Located between Peloponnese and the island of Kythira, Elafonisos is a small island of only 19 square kilometers, whose beautiful beaches attract many visitors during the summer months. However, if you choose to visit in spring, autumn, or even winter, you will notice that the population on Elafonisos does not exceed 500-600 people.
In fact, the population of Elafonisos is mostly fishermen. About 60% of the locals are in this occupation, with each of the older generation owning a fishing boat.
The history of Elafonisos begins in the Neolithic period (6000-3500 BC), when an exceptional prehistoric civilization flourished here, traces of which can be seen today in Pavlopetri, the underwater city. After that, the historical route of Elafonisos and the surrounding area is associated with the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC) and those who occupied the island: the Athenians, Romans, Byzantines, pirates, Venetians, etc.
Elafonisos may not have the spectacular beauty of its ‘cousins’ in the Cyclades archipelago. Still, the island is certainly surrounded by the most ‘exotic’ turquoise waters and offers some of the finest beaches in Greece. The port town, which bears the island’s name (and its only settlement), is reminiscent of a more Spartan version of Aegina. Many Athenians come to spend weekends here, with boats docked because, obviously, taxes here are lower than on the mainland. So what are the best things to see on Elafonisos island?
What to see and do in Elafonisos
Map with Elafonisos touristic objectives (zoom for details)
Kato Nisi
On Elafonisos, there is an ancient castle – in the Kato Nisi area – called Pyrgos ton Meladon (Melas family castle), a two-storey building on the highest point of the island, built for defensive purposes in the late 19th century. Today, the property is converted into a farm. Still, tourists are encouraged to visit Pyrgos, admire the beautiful views, including the Laconic Bay, taste the delicious dishes, and listen to the owners’ stories about the castle.
Pavlopetri
Alternatively, when you don’t feel like lying on the beach, and if you’re a history buff, you can visit the ruins of an ancient city at the Pavlopetri archaeological site, dating back to the 3rd century BC. The name Pavlopetri comes from the association of the names of the two apostles and martyrs, Paul and Peter, who are known to have traveled to distant lands during the first century AD. The city is believed to have been swallowed up by the waves of the sea sometime around 1000 BC.
Discovered in 1967 by Nicholas Flemming, this ancient Greek city is known as the oldest ‘lost city’ underwater in the Mediterranean and one of the oldest in the world. The water has preserved the buildings, roads, and squares of Pavlopetri quite well, and there is even a cemetery with 60 tombs on its north-eastern side.
In historical context, but somewhat more recently, it is worth mentioning that the island of Elafonisos was a base for pirates in the Mediterranean in the 16th and 17th centuries, as the Strait of Elafonisos was an important strategic route for the ships of the time. Today, this strait has lost no importance, with dozens of ships passing through every day.
Agios Spyridon
Another highlight of the island is the church of Agios Spyridon, built on a strip of land that connects to a bridge spanning the calm waters. It is the main church of Elafonisos and was built in 1858 in honor of St Spyridon the Sailor, whose name is celebrated on 8-9 July.
Beaches of Elafonisos island
The most famous beaches of Elafonisos island are Simos, Panagia, and Sarakiniko. Two other beaches
Simos Beach
It is located in the south-eastern part of the island, in the Leuki area, between two small peninsulas. With emerald waters and golden sands, Simos promises unforgettable moments of relaxation. Fragkos Bay is sheltered from the waves, so the waters lapping the beach are calm and suitable for families with children. Simos beach is complemented by many impressive dunes and the Kedros forest, extending to nearby Sarakiniko beach. Simos has all the necessary tourist infrastructure to satisfy every tourist. Being 4.5 km from the village of Elafonisos, the beach can be reached by car on a paved road. In summer, you can also take a boat from the old port of Elafonisos.
Panagia Beach
Panagia is another popular beach in Elafonisos, located on the western side and framed by the magnificent scenery of turquoise waters, golden sand, and Kedros trees. It is a calm beach with tranquil waters and easy access (3.5 km from the village of Elafonisos, on a paved road). Plus, if you linger until the evening hours, you can see the remarkable sunset over the Mani mountains. The beach got its name from the small Panagia Katonisiotissa church nearby. Numerous restaurants and accommodations border the beach.
Sarakiniko Beach
Also known as Megali Paralia (Big Beach) and taking its name from the Saracens, the pirates and corsairs who once lurked here waiting for ships to plunder, Sarakiniko Beach is today one of the most beautiful stretches of sand on the island of Elafonisos. Turquoise waters, fine sand, dunes and trees bordering it – these are the characteristics of the place, along with the fact that you can practice many water sports here, that the beach is 1 kilometer long and that the Elafonisos campsite is located on the western side.
Best hotels on Elafonisos Island
Element Hotel ***
Booking rating: 9.1
Element Hotel is a 6-minute walk from the beach. Featuring WiFi and a terrace, visitors can relax sitting at the rooftop bar with views. Free private parking.
Berdoussis Hotel **
Booking Score: 9.2
Located 200 meters from the port of Elafonisos, Berdoussis Hotel features tastefully decorated rooms, free WiFi, and a bar, well-appointed air-conditioned rooms. Breakfast can be taken at the hotel, and taverns and mini-markets are nearby (200 m). Simos Beach is 3 km away.
Elafonisos Diamond Resort ***
Booking Score: 8.1
The 3-star resort consists of 7 buildings and is a 4-minute walk from Panagia Beach. It’s a relatively new hotel with modern rooms overlooking the sea. Private parking, bar, and barbecue area.
Best restaurants on Elafonisos island
Sailing Cafe
A restaurant located in Elafonissos harbor spoils its guests with excellent pizza pies.
Trakena
Also located in the harbor and known mainly for souvlaki and gyros, tourists think this is the best place in Elafonisos to eat these dishes.
Aronis Fish Tavern
This family-run tavern at the end of Kontonogi beach serves quality, fishy food. The fish are caught by the Aronis family themselves, who then prepare fish soup, stuffed squid, spaghetti with prawns or lobster, etc.
How to get to Elafonisos Island
The nearest airport is in Kalamata, and the closest ports are in Neapolis and Pounta. Once at Kalamata airport or Athens airport, the best option is to rent a car. From Pounta, the ferry takes you to Elafonisos in 10 minutes. The distance from Athens to Pounta is 328 km. Please note: on Elafonisos island there is no possibility to rent a car.
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