Getting from Andros to Monemvasia

If you are heading to Monemvasia from Andros you are making your way from the northernmost island in the Cyclades to a medieval fortress town on the southeastern Peloponnese coast. It is built entirely on a massive rock connected to the mainland by a single causeway with Byzantine churches and narrow lanes that have changed little in centuries.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Andros to Monemvasia. Monemvasia is accessible only by road. Getting there means taking the ferry from Andros to Rafina, which runs up to 11 times daily and takes around 1 to 2 hours, and then driving or taking the KTEL bus south through the Peloponnese to Monemvasia, which takes around 4 to 4.5 hours from Athens via Corinth, Tripoli and Sparta.

Getting there by air

Monemvasia has no airport. The nearest airport is Athens. Andros has no airport either. Taking the ferry from Andros to Rafina, flying to Athens and then driving or taking the KTEL bus to Monemvasia gives a total journey time of around 7 to 8 hours. The KTEL bus from Athens Kifissos terminal runs to Monemvasia via Sparta and takes around 4.5 to 5 hours.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Andros to Rafina and drive or take the KTEL bus south to Monemvasia. If you are traveling with a car, the ferry from Andros already puts you at Rafina with your vehicle, then drive south through the Peloponnese to Monemvasia. Monemvasia rewards at least two nights. The town reveals itself slowly once the day visitors leave in the evening and the streets inside the walls become entirely your own.