino is located in the most central spot of the Monemvasia castle. Going up the central street with all the stores, Yiannis Ritsos St., you find Café Byzantino on your left, exactly over the main square of the Old Town with its famous canon, the beautiful church of Elkomenos Christos with the 17th and 18th century post-Byzantine icons and the archaeological museum of the fortress town. Cafe Byzantino is an elegant and sophisticated café, where the hotel’s breakfast is served and which features an upper room with an uninhibited view of the sea.

Drinks & Nightlife

It's a bar, it's a cafe but you can also have your breakfast here as well as taste some special local snacks and desserts while the fun continues until late at night. In Vathisfero you can find extraordinary local wines, the best malt whiskeys and cognacs and supreme cocktails! As for the music.You can relax in our small and cozy balcony enjoying the great view, while listening to rock, jazz and lounge music. And if you're lucky enough, you may stumble upon one of the live concerts that take place at Vathisfero!
Vathysfairo Bar
It's a bar, it's a cafe but you can also have your breakfast here as well as taste some special local snacks and desserts while the fun continues until late at night. In Vathisfero you can find extraordinary local wines, the best malt whiskeys and cognacs and supreme cocktails! As for the music.You can relax in our small and cozy balcony enjoying the great view, while listening to rock, jazz and lounge music. And if you're lucky enough, you may stumble upon one of the live concerts that take place at Vathisfero!
At this place, tradition meets modernity. A romantic journey from today to yesterday. A small paradise on Earth. Since all traditional objects match harmoniously with the large- impressive bar. Jazz, rock and lounge music ... are your companion while you enjoy your cocktail on the terrace by overlooking the sunset. The staff with its funky mood will cheer you up, since they know how to do it better than all.
10 yerel halk öneriyor
Enetiko Cafe & Cocktail Bar
Γιάννη Ρίτσου
10 yerel halk öneriyor
At this place, tradition meets modernity. A romantic journey from today to yesterday. A small paradise on Earth. Since all traditional objects match harmoniously with the large- impressive bar. Jazz, rock and lounge music ... are your companion while you enjoy your cocktail on the terrace by overlooking the sunset. The staff with its funky mood will cheer you up, since they know how to do it better than all.
Right at the entrance of the Castle of Monemvasia stands Emvasis Café & Cocktail bar, the all day haunt of the castle with one of the most beautiful terraces with spectacular views. The day starts early with a hearty breakfast including scrambled eggs or omelettes, homemade jams and local honey, and continues with excellent Italian espresso and many more types of coffee, a variety of savory snacks, fruit-salads, waffles and other sweets. When the night falls Emvasis is converted into one of the most popular bars in the city with good music and refreshing cocktails.
10 yerel halk öneriyor
Enetiko Cafe & Cocktail Bar
Γιάννη Ρίτσου
10 yerel halk öneriyor
Right at the entrance of the Castle of Monemvasia stands Emvasis Café & Cocktail bar, the all day haunt of the castle with one of the most beautiful terraces with spectacular views. The day starts early with a hearty breakfast including scrambled eggs or omelettes, homemade jams and local honey, and continues with excellent Italian espresso and many more types of coffee, a variety of savory snacks, fruit-salads, waffles and other sweets. When the night falls Emvasis is converted into one of the most popular bars in the city with good music and refreshing cocktails.
This unique and popular spot has a long history and has created a fanatical audience. It operates only during the summer season and it welcomes visitors on its terrace with a spectacular panoramic sea view while offering a variety of drinks and some sophisticated cocktails listening to hand-picked, quality music (jazz, etc.). Combining the above with the genuine enthusiasm and passion of Jimmy, makes cafe/bar Malvasia a really special place to visit.
Malvasia Café
This unique and popular spot has a long history and has created a fanatical audience. It operates only during the summer season and it welcomes visitors on its terrace with a spectacular panoramic sea view while offering a variety of drinks and some sophisticated cocktails listening to hand-picked, quality music (jazz, etc.). Combining the above with the genuine enthusiasm and passion of Jimmy, makes cafe/bar Malvasia a really special place to visit.

