This small Greek island is home to Simos Beach's white sand dunes, a 3,800-year-old underwater city at Pavlopetri, and local fishermen who supply fresh catches to 15 tavernas daily.
Elafonisos is a small Greek island of 19 square kilometers between the Peloponnese and Kythira. At Simos Beach, you can walk on white sand dunes and swim in waters that reach 24°C in summer. You'll find ancient streets and buildings underwater at Pavlopetri, and can walk across a 40-meter bridge to reach the white-washed Church of Agios Spyridon on its own tiny islet.
Getting to Elafonisos
Ferries depart from Pounta on the mainland every hour from 7:00 to 22:00, with a journey time of under 10 minutes. The ferry costs €1 for foot passengers and €10 for cars. You can drive from Athens in about 5 hours to reach the ferry point at Pounta. During summer months, additional ferry services run between Elafonisos and Neapolis. If arriving by air, you can fly to Kythira airport and take a ferry from Neapolis.
The Beaches of Elafonisos
Simos Beach spans two connected bays on the southern side of the island. The water gradually deepens to 2-3 meters near the shore, making it suitable for both children and swimmers. You'll find rental sun beds (€10 per day), changing rooms, and small cantinas selling drinks and snacks. Panagia Beach and Sarakiniko have the same crystal-clear water but no facilities beyond parking. In July and August, up to 3,000 people visit the beaches daily - arrive before 11:00 AM to find parking and a good spot on the sand.
Main Town and Daily Life
The island's single village is home to most of Elafonisos's 350 permanent residents. About 60% work as fishermen, supplying the 15 local tavernas with fresh catches daily. A meal at these tavernas costs €15-25 per person. You can stay in simple rooms (€40-60 per night) or at the Elafonisos Resort, which has a pool and sea views (€100-150 per night). The town's small markets stock basic supplies and local products.
Church of Agios Spyridon
A 40-meter bridge connects the town to this white-washed church, built on a 50-meter-wide islet. The water under the bridge rarely exceeds one meter in depth. The church opens daily from 8:00 to 20:00. Summer sunsets between 19:30 and 20:30 cast golden light on the church and shallow waters, creating ideal conditions for photography.
Archaeological Sites
At Pavlopetri, you can swim or take a glass-bottom boat tour (€25 per person) above a 3,800-year-old sunken city. The ruins lie 3-4 meters underwater, where you can see street layouts, courtyards, and tombs dating to 2800 BC. An earthquake submerged the city around 1000 BC. Near the site, you can also see the stone foundations of temples once dedicated to Athena, Poseidon, and Apollo.
