Monemvasia - Restrictions

Where is Monemvasia?

Monemvasia is located on a small island off the east coast of the Peloponnese. The town's name derives from two Greek words, mone and emvasia, meaning "single entrance".

Often referred to as the Greek "Gibraltar", the island of Monemvasia is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway 200 meters in length. It's village - Yefira - is located on the mainland.

Cruiser Highlights

The old fortified village is Byzantine in origin, but was rebuilt by the Venetians. Many of the old Medieval buildings have been restored and overall it is a charming place, as is the church of Ayis Sofia at the very top of the hill. You will be rewarded with incredible views.

The Monemvasia Residents and Owners Association are more than happy to assist visiting yachts with local information - contact them at info@monemvasia.co. See recommendations for when visiting Monemvasia by yacht.

Entrance Notes and Cautions

• Safety near the Old Town Wall: Boaters approaching the old city should exercise extreme caution. Swimming and free-diving are very popular near the city walls, and swimmers often venture well beyond the safe zone. Unfortunately, there are fatal accidents nearly every year involving boats and swimmers. All boaters are urged to navigate well outside any buoys (typically removed by the end of September) and maintain a safe distance from the shoreline.
• Anchoring in the Front of the Old City: It is not encouraged to anchor outside the old city - see docking for more details.
• Water Quality: For tank re-filling, water quality is low in this port.
• Low Season: From October to the first half of December, many businesses are closed.
• There is an unfinished marina here with on-going works at the entrance, so access is not always possible.

Position:

36° 41.11'N, 23° 02.36'E (harbour outer breakwater)