Gerakas and Kyparissi

On the east coast of Laconia, above Monemvasia, two seaside places are worth a long day out.

Gerakas

Gerakas, about 85 kilometres from Elafonisos, is a pretty fishing village at the end of a narrow inlet that looks like a fjord. The ancient town of Zarax stood here, and stones from a temple of Apollo can still be seen on the seabed. At the head of the inlet lies an important wetland, a lagoon where migrating birds stop over and spend the winter.

Ten kilometres further, on the road to Reichea, the Evangelistria monastery has a superb view of the Myrtoan Sea.

Kyparissi

Kyparissi, about 100 kilometres from the island, is built high up below Mount Parnon, at a spot hidden from the sea to keep it safe from pirates. Later the seaside settlements of Paralia and Mitropoli grew up. The ancient town of Kyphanta stood here, with one of the known healing sanctuaries of Asclepius: carved basins and niches can still be seen in the caves at the foot of the rock.

The mountains around Kyparissi have fine walking paths and rocks for climbing.

Good to know

The road is mountainous with many bends: allow about two hours to Kyparissi and set off early.