Monemvasia
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| Monemvasia
| |
 Chart of Monemvasia area |
Monemvasía (Μονεμβασία) or Monemvasiá (Μονεμβασιά) is a Byzantine town built on a small peninsula separated from the mainland of the Peloponnesos by a narrow neck. The town is enclosed by strong fortifications and protected by a large castle on the steep summit of the peninsula. The Castle of Monemvasia was famous in the middle ages because it was never sacked. The town's other claim to fame is associated with the celebrated Malvasia grape variety, which is used to make sweet - frequently fortified - wines in many parts of the Mediterranean. The variety is often known (especially in Madeira, where it is used to make the renowned Madeira wine) as Malmsey, thought to be a corruption of the name Monemvasia. Today, there are many people from Athens who have bought and restored old houses. Tavernas and boutiques have followed and Monemvasia these days is a fairly fashionable place.
Local Weather
See Aegean Sea.
Charts
- BA
- 1030 Southern entrance channels to the Aegean Sea
- Imray-Tetra
- G15 Southern Peloponnisos
- NIMA
- 54303 Lakonikos Kolpos S Greece
- Greek
- 414 Poros mechri Monemvasia
Radio Nets
- Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
- Olympia Radio - VHF channels 85 & 86
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
All the approaches to are straightforward, but Danger: with a strong meltemi there are fierce gusts in the bay.
Berthing Options
There are several anchoring possibilities: moor to the small harbor N of the road, moor in the new "marina", or anchor off N of Monemvasia.
Monemvasia Harbor
| Monemvasia Harbor
| |
 Chart of Monemvasia Harbor |
The harbor of Monemvasia is a secure harbor but it is usually crowded with commercial vessels and when the meltemi blows it develops an uncomfortable swell. In calm days, without meltemi there is liable to be a rather brisk SW breeze during the night. This can sometimes be accelerated by katabatic winds and gusts of 30 - 40 knots are not uncommon.
Anchor in 5 m well inside the mole, away from the end of the jetty used by ferries and hydrofoils. The bottom is soft sand with rocks and weed and at spots provides bad holding, so make sure you test your anchor. Also stay clear from the shallow areas near the road and SW. Use plenty of fenders.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Anchorages
S of Monemvasia Harbor
S of Monemvasia Harbor [[Monemvasia#S of Monemvasia Harbor|S of Monemvasia Harbor]] 36°41.05′N, 23°02.48′E Ormos Paleó
Ormos Kremídhi
Offshore Islands and Groups
None.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
None.
Repairs/Yards
None.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel
- In the marina or harbor you can get a mini-tank to deliver fuel by calling +30 2732 61 956
- In the harbor, a fuel station is on the road to the Castle
- Water
- In the marina, there are water outlets but you have to call +30 2732 61 005 for the attendant to come and open them for you
- No water is available in the harbor
- Electricity
- Electricity is not available in either the marina nor the harbor
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The Castle & Citadel
Of course one here must visit the Castle of Monemvasia, both the upscale lower and the deserted upper. While wandering in the lovely alleys of the lower castle do visit the Archaeological Collection which is housed in the Moslem Mosque and do stop for a cup of coffee at one of the cafés on the main narrow street.
On the upper castle do not miss the Church of Ayia Sophia (Holy Wisdom). Also, gaze at the sea and try to imagine what life must have been here during the days of the Byzantium.
Sparta & Mystras
From Monemvasía you can either take a taxi or rent a car and visit Sparta and the Byzantine ghost town of Mystras. They are about 1 hr drive.
Grocery & Supply Stores
There are several supermarkets in the the town as well as specialty stores.
Eateries
- There is excellent food in the lower Castle
- Good food at the Kanoni restaurantin the lower Castle
Internet/WiFi
In Internet cafés.Also the free Monemvasia wifi city councel net.
Laundry
In the new town, delivery will be made.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
In the town.
Garbage Disposal
There are bins around the harbor & matina.
Transportation
There are daily buses to Athens. For taxi call Mr. Yiorgos +30 6973 531 071 or Mr. Stathis +30 6944 978 675.
Routes/Passages To/From
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
- Monemvasía (Wikipedia)
- Castle of Monemvasia
References & Publications
See Greece.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
- The water in the "Marina" is freely available and the ferry and hydrofoil services are ended. --OldBawley
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- September 2007 --Istioploos
Travels with S/Y Thetis
- July 2014 --OldBawley
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Names: Istioploos, Athene of Lymington |
