10 best things to do in Monemvasia

Crossing a narrow causeway into the peninsula and stepping through Monemvasia’s main gate, you’re ready to explore. The Kato Poli (Lower Town) requires neither a map nor a fixed destination. You can simply stroll through the maze of alleys and archways, feeling as if you're losing yourself among the earth-and rust-coloured buildings with red-tiled roofs. You’ll instantly recognise the main street, lined with elegant restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops, and bustling with life as would have during Byzantine, Ottoman and Venetian times.

More than 20 of Monemvasia's original 40 churches survive, notably the Church of Panagia Myrtidiotissa, built in the 17^th century with a domed basilica. Other highlights include a mosque, the Archaeological Collection of Monemvasia (housed in a 16^th-century building), and the former home of the poet Yiannis Ritsos, which is being converted into a museum dedicated to his work and life. Continue your stroll beyond the East Gate, reaching the Lighthouse of Monemvasia, where the sea views are epic.

Monemvasia lives up to its name for romance, with elegant restaurants and chic wine bars, many with terraces overlooking the sea. There’s no better setting to enjoy a glass of Malvasia wine, synonymous with Monemvasia since Venetian times, when it was traded throughout Europe and was prized in the noble houses and courts of Genoa and Venice. A sweet wine with aromatic flavours, it is a blend of Monemvassia (at least 51%), Assyrtiko, Asproudes and Kydonitsa grapes and has PDO status (Monemvasia-Malvasia).

Don’t leave without trying Monemvasia’s famous amygdalota, almond biscuits dusted with icing sugar, and delicious are samousades, swirls of thinly rolled dough that are sweetened with a mixture of ground nuts, cinnamon and cloves. Fried until crisp, they are served drizzled with honey. Local products include olive oil and citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines and grapefruit. And local dishes include loupina (round yellow pulses similar to fava, often used in salads) and various pies, such as tsaitia (fried, with herbs and cheese) and traviktes (which translates as ‘pulled’). Synglino (cured pork) is cooked with gigantes (giant beans) in a rich tomato sauce. And keep an eye out for sausages scented with orange. Finally, goges are 2-3 cm twisted pieces of pasta, served with just butter and grated mizithra cheese.

If you’re in Monemvasia during the summer, you’ll definitely want to add more beach time to your visit. You can swim from the rocks at Portello beach in the heart of Monemvasia or from Monemvasia beach (just before the peninsula bridge), but there are plenty of other swimming spots within an hour’s drive. Long and sandy Kastraki and neighbouring Pori beach are just 15 minutes away, and a little further north is pebbly Vlychada beach, set in a beautiful little bay. To the south of Monemvasia are sandy Ampelakia and Panagia beach and, to the west, Tigania and Kokkinias are organised with sunbeds and facilities. A little further around the Laconian Gulf is Asteriou beach and close to Elafonisos are Neratziona and Pounta beach – all great places to swim.

Local tip: On the road to Panagia beach, Kastania Cave has some of the most impressive stalagmites and stalactites in Greece. Definitely worth a visit.

Sparti (or Sparta) is just 7km from Mystras. It is the site of the ancient city of Sparta, which contributed the 300 warriors who gained legendary status for their stand against the invading Persians in 480 BC. The archaeological site (including the Ancient Agora, the Ancient Theatre and the Acropolis) is found just north of the settlement, after which you can head into town and admire the statue of a battle-ready Leonidas, who led the Spartans alongside several thousand allied Greek soldiers, against the forces of King Xerxes. Despite being vastly outnumbered, they held out for three days, inflicting heavy losses on the Persians and becoming a symbol of courage, sacrifice and resistance in the face of overwhelming odds. Nearby is the Cenotaph (or symbolic tomb) of Leonidas, the only surviving monument of the Ancient Agora. According to the historian Pausanias, the remains of Leonidas’ body were brought to Sparta 40 years after his death and buried here, leading to some locals speculating that this was his final resting place. Researchers believe that it was part of the temple of Karneio Apollo.

 You can also visit the Archaeological Museum of Sparta, the House of Mosaics, built to protect two remarkable 4th-century floor mosaics depicting the abduction of Europa and Orpheus playing his lyre, originally decorating luxurious Roman villas, and the Museum of Olive and Greek Olive Oil, with historic presses and fossilised olive leaves. End your visit in the main square, a nice spot for coffee or a meal.

Local tip: The Camera Museum (Takis Aivalis) in Sparti has a collection of some 1,000 cameras, which in 2001 earned the museum a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

Hiking is a magical way to enjoy the Greek countryside but make sure to be prepared and protect yourself, especially on very hot days.

• Stay hydrated: Always wear a hat and carry plenty of water with you
• Be weather-wise: Check the weather forecast before setting out. Avoid hiking during the midday heat and extremely hot periods. The best periods for hiking in Greece are during the spring and autumn month
• Plan your walk: Whenever possible, follow marked trails and plan your walk. Ideally, use a guide and never hike alone. Ask for directions if you’re unsure. This helps protect both you and the natural environment
• Stay connected: Have the phone numbers of your hotel and local authorities handy. And make sure your mobile phone is fully charged. The European emergency number 112 is available 24/7, connecting you to local police, fire and ambulance services