Last Updated on 27 May 2025 by Vanessa

Have you seen the horror movies Bloodtide (1982) and The Wind (1986)? If so, you might already know Monemvasia in Greece.

This spectacular medieval fortress town, built on a rock and entirely made of stone, was one of the filming locations for these haunting classics. It’s one of the best places worth visiting in the Peloponnese region. But the best part? It’s teeming with cats!

Do you want to know why Monemvasia is popular with cats and filmmakers? Then read on.

Cats haunt horror filming locations in Monemvasia, Greece

About Monemvasia: history and filming locations

Before diving into the presence of cats in Monemvasia, let’s take a moment to explore the town and its role as one of the iconic filming locations in horror cinema.

What is Monemvasia known for?

Monemvasia is a medieval fortress town carved into the backside of a massive rock rising from the Aegean Sea, located on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece. Many refer to this rocky island as “the Gibraltar of the East” because it is linked to the mainland by a single narrow causeway, approximately 200 meters (656 feet) long. This unique feature makes Monemvasia accessible only through one entrance, adding to its secluded and enchanting atmosphere.

Monemvasia’s rich history dates back to 583 AD, when it was founded as a refuge from Slavic invaders. Over the centuries, it became a bustling Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman stronghold, leaving behind a fascinating mix of architectural styles and cultural influences. Today, you can wander its cobblestone streets, marvel at well-preserved medieval buildings, and explore landmarks like the Church of Agia Sophia perched high above the town.

It remains a less commercialized destination compared to other Greek hotspots.

Horror movies filmed in Monemvasia, Greece

Richard Jefferies’ Bloodtide (1982)

The first time I heard of Monemvasia was when I traveled to the island of Mykonos in 2021. My friend and I, both horror movie lovers, watched films set in Greece every evening. One of those films was Richard Jefferies’ Bloodtide (1982), which fully uses Monemvasia’s spectacular beauty (and also contains an awkward cat scene at the beginning of the film).

The plot of Bloodtide centers around Neil (James Earl Jones), an American treasure hunter who comes to a small Greek island with his wife Sherry (José Ferrer) and sister-in-law Barbara (Lila Kedrova). Neil is determined to find a cache of valuable ancient jewels hidden on the island. However, their search disturbs the resting place of an ancient sea monster known as the Kraken, a creature from Greek mythology with a bloodthirsty appetite.

I instantly wanted to visit the gorgeous Peloponnese town where Bloodtide was filmed but couldn’t find anything on the filming locations.

Nico Mastorakis’ The Wind (1986)

A few days later, we stumbled upon this town again, with The Wind (1986) by Nico Mastorakis (the man who also co-wrote Bloodtide). This time, the name Monemvasia was clearly mentioned.

In this psychological horror, writer Sian Anderson (played by Meg Foster) travels to Monemvasia to work on her new novel. However, she soon begins to experience ghostly apparitions and unexplained noises, leading her to believe the town may be haunted. It turns out Monemvasia is not haunted but the playground of a serial killer.

In The Wind, we get to see the medieval town of Monemvasia in all its glory, including its 13th-century fortress, cobblestone streets, well-preserved traditional stone houses, breathtaking views, and atmospheric ambiance that transports you to a bygone era.

We also get a brief introduction to Monemvasia’s history at the beginning of the movie, in a conversation between the characters Sian and Elias Appleby (played by Robert Morley):

“Lovely, isn’t she? 60,000 people used to live here in the old days. They built the houses, one on top of the other. Underground passages for protection – attacking warships, you see.”

“Was she ever taken?”

“Only once. Since 375 AD. It’s not a bad record, is it?”

Just like in Bloodtide, the town looks spectacular. It’s impossible to see The Wind and not feel like booking a trip to Monemvasia, even though Morley warns us,“Don’t go roaming around at night. Stay inside.”

In an interview with Sci-Fi Bulletin, director Mastorakis explains that “Monemvasia was the ideal location for The Wind as it replaced the typical claustrophobic ‘cabin-in-the woods’ cliché with the claustrophobia of an inescapable town which has only one exit!”