Sightseeing

The Church of Agia Sofia in Monemvasia, Peloponnese: The Church of Agia Sofia is among the oldest and most important Byzantine churches in Greece. It stands on the highest point of Monemvasia and gives great view to the Aegean Sea. This church was originally established in the 12th century by the Byzantine emperor Andronicus II and it was dedicated to Panagia Hodegetria, which means the Virgin who leads the way. In the Venetian times, it was converted into a Catholic Convent. After the Greek Independence, it was dedicated to the Wisdom of God and was named Agia Sofia. Time and wars caused serious damage to the church and it was restored in the middle 20th century by Eustathios Stikas.
Church of Hagia Sophia
The Church of Agia Sofia in Monemvasia, Peloponnese: The Church of Agia Sofia is among the oldest and most important Byzantine churches in Greece. It stands on the highest point of Monemvasia and gives great view to the Aegean Sea. This church was originally established in the 12th century by the Byzantine emperor Andronicus II and it was dedicated to Panagia Hodegetria, which means the Virgin who leads the way. In the Venetian times, it was converted into a Catholic Convent. After the Greek Independence, it was dedicated to the Wisdom of God and was named Agia Sofia. Time and wars caused serious damage to the church and it was restored in the middle 20th century by Eustathios Stikas.
The Church of Elkomenos Christos in Monemvasia, Peloponnese: The small church of Elkomenos Christos located in the Old Town of Monemvasia, and particularly in the quarter of Kato Poli, is the most famous church of the castle town. It is dedicated to Christ and particularly to Christ who was lead chained to Crucifixion, which is why it celebrates on Holy Thursday, in Easter. A carved inscription at the entrance of the church indicates that it was constructed in 1697, probably on the site of a former church founded in the 6th-7th century. On the left and the right side of the entrance, there are two thrones, dedicated to the Byzantine Emperor and the Empress.
Elkomenos Christos
Ethniki Odos Monemvasias Krokeon
The Church of Elkomenos Christos in Monemvasia, Peloponnese: The small church of Elkomenos Christos located in the Old Town of Monemvasia, and particularly in the quarter of Kato Poli, is the most famous church of the castle town. It is dedicated to Christ and particularly to Christ who was lead chained to Crucifixion, which is why it celebrates on Holy Thursday, in Easter. A carved inscription at the entrance of the church indicates that it was constructed in 1697, probably on the site of a former church founded in the 6th-7th century. On the left and the right side of the entrance, there are two thrones, dedicated to the Byzantine Emperor and the Empress.
The tranquility and the charm of the region will carry you away. The port is a popular anchorage for yachts and boats since it is protected from all the winds. The landscape and the village create a unique beautiful setting. The Acropolis of Zarakas is situated above the village, at the northeastern end of the bay. Note that at the end of the bay, there is also an important wetland. Enjoy fresh seafood throughout the year, since the owners of the local businesses are fishermen in profession.
Gerakas port
The tranquility and the charm of the region will carry you away. The port is a popular anchorage for yachts and boats since it is protected from all the winds. The landscape and the village create a unique beautiful setting. The Acropolis of Zarakas is situated above the village, at the northeastern end of the bay. Note that at the end of the bay, there is also an important wetland. Enjoy fresh seafood throughout the year, since the owners of the local businesses are fishermen in profession.
Domed church built during the first Turkish occupation after a miracle-working icon from the Panagia church in Chrysafa, Lacedaemonia (Mystras) was found in a well on the south side of the church, where a chapel was built. To the north stands a building called Kellia, originally a monastery. During the second Venetian occupation, the Panagia Chrysafitissa was a parish church. Celebrations are held at the church on its feast day, the day after St. Thomas’ Day (the Sunday after Easter).
Panagia Chrysafitissa Church
Ethniki Odos Monemvasias Krokeon
Domed church built during the first Turkish occupation after a miracle-working icon from the Panagia church in Chrysafa, Lacedaemonia (Mystras) was found in a well on the south side of the church, where a chapel was built. To the north stands a building called Kellia, originally a monastery. During the second Venetian occupation, the Panagia Chrysafitissa was a parish church. Celebrations are held at the church on its feast day, the day after St. Thomas’ Day (the Sunday after Easter).
The submerged town of Pavlopetri is situated in shallow water between the beach of Pouda at Viglafia (near Neapoli) and the islet of Pavlopetri, opposite the island of Elafonisos. The architectural remains of this prehistoric town, visible at a depth of about three meters, were discovered in 1904 by Fokionos Negris. In 1967 the famous oceanographer Dr. Nicholas Flemming of Southampton University visited the site and subsequently published the first survey of the submerged settlement.
15 yerel halk öneriyor
Pavlopetri
15 yerel halk öneriyor
The submerged town of Pavlopetri is situated in shallow water between the beach of Pouda at Viglafia (near Neapoli) and the islet of Pavlopetri, opposite the island of Elafonisos. The architectural remains of this prehistoric town, visible at a depth of about three meters, were discovered in 1904 by Fokionos Negris. In 1967 the famous oceanographer Dr. Nicholas Flemming of Southampton University visited the site and subsequently published the first survey of the submerged settlement.

Arts & Culture

The archaeological collection of the fortress of Monemvasia is housed in an old mosque in the main square in the lower town, opposite the town cathedral of Elkomenos Christos. This small museum contains artefacts chiefly found during work to repair the monuments and surface exploration carried out over the past decades. The collection consists mainly of architectural sculptures and ceramic objects used in daily life. The sculptures are from the church of Aghia Sofia and the ruined mid-Byzantine church excavated at the Georgoulas residence, and date from the end of the 12th century. The latter is one of the earliest monuments in the fortress with a marble altar screen.
Archaeological Collection of Monemvasia
2-31 EO Monemvasias Krokeon
The archaeological collection of the fortress of Monemvasia is housed in an old mosque in the main square in the lower town, opposite the town cathedral of Elkomenos Christos. This small museum contains artefacts chiefly found during work to repair the monuments and surface exploration carried out over the past decades. The collection consists mainly of architectural sculptures and ceramic objects used in daily life. The sculptures are from the church of Aghia Sofia and the ruined mid-Byzantine church excavated at the Georgoulas residence, and date from the end of the 12th century. The latter is one of the earliest monuments in the fortress with a marble altar screen.

