Elafonisos Island
“I loved the vibe of this small unknown Greece island. The exotic beach of Simos beach on Elafonisos island is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece and it absolutely took my breath away!”
From Monemvasia I drive through the interior to the island of Elafonissos. I’d never heard of this little island, did you? The island of Elafonisos is a relatively isolated island not far from mainland Peloponnese. It is just above the more famous island of Kythira. The island is quite unknown but has a history of about 5,000 years as evidenced by prehistoric findings.
During the Peloponnesian War it was a battle field between the Athenians and the Spartans, as the former had fortified the isthmus that connected at that time the island with Pounta. From 1839 until 1850 belonged to the British, which considered it part of the Eptanisa. It is connected with Pounta or Neapolis, Lakonia through local ferry boat routes. It extends over 9000 sq. m and has a population of 750 inhabitants.
The island used to be connected to the mainland but now you have to take a ferry from Pounta harbor for only 10 minutes. The island is only 20 km2 in size and has just one small village: Elafonisos Town, a beautiful fishing village where it is very quiet. You won’t meet many tourists here. The perfect place for us bohemians!
Elafonisos is truly a beautiful island with some beautiful beaches. The island is surrounded by the crystal clear turquoise sea. The crystal clear water at some beaches is as turquoise as in the Caribbean! Elafonisos Town consists only of a port, a few small hotels and b&b’s and a handful of local shops and Greek taverns. There is also a particularly beautiful church near the island that can only be reached by a bridge. The perfect place to do simply nothing. Take your sunglasses and sunscreen and ENJOY!
My favourite beach on Elafonisos is Simos Beach. It is a large sandy beach with paradise turquoise water. The beach consists of two parts that come together: a special sight from the dunes! You can rent sun beds and umbrellas here for almost nothing and even order some food or drinks.
Perfect quiet island for beach loves!
