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If you’re the kind of traveler who’s always chasing that next undiscovered spot in Greece, Elafonisos might just be it.
Tucked between the Peloponnese and Kythira, this tiny island is best known for Simos Beach — a stretch of sand so beautiful it looks Photoshopped.
I visited Elafonisos after a road trip through the Peloponnese, and I’m still thinking about it months later. Here’s why it’s worth adding to your Greece itinerary — especially if you’re traveling by car or looking for a calm, beachy escape.
Where Is Elafonisos and How Do You Get There?
Elafonisos sits just off the southern tip of the Peloponnese, near the town of Neapoli. To get there, you’ll drive to a small port town called Pounta and take a short ferry across. The ferry runs frequently in the summer and takes less than 10 minutes. It’s affordable, and you can bring your car, scooter, or even just cross as a foot passenger.
From Athens, the drive takes around 4.5 hours, and from Monemvasia, it’s about 1.5 hours. Once you arrive on the island, everything is within easy reach — but having your own transport does make exploring easier and more flexible.
So one of the first things I would say you want to book is a scooter/ATV or better.. an e-bike!
Yes, an e-bike was the best part of exploring the island as it was fast enough to get us to Simos Beach and other spots, but also gave us an opportunity to enjoy the landscape.
Where to Stay in Elafonisos
We stayed at Pallas Pension, and honestly, I’d go back just for that.
This was the most amazing small hotel with great views of the bay, clean and modern rooms, and incredible prices. It’s peaceful, beautifully designed, and just far enough from the town center to feel quiet and relaxed, while still being a short walk to everything. If you love cozy, well-priced boutique stays with a bit of character, this is exactly that.
It’s also located only a short 5 minute walk from where the ferry drops you off.
Where to Eat
There are not a ton of options in Chora, but what’s there is surprisingly good — and in some cases, unforgettable.
Antimamalo was the highlight of the entire trip. The view at sunset, the flavors, the quality of ingredients — everything came together perfectly. It’s one of those meals that stays with you, not because it’s flashy, but because it feels like exactly what you want at that moment.
We also dined at Ourania Taverna, a more casual, family-run spot with friendly service, big portions, and all the local favorites. It’s a great option for lunch or a relaxed dinner after a full beach day.
You might also to try the local specialty: lobster.
What to Do in Elafonisos
Beyond spending time at Simos Beach, which truly deserves its reputation, there’s one other experience I’d highly recommend: renting a boat.
You can do it with or without a skipper, depending on your confidence and experience. Either way, it gives you the chance to explore some of the smaller nearby islets, drop anchor in clear blue water, and experience the coastline from a totally different perspective. It’s peaceful, refreshing, and a great way to spend a morning or afternoon off the sand.
Other than that? Elafonisos is about not doing much. There’s no nightlife, no packed itineraries — just sea, sky, sun, and space to slow down.
You can drive the full length of the island in about half an hour, and find plenty of beaches to explore and relax at.
What to Know Before You Go
There are very few ATMs, and not every place accepts cards. It’s a good idea to bring enough cash for your stay, especially if you’re visiting during high season when the island gets busier and machines might run out.
Also, while there is a small pharmacy on the island, it may not stock everything you need — especially if you have specific medication or preferences. I’d recommend bringing any essentials with you, just in case.
So, How Many Days Do You Need in Elafonisos?
Three to four days is perfect. It’s enough to really unwind, enjoy the beach at your own pace, eat well, and feel like you’ve truly taken a break.
Elafonisos is the kind of place you go to unplug on purpose. There’s no pressure to “see it all” — because the point is that there isn’t much. And that’s exactly the charm. If you want to be near the sea, eat slow meals, and let your body and brain rest, you’ll find it here.
You can also visit the island as a day trip from Monemvasia if you want to see Simos beach and enjoy fresh fish.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting Greece
- Emergency: Dial 112 for all emergencies. For police, dial 100. For ambulance 166. For fire dial 199.
- Language: English is widely spoken in most tourist areas. Common phrases to learn are “Kalimera” (Good morning), “Yia” (Hello and Bye – informal), and “Efharisto” (Thank you).
- Water: Tap water is safe in Athens, mainland Greece and a small number of islands. Always ask beforehand.
- Driving: Right-hand side, international driving permit recommended. Book your rental car with Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com for the most options on hotels, apartments and hostels. Free cancellation in a lot of places and no need to pre-pay. Great for their rewards points system.
- Islands: There are a lot of islands, spread out around the country. Start with a map or ferry service to get an idea of travel times. Ferry Scanner is the best for ferry bookings to the Greek islands.
- Activities: From cultural sights to day trips, food tours and city guides, use Get Your Guide.
- Public Transport: For Athens, use the Athens Metro. If you are not renting a car, use Trains (Hellenic Train) or KTEL (Public Buses) services.
- Domestic Airlines: The main airlines for air travel are Aegean Airlines and Sky Express. I recommend Aegean Airlines and its rewards program.
- Taxi: Always use a taxi app, instead of flagging down a taxi from the road. Use FREE Now (formerly BEAT).
- Culture: A siesta nap is still common in less touristy areas. This also means businesses will close between 2 PM – 5 PM. Except for hospitality businesses, everything is closed on Sundays.
