Mystras climb to Monemvasia swim

Mystras Palace is the site of a Byzantine town of 3 levels with the Palace at the top. A former Monastery is in the middle and it is now a working convent! A number of other churches on the way up too. The path up was rocky, with some stone stairs, and was quite busy with tours-students and seniors. The view from the top was spectacular as the Sirocco winds had abated and the sky was mostly clear. Kids were clambering on the ledges 😬 and when Bob was taking off the backpack, I had visions of our passports falling into the gorge below! The whole walk was over 4 kms. with the trip down being a bit more challenging on the well worn, somewhat slippery rocks. We made a pit stop in Sparta to see the statue of Leonides, King of Sparta and to pick up some food and drinks. The drive SE to the coastal town of Monemvasia was on a good road between hills and mountains and we made it there in good time to have some beach time and a refreshing swim for me! The water was definitely colder than on the other coast but lovely. The view from our room was of the island mountain fortress and the sea. Beautiful. We walked along the shore and had dinner where a lovely cat became my dinner companion. The server said it's because I have a good aura... Cats are everywhere in Greece, mostly strays but some are friendly, some are skittish, they are clean and appear to be cared for.
Lulled to sleep with bells and waves lapping.Read more