Cats of Monemvasia

If you’ve ever visited Monemvasia, you’ve likely noticed one thing right away—cats are everywhere! With only about 15 permanent human residents, the feline population vastly outnumbers the people in this historic fortress town, giving the cats an undeniable presence and charm.

During the day, cats can be found lounging in the shade along Main Street, sleeping under tables or tucked into shop doorways. As the sun dips lower, they wake up and roam the cobblestone streets like they own the place. And honestly, they do.

Many visitors form brief but memorable connections with these furry residents, though the cats’ primary loyalty often lies with their next meal.

The warm Mediterranean climate plays a big role in Monemvasia’s abundance of cats. With mild winters and plenty of sunny days, stray cats thrive outdoors year-round. Beyond this, there’s a cultural element. Greeks have coexisted with stray animals for centuries, often feeding them to keep pests like mice and snakes at bay.

However, the large stray population isn’t without challenges. A lack of widespread spaying and neutering programs has allowed numbers to rise significantly. While Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) initiatives and stricter animal welfare laws have been introduced in Greece, their impact is uneven, particularly in remote areas like Monemvasia.

If you’re visiting, you might feel tempted to share a snack with one of these friendly felines. However, there are better ways to help. Supporting local and national animal welfare organizations ensures these cats receive proper care and helps manage the population responsibly. By doing so, you can ensure the cats continue to thrive in harmony with their human neighbors, enriching the streets of Monemvasia for generations to come.

How to get to Monemvasia?

By air

The nearest airport to Monemvasia is Kalamata International Airport (KLX), which is approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) northwest of Monemvasia. From Kalamata Airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi to Monemvasia, which is about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive.

By car

Monemvasia is accessible by car from various parts of Greece. From Athens, you can drive south on the National Highway (A7) towards Tripoli and then continue on the E65 and E70 highways towards Monemvasia. The drive from Athens to Monemvasia takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on the route and traffic.

By public transportation

There are also bus connections from Athens and other major cities in Greece to Monemvasia. Buses operated by KTEL, the Greek long-distance bus network, run regularly from Athens and other cities to Monemvasia. The bus journey takes around 5 to 6 hours from Athens, depending on the route and schedule.

By ferry

During the peak tourist season, there are ferry services that connect Monemvasia to the nearby island of Elafonisos, which is a popular destination known for its beaches. From Elafonisos, one can take a ferry or a taxi to Monemvasia.

Do you want to visit the cats and filming locations of Monemvasia in Greece?

If you’ve seen the horror movies Bloodtide and The Wind, chances are Monemvasia is already on your list of places worth visiting in Greece.

If not, I do recommend you watch them—not for the storytelling, but for the Monemvasia filming locations which will undoubtedly lure you in.

However, there is nothing creepy about this small Peloponnese town, despite its connection to horror.

Monemvasia is small enough to explore in just a few hours, and every moment is worth it.

If you plan to extend your stay, you can book a guesthouse here. Some of them look like the iconic stone buildings featured in the films.

Check out these other articles about cats and movies

• Meet Sheba, the cat that lives on the Next to Her movie set in Sint Amandsberg
• Regal cat rules of Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik
• Some cats are couch potatoes. But Glouton spends his days at the Cinematek de Toulouse in France
• These cats live in a creepy horror novel location
• Meet Pickles the cat, the only resident of Hobbiton’s the Shire
• Meet Nosferatu, the feline mascot of the Sitges Film Festival

Love animals and horror? This book combines the best of both

When Animals Attack: The 70 Best Horror Movies with Killer Animals is the perfect companion for your trip to Monemvasia. This book celebrates the genre’s most thrilling moments, showcasing films where nature takes a terrifying turn. Packed with fascinating trivia, behind-the-scenes stories, and a curated list of must-watch movies, it’s a treasure trove for horror fans. Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or just curious about how animals have shaped the horror genre, this book will keep you hooked—and maybe even make you appreciate Monemvasia’s cinematic cats a little more!

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