Best of Elafonisos Island, Greece: Travel Guide

Where Is Elafonisos?

Elafonisos Island is not as well known to UK tourists as other Greek islands. This may have something to do with it’s location away from the easily accessible islands closer to Athens. Or the islands that you can fly to easily. Yet it is one of the top holiday spots for Greeks, many Greek people spend their summer holidays on this beautiful island.

The island of Elafonisos is located at the end of the Peloponessos, between the two tips of the peninsula. Behind Elafonisos is Kythira island.

How To Get To Elafonisos

Elafonisos requires a drive of around 4-5 hours from Athens and there is no airport close by. The journey can easily be split up by a stay in Ancient Olympia to visit the sights, before heading to Elafonisos. There is a frequent car ferry that takes passengers across to the island, in the summer the ferry seems to continue crossing until quite late.

I imagine it’s also possible to sail to the island on a chartered sailing boat. There are plenty of other boats, both commercial and leisure in the harbour area. I also noticed boats anchored in the bay at Simos beach.

Where To Stay on Elafonisos?

There are a variety of places to stay in Elafonisos. We stayed in a lovely apartment called Estella Studios. The rooms are clean, spacious, ensuite with air conditioning and those facing the sea front have balconies too. Estella Studios are also near the harbour, making it easy to explore Elafonisos Village (the main village on the island). You can also enjoy a tasty breakfast at Estella’s, the kids particularly liked the pancakes whilst admiring the pebble art work.

Other notable places to stay outside the village are Capari Suites in the North and Simos Mare Resort in the South of the Island. Both resorts boast beautiful rooms, stunning pools and delicious buffet breakfasts.

You can also camp at Simos Camping (next to the famous beach!) in tiny bungalows, bell tents or bring your own camper or tent. It’s a great budget option and a good location next to Simos Beach.

Things To Do on Elafonisos

Beautiful Beaches

Elafonisos is a small island and the main attraction is to visit the beach! Fortunately there are plenty to choose from. The favourite beach for sunbathing and swimming is the popular Simos Beach and Little Simos Beach (they are basically one long connected beach). With the shallow waters and soft sand it’s a perfect place to visit with kids.

I personally preferred the slightly smaller Simos beach, which has fantastic sunbeds and a sheltered bay to swim in. You can also order food and drink from Cervi beach bar to be delivered to your sunbed. It feels almost like a Caribbean beach, with the stunning white sand and blue water.

Simos Beach is longer and has a lot more sunbeds available, although they are cheaper plastic sunbeds and not as nice as the Little Simos beds! You will need to pay for sunbeds on whichever side you choose to visit. Alternatively you can take your own towel and umbrella with you for free.

Kato Nisi in the West of the island and has a few sunbeds for local hotels to use, I’m unsure whether you can pay to use them too. You can bring your own towels and umbrellas and enjoy the beautiful turquoise water and fine sand.

There are several other beaches around the island, but these are the main ones above.

Chapel of St Spiridon

The little picturesque chapel of St Spiridon will be in most Elafonisos travellers photos! It’s such a beautiful spot on it’s own little island, people can’t resist walking across to visit.

During the spring and summer you will find plenty of celebrations happening, including weddings and baptisms. The chapel is decorated by the families for each celebration, the picture above is a Mexican theme for a child’s baptism.

Ancient Underwater City

At Pavlopetri on the mainland (take the ferry back across) you can find a great sandy beach. But the highlight over on this side is the ancient submerged city. At one point Elafonisos was connected to the mainland, but an earthquake submerged the section of land between the mainland and Elafonisos, creating the island. The city that was on that land was also submerged and you can now explore it with snorkelling equipment. You can buy snorkels in Elafonisos town or just bring your own.

There is a sign showing the location of remains and what to look for. But if you swim out to the buoys there should be a sign on the seabed below showing what the city would have looked like in that area and explaining the history.

On the shore are various holes which are old tombs, mostly still filled with sand. You can see the kids standing on some steps that once led down to a tomb below.

Where To Eat on Elafonisos

You won’t be short of places to eat on Elafonisos island! Begin the day with breakfast at EStella’s by the harbour, the banana pancakes are delicious!

For lunch at the beach you can’t beat Cervi Beach Bar. They even deliver to your sunbed at Little Simos beach. We had some tasty pizzas and delicious Greek Kormos for dessert (a chocolate and biscuit’y’ treat!).

In Elafonisos town you will be spoilt for choice. With a variety of restaurants spread along the entire harbour front. Here are a few we would recommend for families.

The Butcher’s Grill has a great souvlaki and sausages amongst other food. The kids were very happy with an easy meal to eat. I had a veggie burger (I’m pescatarian, so it’s veggie or fish for me!) which was also very delicious! You also have the benefit of sitting beside the small fishing boats where you can peer at the fish in the water below.

The Pita Bar was a real favourite for it’s relaxed Caribbean vibe. The sandy floor which you can squish your feet into and some colourful tables and chairs make it feel wonderful. The kids were happy with easy choices of Pizza and stuffed peppers and tomatoes. I enjoyed the stuffed pepper and tomato too, plus some yummy local sardines. The staff are also very friendly and kind to the kids.

Quarter is an Italian restaurant with tables right beside the fishing boats again. Perhaps don’t sit in the seats right beside the water if you have smaller kids! It can be a bit precarious. They have fantastic pizza and pasta, I particularly enjoyed a creamy fish pasta dish. The fish on Elafonisos are delicious!

Read more about our Greek adventures here:

• Visit the island of Elafonisos, Greece, a little gem just off the Peloponnesos.
• Spend a few days exploring Athens with our 3-day itinerary with kids.
• Find the best places to visit on the island of Milos with kids!
• Enjoy the stunning small island of Lipsi in the Dodecanese.

Other Great Adventures With Kids

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