
Amongst the most popular destinations of Laconia is the medieval town of
Monemvasia situated on a sole rock at the south east part of Peloponnese, the best maintained castle city in Greece, still inhabited. While the only entrance to the rock place is though a bridge with twelve arches, visitors can initially admire the city walls’ reaching down the sea, until realizing after entering that time has actually stopped in this magical almost unreal town. The architecture has remained untouched as no single modern building can be found within Monemvasia, which is full of narrow stone-paved streets, castles, old mansions, old low arches, coats of arms, byzantine icons and several old churches is where the middle age meets Byzantium. Heading uphill to the top of the rock, one can find the castle to offer fascinating view of the Aegean Sea, while several beaches across the area are just perfect for a refreshing swim.
The western coast of Laconia hosts the town of
Mani, with a distinctive identity to separate the locals with the rest of the Greeks, having a harsh yet beautiful land, dotted with fascinating stone towers and architecture. A visit to
Areopolis with stone-paved narrow streets and all the way down to the deserted settlement of
Vathia characterized by medieval skyscrapers, fortified towers and over a thousand year old churches built against the bluest of seas must be part of your itinerary. Right cross the port of Neapolis is the small in size island yet with one of the largest sandy beaches in Greece,
Elafonissos, ideal for relaxing holidays.