Parks & Nature

One of the most impressive caves of Greece can be found near the village of Kastania on the southern tip of the Peloponnese, just minutes away from Neapoli. The route follows the winding mountain road leading to the forest-covered eastern slopes of Mt. Parnon. Rich in density and variety of shapes, colors and figures, Kastania Cave is classified as second of its kind in Europe. Nature needed three million years to create this fantasyscape with its unparalleled décor and numerous impressive formations. The cave’s surface covers 1,500 square meters and the visitor is guided along a 500-meter route. The cave was formed from limestones of Jurassic age (195-145 million years old.
34 yerel halk öneriyor
Kastania Mağarası
Emporikis Naftilias
34 yerel halk öneriyor
One of the most impressive caves of Greece can be found near the village of Kastania on the southern tip of the Peloponnese, just minutes away from Neapoli. The route follows the winding mountain road leading to the forest-covered eastern slopes of Mt. Parnon. Rich in density and variety of shapes, colors and figures, Kastania Cave is classified as second of its kind in Europe. Nature needed three million years to create this fantasyscape with its unparalleled décor and numerous impressive formations. The cave’s surface covers 1,500 square meters and the visitor is guided along a 500-meter route. The cave was formed from limestones of Jurassic age (195-145 million years old.
The Diros Caves are perhaps the most important natural site in Greece and in their own way as spectacular as the caldera of Santorini. The Paleolithic and Neolithic artifacts found here, many of which are in display in the museum, mean that the caves were one of the earliest inhabited places in Greece. The known part of the caves cover an area of around 33000 square meters of which only 5000 square meters have been explored. Some say that the caves go even further, maybe as far as Mount Taygetos and Sparta.
126 yerel halk öneriyor
Diros Mağaraları
126 yerel halk öneriyor
The Diros Caves are perhaps the most important natural site in Greece and in their own way as spectacular as the caldera of Santorini. The Paleolithic and Neolithic artifacts found here, many of which are in display in the museum, mean that the caves were one of the earliest inhabited places in Greece. The known part of the caves cover an area of around 33000 square meters of which only 5000 square meters have been explored. Some say that the caves go even further, maybe as far as Mount Taygetos and Sparta.
The tiny beach of Lefki lies in the south part of Elafonisos, next to Simos beach. Tourists usually neglect it on their way to Simos because it is too small and there are also some rocks in the sand but the sea has the same amazing blue color. Just before you reach the crossroad that leads to the two opposite ends of Simos, you will find Lefki on your left.
Lefki
The tiny beach of Lefki lies in the south part of Elafonisos, next to Simos beach. Tourists usually neglect it on their way to Simos because it is too small and there are also some rocks in the sand but the sea has the same amazing blue color. Just before you reach the crossroad that leads to the two opposite ends of Simos, you will find Lefki on your left.
Simos is the most famous beach of Elafonisos, and the largest, too. Its peculiar shape has turned out to be the symbol of the island and people come on Elafonisos mostly because they have seen photos of Simos. Simos actually consists of two beaches, Frango and Sarakiniko which merge together and form a small sandspit. The white sand looks endless. In the summer there are cantinas offering drinks, sunbeds and parasols, but in the rest of the year there are no working facilities. On this beach there are almost no buildings but there is a camping site in the west end.
15 yerel halk öneriyor
Simos Plajı
15 yerel halk öneriyor
Simos is the most famous beach of Elafonisos, and the largest, too. Its peculiar shape has turned out to be the symbol of the island and people come on Elafonisos mostly because they have seen photos of Simos. Simos actually consists of two beaches, Frango and Sarakiniko which merge together and form a small sandspit. The white sand looks endless. In the summer there are cantinas offering drinks, sunbeds and parasols, but in the rest of the year there are no working facilities. On this beach there are almost no buildings but there is a camping site in the west end.

Getting Around

You can rent a moto in Monemvasia in order to move around economically with comfort and ease, solving the parking problem of the Castle.With a moto or scooter or even with a bicycle, you can visit the nearby beaches, and all the other sightseeing spots, and on your way back, park comfortably just outside the gate of the Castle. You can virtually forget your car while being in Monemvasia! The store is located on the main road of the new town of Monemvasia and they can bring you the moto at the gate if you are staying inside the castle or at your hotel if you are staying in the new town. They also have two other stores, in Elafonisos island and Neapolis.
Tsegas Rent a Moto
You can rent a moto in Monemvasia in order to move around economically with comfort and ease, solving the parking problem of the Castle.With a moto or scooter or even with a bicycle, you can visit the nearby beaches, and all the other sightseeing spots, and on your way back, park comfortably just outside the gate of the Castle. You can virtually forget your car while being in Monemvasia! The store is located on the main road of the new town of Monemvasia and they can bring you the moto at the gate if you are staying inside the castle or at your hotel if you are staying in the new town. They also have two other stores, in Elafonisos island and Neapolis.