As we continued towards Monemvasia, the winds had really picked up and had made navigating the narrow, winding roads even more of a challenge. Twenty minutes from our destination, the large rock formation of Monemvasia loomed before us. As impressive as it was from this distance, we were yet to discover its full splendour. Originally the only way to reach Monemvasia was by boat, while later on the causeway was constructed to connect the castle entrance to the mainland. We battled the elements as we strode up the road to the entrance and despite feeling tired from the climb and the wind, neither of us were expecting the sight before us. In Medieval times, Monemvasia was entirely carved on the back side of a rock in the sea and is not visible from the mainland, this was so that the locals could avoid enemy attacks.
So here we were with the surreal sight of narrow streets bustling with tourists and lined with shops, tavernas and guest houses, where only a few moments ago we were looking at a rather large but insignificant rock out in the sea. A walk around Monemvasia is like travelling back to the past, while the sea view from the castle top is truly breath-taking. The climb up the cobbled streets and the pounding wind was taking its toll, so after refuelling at a small taverna we headed back across the causeway. The light was fading as were our energy levels, so we were excited at the thought of reaching our next hotel, just twenty minutes along the coast road.