Getting from Astakos to Monemvasia

If you are heading to Monemvasia from Astakos you are making your way from a port town on the western coast of central Greece to a medieval fortress town on the southeastern Peloponnese coast, on the opposite side of the country. 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 Astakos to Monemvasia. Astakos ferry connections are limited to Kefalonia and Ithaca. Monemvasia is accessible only by road. Getting there means driving from Astakos south through the Peloponnese to Monemvasia, which takes around 5 to 6 hours via Patras, Corinth, Tripoli and Sparta. It is a long but straightforward road journey that avoids Athens entirely.

Getting there by air

Monemvasia has no airport. The nearest airport is Athens. Astakos has no airport either. Driving from Astakos to Athens and then driving or taking the KTEL bus south to Monemvasia gives a total journey time of around 7 to 8 hours. The direct drive from Astakos via Patras and the Peloponnese is more practical and avoids Athens entirely. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Drive from Astakos south through the Peloponnese to Monemvasia via Patras, Corinth, Tripoli and Sparta. It avoids Athens entirely and is the most direct road approach. 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.