Page 70 - SEA ALLIANCE

YACHTING ESCAPES

day 5 NICE TO KNOW: Monemvasia means ‘single entrance,’ highlighting the town's isolation on a small island

just 200 meters from the mainland. The island’s separation occurred due to an earthquake in 375 AD.

day 6

MONEMVASIA >
KYPARISSI (~ 20 NM)

Kyparissi is small village along the north east
coast of Laconia and a secluded corner of the
Peloponnese's east coast.
Positioned seemingly at the edge of the world,
Kyparissi is only a two-hour drive from Sparta,
but yet remains largely undiscovered, due to
the road featuring challenging bends and nar-
row stretches on the slopes of the Parnonas
mountain range. Despite the difficult drive, the
reward is instant once your reach the view of
ELAFONISOS > MONEMVASIA (~ 31 NM) Kyparissi's whitewashed two- story houses and
the Myrtoan Sea's shoreline.
Surrounded by the teal waters of the Aegean Sea, Monemvasia is an imposing iceberg-like slab of rock, characterized by sheer cliffs During the summer, Kyparissi turns into a tour-
NICE TO KNOW: Until 1970, Kyparissi
rising hundreds of meters from the sea. This unique location is connected to the mainland by a single, highly defensible causeway, was isolated from the rest of Greece ist hub, offering accommodations, taverns, and
and among the most impressive places in Greece due to the lack of a road network. The cafes. The settlement of Paralia boasts stunning
Monemvasia's fortified medieval village, is a world-renowned castle town, carved on the backside of a sea rock. The village is divid- settlement was strategically designed traditional houses right by the sea. Megali Am-
ed into the lower town and the upper town. The lower town is bisected by a main cobbled street lined with souvenir shops, hotels, for protection against pirates who used mos beach, just 50 meters from the port, is a
to loot the coasts of the Peloponnese.
and tavernas leading to the main square, while the upper town features ruins and a fortress. The true delight of visiting the site lies great option for a refreshing swim. 2 kilometers
Later, when there was no longer any
in wandering through labyrinthine alleys and winding stairways that intricately weave between stone houses and walled gardens. danger, Paralia and Metropolis's seaside north from Kyparissi, lies the secluded pebbly
Exploring these narrow paths allows visitors to discover atmospheric nooks and crannies, adding to the charm of this historical loca- settlements were created. beach of Agia Kyriaki.
tion, including stone-made mansions and churches like the Church of Agia Sophia and Christ Elkomenos.

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