Monemvasia is a uniquely preserved medieval town that is carved into the majestic grey rock like a sculpture. By land, there is only one way in, via a causeway, as the origin of its name (one entrance) implies. The “Gibraltar of the East” or a “stone ship” about to set sail, as the famous Greek poet Yannis Ritsos described his birthplace, beckons you for a journey through time, wandering through vaulted alleyways and past churches and aristocratic mansions.

Take a swim in its crystal-clear waters and sample its delicious cuisine and legendary wine. Following in the footsteps of knights, pirates, crusaders and emperors, who all fell under the spell of this mythical place in the Peloponnese, time will stand still and you become one with history.

There is no airport in Monemvasia. The most convenient airport is the International Airport of Athens that receives flights from all Greek islands and from abroad.

The driving from Athens International Airport to Monemvasia lasts approximately 3,5 hours, while the additions of new roadways ensure a comfortable and safer journey.

Follow the ‘Attiki Odos’ (Αττική Οδός) highway from the Airport towards ‘Elefsina’ (Ελευσίνα).

Once you exit ‘Attiki Odos’ you follow the road towards ‘Korinthos’ (Κόρινθος), ‘Tripoli’ (Τρίπολη) and ‘Kalamata’ (Καλαµάτα). Continue straight at the National Road of ‘Tripoli’, following the direction to ‘Kalamata’ and do not turn right to the exit of ‘Tripoli’.

Continue straight and after the town of ‘Megalopolis’ (Μεγαλόπολη), turn right at the exit towards ‘Sparta’ (Σπάρτη) to enter the new road ‘Lefktro – Sparta’, 46 km length. At the end of the new road, you will see the sign ‘Geraki straight-Sparta right’ and continue straight towards ‘Geraki’.

Shortly before entering the new regional road of Sparta, you meet a roundabout and follow the direction to ‘Geraki’ (Γεράκι) and ‘Geraki - Gytheio’ (Γεράκι-Γύθειο). Continue straight, following the sign ‘Neapoli – Monemvasia – Molaoi - Skala’ (Νεάπολη – Μονεµβασιά – Μολάοι - Σκάλα). The end of the new road has been interlinked with the national road ‘Sparta - Gytheio’, shortly after the military camp KEEM where you take left towards ‘Monemvasia’.

When you arrive at the city of Monemvasia, you should turn right at the sign towards ‘Neapoli – Koulentia – Lira - Nomia’. Following the coastal road for a distance of almost 6km.

You keep driving along the coastline and take a left when you come to the fork in the road following the sign ‘Agios Stefanos – Xifias - Agios Fokas’ and do not turn right towards ‘Neapoli – Koulentia – Lira - Nomia’.

Continue on the coastal road and pass the sign ‘Ampelakia Beach’. Shortly after Ampelakia beach (about 500m) you reach a small bridge. Right after, there is a road that turns right, following the sign of the hotel and the municipal sign towards ‘Agios Stefanos’. Turn right and now follow the hotel signs for approximately one kilometer yet. The discreet grey signs with the hotel name feature directional arrows and distances.

Avis

https://www.avis.gr/en/car-hir...

Hertz

https://www.hertz.gr/en/

Avance

https://www.avance.gr/

If you are planning to rent a car during your stay, please note that travelers with a driver’s license issued outside the EU may be required to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their regular driver’s license.

You can easily obtain one before your trip through American Automobile Association (AAA):

https://www.ace.aaa.com/travel/information/international-driving-permit.html