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Day 7: Gefyra
Day 7: Gefyra
Γέφυρα
Γέφυρα
After a full day of travel and sightseeing, we arrived in Gefyra, the small mainland town just across the causeway from Monemvasia (literally named "single entry"). Once we settled into our rooms, Angelos led us on a quick orientation walk so we’d know how to get down to the main town for dinner and, of course, how to make the inevitable climb back up the hill afterward (a recurring theme on this trip!). I crossed the causeway to the old town with a few others, happily exploring yet another charming corner of Greece.
While some tour members took advantage of the laundry stop, I went with the classic sink-wash method, hanging my clothes on the line outside my room. With chores done, we gathered for a cooking class and demonstration. We made several classic Greek dishes, and in a fun twist, our tour guide cooked for the first time ever. Loving to cook for others, I volunteered to make moussaka. Enjoying the fruits of our labor for dinner, we ate on the hotel terrace with the illuminated bulk of Monemvasia rising in the distance.
demostrated recipes for rick steves.docx
That night, the harvest supermoon blessed us with its glow. I headed down to the waterfront pier to photograph it, eventually joined by another tour member who had the same idea. When I returned to my room, a sudden evening rainstorm had begun, prompting a quick dash outside to rescue my laundry and transfer everything to the indoor drying rack—a small victory at the end of a memorable day!
Pro Tip: Check apps like PhotoPills to determine the best location based upon the moon or sun position and search the internet for any special events like a supermoon or meteor shower. Make sure to straighten those horizons as well when taking your picture!
Day 8: Medieval Monemvasia
Day 8: Medieval Monemvasia
Μονεμβασιά
Μονεμβασιά
I started the day early, knowing the forecast called for partly cloudy skies; perfect conditions for a colorful sunrise. Using a handy app to track where the sun would rise behind Monemvasia, I set my alarm for an early morning. Quickly lacing up my shoes, I jogged down the hill the next day for a sunrise photoshoot. It was well worth the effort! The air was still, the sea calm, and I had the pier entirely to myself—a rare moment of quiet mindfulness as the first light spread across the sky. This is one of my favorite times of day when the world seems to be still and vibrantly alive at the same time.
After hiking back up the hill (a theme of this tour!) for a quick shower and breakfast, I joined the group as we took the bus across the causeway for a walking tour with Angelos. We explored the old fortress, learned to read the city’s layers of history in its stone walls, wandered through the lower and upper town, and followed the path to the lighthouse. A visit to the archaeological museum provided the perfect shelter when a heavy rainstorm rolled in.
Awaiting for the worst of the rain to pass, many of us ducked into local coffee shops, warming up with cappuccinos and good conversation—one of those spontaneous travel moments where strangers become friends. When the rain returned, we caught the bus back to Gefyra for some rest before dinner. Later that evening, I ventured out again for a flavorful gyro and joined a few familiar faces from the tour on the waterfront covered patio. After another uphill climb (and a few laughs about it), it was time to pack up for tomorrow’s journey to Mystras.
Above: Old Town Monemvasia
Right: A stone-framed portal to the sea, where history and horizon meet.
The Myrtoan Sea stretched as far as we could see
The group enjoying the view before continuing our Monemvasia tour with Angelos
These two college friends, who have kept up their tradition of traveling together, were a joy to have along — the kind of companions who make every day on the road a little brighter.
Even under the darkest skies, there’s always a bit of light to guide you forward — the same way travel reveals small, unexpected moments of joy.
Lower Town, Monemvasia — a maze of medieval lanes tucked beneath the cliffside fortress, still humming with island life.
These alleys were a joy to wander — lush, fragrant, and the kind of places that make a gardener’s heart skip a beat.
Monemvasia’s lighthouse, standing steady as a rainstorm swept across the sea.
Above: It is amazing to think that this hollowed-out old tree not only survives, but absolutely thrives here in Monemvasia’s town square — a living reminder of the resilience woven into this place.
Left: As I wandered along the path, a curious little plant caught my eye. Only later did I learn it was squirting cucumber — one of those quirky Mediterranean surprises that reminds you the landscape has as many stories as the ruins.
Day 8: Gefyra Gathering Place
Day 8: Gefyra Gathering Place
Χώρος Συγκέντρωσης Γέφυρας
Χώρος Συγκέντρωσης Γέφυρας
A group of us returned to a seaside spot for souvlaki and gyros. The prices were unbeatable, the food both hearty and delicious, and best of all, there were plenty of tables with no rush to move along. We lingered over our meal, sharing stories from the day, comparing highlights, and simply enjoying the unhurried rhythm of Grecian life.
Right: Best view in the house! Breakfast the morning we left Monemvasia from the hotel's patio.
Bottom Left: This snoozing kitten charmed our whole group, curled up on the covered café patio while we savored souvlaki and shared stories from the road.
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