Monemvasia is often called "the Gibraltar of Greece". The town, on the southeastern coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, is a massive walled fortress that once housed an estimated 50,000 Byzantine Greeks. Today, fewer than a hundred people live year-round on the Rock of Monemvasia; most of the town’s 5,000 residents prefer the port, where cars, supermarkets, and other modern conveniences make up for the lack of historic atmosphere. Monemvasia derives its name meaning "sole entrance". With its back to the Aegean resembles a ship that is about to sail. Many claim that Monemvasia is none other than the ancient Akra Minoa, naval stop of King Minos An interesting footnote to Monemvasia’s history is the town’s role in the Malmsey wine trade. Malmsey, a sweet dessert wine made from the Malvasia grape, originated in Monemvasia, which exported large quantities of Malmsey to England in the 15th Century. Today, the name “Malmsey” refers to a type of Portuguese Madeira wine grown from the same grape