Perched on the far north coast of Elafonisos Island, Elafonisos Town lies just off the southern tip of Greece. It serves as a gateway for exploring what is the largest island in the Peloponnese archipelago, with stunning white sand beaches and a UNESCO-listed underwater archaeological site among its attractions.
Things to do in Elafonisos
Spend an afternoon wandering through the atmospheric streets of Elafonisos Town, which is clustered with whitewashed buildings that have been transformed into cafes and accommodation. Along the waterfront are a handful of seafood tavernas where you can feast on the daily catch while watching the boats coming and going from the port.
A short drive from Elafonisos Town is Simos Beach, which stretches along a peninsula in the south-east corner of the island. With its soft, white sands and turquoise waters, it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Sun loungers and beach umbrellas are available for rent and there are tavernas serving food and drinks. When the wind picks up, Simos Beach is a popular destination for windsurfing.
Just off the coast of Elafonisos is Pavlopetri, a 5,000-year-old city that has been magnificently preserved under the water. It is one of the oldest submerged cities in the world, with its streets, buildings and tombs now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don a mask and snorkel or scuba diving gear to explore its shallow remains, which are visible around three metres below the water’s surface.
Getting around Elafonisos
Regular ferries connect to Elafonisos from Pounta, from where it’s around 4.5 hours’ drive to Athens and Athens International Airport. Renting a car is the best way of getting around the island while Elafonisos Town can easily be explored on foot.