Elafonisos is a small island with a population of around 800 people, but in the summer can attract up to 3000 visitors a day. There is only one main town which is very pleasant but that’s not the main attraction for the visitors, they come for one thing- the beaches!
Ferry from Pounta
It’s a ten minute hop on the small car ferry from Pounta in the Peloponnese to Elafonisos. I have more information about Pounta HERE.
Elafonisos Town
The only town on the island is also the ferry port and tavernas line the attractive harbour which is full of small fishing boats. Kontogoni Beach on the northern edge of the town is sandy and serviced by tavernas although the best beaches are to be found elsewhere. When we stayed for a couple of nights in late June the town was tranquil and the restaurants were not busy, the high season had not kicked in yet.
Next to the harbour is Agios Spyridon Church which is connected to the mainland by a bridge that was built in the 1950’s. It’s a popular place to watch the sunset before heading out to dinner.
All of the tavernas looked inviting and many unsurprisingly specialised in locally caught fresh fish. We chose to have our dinner at Nasos Restaurant [AKA -Konstatinos and Evangeliya, it looks like this in Greek- Κωνσταντίνος & Ευαγγελία ταβέρνα] and the food, the setting and Nasos himself was so lovely that we returned the second evening for another wonderful meal. [That’s me with Nasos in the photo below].
Simos Beach
Simos Beach is the most famous beach on the island and the most photographed. The twin bays of Simos look stunning and the crystal clear turquoise water is most inviting. It wasn’t busy when we visited but I’m led to believe that in August it’s a different matter. We parked near Simos Paradiso Taverna by the beach and went there for lunch and it was very good. There are sunbeds on the beach, and no they are not free!
Kato Nisi [Panagia] Beach
Most touristy peeps flock to Simos beach, but Panagia beach is just as lovely and it is only a ten minute drive from Simos. There was hardly anyone there on our visit.
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