Molai and Asopos route

Setting out from Molai, the route takes you through one of the most ideal regions for a family holiday. All along the Laconian Gulf coastline are beaches that have been awarded Blue Flags, and are safe for small children. There is a wide choice of accommodation – hotels, rooms and apartments to rent at attractive prices.

Begin in the centre of Molai, the region’s administrative and business centre, for an easy walk through the Larnaka Gorge leading off from the main square.

Heading south, the road takes you to the Gulf of Laconia at Elia, the closest seaside settlement and a favourite holiday destination.

Recommended beach: Tigania

Continue south through the little town of Papadianika to the seaside resort of Plytra and its neighbouring settlement, Karavostasi. On the coast at Plytra, the ruins of an ancient submerged town are visible just below the surface.

Recommended beach: Pahia Ammos – Plytra

Near the turnoff from Plytra to Neapoli is Palaiokastro, a hill that stands above the surrounding area, with a superb view right across to the island of Kythera.  A marked path leads from the road to the top of the hill and the remains of an old fort.

This route ends at the pretty seaside village of Archangelos, with its Blue Flag beach, fish tavernas and family accommodation.

Recommended beach: Archangelos or Harahia

route molai and asopos

This route makes stops at :

  • Molai
  • Elia
  • Plytra
  • Palaiokastro
  • Archangelos

Total distance from first to last stop:  33 km

Distance from Monemvasia to first stop:  25 km

Distance from Neapoli to first stop:  51 km

Distance from Plytra to first stop:  15 km

Distance from Kyparissi to first stop:  44 km

 

This route can also be taken in the opposite direction.

The Central Driving Route

This circular route begins and ends in Monemvasia, exploring the back country with its pretty villages in the hills on the peninsula standing between the Myrtoon Sea and the Gulf of Laconia.  A beach is never more than a few minutes away, so there are plenty of opportunities to cool off in the sea.

The first stop is in the village of Velies, where there is a folklore museum, followed by a stop in Talanta to visit the restored historic watermill hidden in a thickly wooded gorge.

The road after Daimonia leads to the Laconian Gulf, with a number of options for swimming.

Recommended beach: Archangelos or Marathias

On the road south to Neapoli is the village of Pantanassa and its Byzantine church of Aghios Athanasios.  The route continues over the mountain via the villages of Koulentia and Lira to Teria, which has two of the oldest Byzantine churches in the region – the Dormition of the Virgin and Aghia Anna.

The road takes you back to Monemvasia via the beaches south of the town.

Recommended beach: Xifias

Central Driving Route

This route makes stops at:

  • Velies
  • Talanta
  • Pantanassa
  • Teria

Total distance from start to finish:  42 χλμ

Distance from Monemvasia to first stop:  15 χλμ

Distance from Neapoli to first stop:  39 χλμ

Distance from Plytra to first stop:  16 χλμ

Distance from Kyparissi to first stop:  χλμ