Zarakas has played an important role in the history of the region since antiquity, through the Byzantine and Middle Ages up until more recent times when it was the site of a number of events in the Greek war of independence.
Scattered throughout the area is a wealth of evidence showing its part in history. Most of the ancient settlements were destroyed, to be rebuilt during the Byzantine period, as is evident from the churches, monasteries and other buildings dating from that time.
Where the town of Gerakas now stands is believed to have been the site of the ancient town of Zarax, founded by a ruler of the same name. It was destroyed in 272 BC.
Since antiquity it has always been valued as a safe port and natural fortification. According to Pausanias, it ws built by the Lacedaemonian hero Zarakas or Zarikas (between 1300 and 1200 BC).
In 1462 it was subjugated by the Turks who ruled it for the next 400 years, apart from some periods when it came under Venetian rule. The Venetians built walls around the port and barred the entrance with chains, leading to the name Porto Cadenas.
LEGENT
Fairies and other sprites, usually beautiful blonde girls dressed in white, have always been a part of Zarakas’ oral traditions. On many a moonlit night, they appeared in small glades and on footpaths, dancing and singing in an attempt to lure people travelling at night. Sometimes they would wait at Stavros, near Harakas, other times in woodland at Pistamata and Gerakas or on the beaches of Kyparissi, calling passersby to join in their dance. Woe betide anyone who took hold of the kerchief handed to him by one of these beings, or who answered their call. They would henceforth lose the power of speech, which could only be regained by means of a magic spell.
Source: www.monemvasia.gr