A long old drive through the mountains this morning with a few hairpins and tiny villages thrown in. It’s the only reasonable way to get further south on this bit of land and the campsite man confirmed it.
Reached Monemvasiá by lunchtime and managed to park on the causeway to the old town again, like last year.
It’s a kilometre long walk around the base of the rock until you reach the fortified entrance gate to the medieval lower town. It’s a lovely, touristy place full of confusing alleyways, little shops, restaurants plus churches and mosques. As we’d seen most of this bit last year, I stupidly suggested we walk up to the upper town, which consists of a vast amount of ruins on top of the rock. The climb up is fine but coming down is absolutely treacherous in my wobbly legged opinion. The cobbles are extremely steep and all worn so smooth they shine. I wasn’t going to be caught out this time so I was fully prepared with boots and stick. A zimmer frame might have been more use!
Having said all that, the views from the top are amazing and I think we covered most of it this year. Some weird and not so wonderful wildlife to keep me on my toes, including, but not limited to, the ladybird spider and some enormous crickets .
There was a much deserved Aperol Spritz on offer once we got back to the lower town – it’s a bit like the carrot and the donkey! 🤣
Back to the van, not much food left again. I’m not sure if someone has broken in and stolen the fridge contents. It’s looking like some kind of pork stir fry melange. 😬
