Forget the crowds, this is the most magical sunrise swim in Greece
In the waters of the Peloponnese, history comes alive at dawn.
As the sun climbs over the horizon and the historic Greek city of Monemvasia glows gold behind us, we edge gingerly across the smooth rock stones, lower ourselves down the ancient iron ladder and slip into the Aegean - pushing off just as the first rays of dawn set the sea ablaze.
For centuries, traders, emperors and invaders coveted this extraordinary rock fortress, perched dramatically off the Peloponnese coast.
Today, its towering Byzantine walls still rise almost untouched from the sea, creating one of Europe's most spectacular historic backdrops.
Floating beneath the mighty medieval fortifications, which protected one of the Mediterranean's most strategically important cities for centuries, we can only hear the sounds of the gentle lap of the water and the distant church bells echoing through the stone streets above. It's impossible not to wonder: is there any better morning swim in the world?
8000
Estimated number of years since the Monemvasia rock was first settled
My all-time favourite destination is ... Sri Lanka. It was two decades ago, but I still haven’t forgotten the smells, sights, sounds and tastes, plus the wonderful people, of that diverse country. Closer to home, the coastal town of Yamba never fails to please.
Next on my bucket list is …The Galapagos or Greenland - both evocative countries that will expand the mind!
My top travel tip is … Get lost! Take the unexpected path - you never know what you’ll find.
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