Getting from Crete to Monemvasia

If you are heading to Monemvasia from Crete you are going to one of the most extraordinary places in Greece, a medieval fortress town built entirely on a massive rock connected to the Laconian coast by a single causeway, with Byzantine churches, stone mansions and narrow lanes that have changed little in centuries.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Crete to Monemvasia. It sits on the southeastern coast of the Peloponnese and is accessible only by road. Getting there by sea means taking the overnight ferry from Crete to Piraeus and then driving south through the Peloponnese, which takes around 4 hours from Athens.

Getting there by air

Monemvasia has no airport. The nearest airport is Athens. Flying from Crete to Athens takes around 50 minutes and then the drive to Monemvasia takes around 4 hours. Total travel time is around 5 to 6 hours.

Your best option

Fly to Athens and drive to Monemvasia. It is the most practical 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.