Prime Issues to do on Elafonisos Island

Peloponnese Journey GreeceJanuary 3, 2022

It’s only a matter of opinion as as to if you assume the pretty remoted Elafonisos Island, not removed from the Peloponnese mainland has or doesn’t have the spectacular great thing about different islands within the Cyclades chain.

The small island within the area of Lakonia is a peaceable, magical place with stunningly lovely turquoise seas, very like what you see within the  Caribbean. It’s a Natura 2000 environmentally protected zone and the breeding web site for a lot of migratory birds.

It has lengthy stretches of sandy seashores, and you’ll put together to be blown away by the sheer magnificence of Simos Seaside, one of the vital lovely in Greece. The pristine seashores of Elafonisos Island are recognized for his or her very good snorkeling circumstances. 

It’s a spot of quiet relaxation, a spot to chill out and restore frazzled nerves – these are the type of presents provided by this island. Whenever you land on this island of desires you uncover that it’s only 20 km2 in measurement. 

There’s the port, a number of retailers and taverns, some accommodations, mattress and breakfasts and a stupendous church. You possibly can say that the chapel of St. Spyridon is among the most picturesque issues there are to see on the island.

This explicit chapel on Elafonisos Island is constructed on a small island reverse the port. It’s accessible by way of a bridge. You possibly can take a stroll across the islet, and go contained in the chapel. 

Elafonisos Island: A spot that exudes an uncommon magnificence

You need to perceive one thing about Elafonisos Island – it’s not a vibrant, bustling leisure hub the place you dance and social gathering into the wee hours of the morning. The island is about sheer rest, and that’s what lures folks to it – the elusive peace and quiet from a mad, chaotic world.

It’s to be anticipated then that the port city attracts many watersport fanatics and those that like to hike. What’s fascinating in regards to the island is that whereas it’s fairly unknown, it has an extended historical past, and this has been confirmed to us by some prehistoric findings.

This opens up one other type of leisure – exploring historic websites. The island has some unbelievable historic websites constructed by historical civilizations, and should you’re solely on the island for a brief keep, you’ll need to slim down your visits. 

For many individuals who make the journey to the small island, it’s not about filling their days with one exercise after the following as Elafonisos isn’t about that.  It has one or two cultural celebrations throughout the 12 months, and one among these is the feast of fishermen that takes place on the finish of August, stretching over 10 days. 

The Fishermen Membership organizes the occasion and should you’re on the island over that point, you possibly can put in your dancing footwear, as there may be loads of full of life music, dancing, wine and fried fish in honor of the guests of Elafonisos. The occasions are sometimes accompanied by some fascinating nautical historical past of the island. 

The fascinating island was as soon as related to the mainland however in more moderen instances that you must take a ferry from Pounta Harbor.  Pounta is barely a small harbor city and the space to the island is roughly 300 meters. The journey takes solely about ten minutes. 

Elafonisos City has a port with some taverns and rooms for hire. The harbor can get busy, and should you’re on the port in the direction of the night, you’ll be charmed with the best way the taverns and bars gentle up and solid reflections on the water. Elafonisos Island isn’t about golf equipment and in reality, you’re not going to search out any, but it surely does have some bars the place you possibly can sit outdoors alongside the waterfront and have a drink. 

A lot environment to absorb

In Kato Nisi is the 2-story fort of the Melas household. It’s an historical fort relationship again to 1863 and which is open to the general public. There’s additionally the Panagia church from 1825. Not removed from the church is a Mycenaean cemetery and a Christian graveyard.

The protected Panagia Seaside or Kato Nisi Seaside is discovered on the west aspect of the island.  Through the summer season the yellow-flowered Sempre Viva blooms, rising on the rocks, including to the loveliness of the place.  

One of many prime issues to do on Elafonisos Island to understand all its magnificence is to hike, and a well-liked path to take is The route of the Terraced Balconies of Elafonisos. The attractive route begins from Megalo Tigani and also you comply with the street until you come throughout a exceptional cave with a low vaulted roof. 

Following the trail in the direction of the south, you come to Vardia which is the very best level of Elafonisos, at about  276m. It guarantees fantastic views of Kythera and the Malea peninsula. Regardless of the small measurement of the island, there are some wonderful mountain climbing trails and in addition some biking routes. 

Take pleasure in a Conventional Meal in one of many seashore taverns

The taverns in Elafonisos like so as to add a private contact to your eating expertise and there are some nice taverns to be discovered within the harbor of Elafonisos.

Nothing is ready in stone with these Greek tavernas and also you may decide to eat at one which tickles your fancy solely to find there isn’t a menu. Typically there’s a menu however not all dishes can be found on that exact day. 

Between the completely different Elafonisos eating places and taverns, you’ll be taken on an exquisite culinary expertise when you wine and dine in some magnificent waterside settings.

Aronis Fish Tavern 

This fashionable household tavern is discovered on the fringe of the Kontogoni seashore. Ship your tastebuds into overdrive with delightfully good meals when you solid your eyes over all the seashore. The tavern is known for its contemporary fish, caught from the tavern proprietor’s personal fishing boat. 

The spaghetti with lobster or shrimps is price a attempt as is the mackerel salad, pasta with rooster or salmon or one thing else.  The recipes, some marinated with wine made out of natural grapes, are at all times contemporary and native, lots of that are produced by the house owners. Juicy seasonal fruit in baked desserts is a agency favourite. The olive oil sprinkled over a few of the salads comes from olive groves of the Kato Nisi. 

Ta nisia tis Panagias 

This household restaurant with a reputation meaning ‘the islands of Panagia’ presents a wonderful alternative for breakfast, lunch and supper. It’s situated on a really scenic spot on the island the place you possibly can dine and luxuriate in an ideal sundown when you relish distinctive dishes cooked with particular love and care. 

You may need to begin with the scrumptious fish soup or attempt the normal selfmade tsatziki and salad. You possibly can at all times take pleasure in a few of the conventional meals too such because the finger-licking scrumptious home-made burgers. 

Hike to the Fort of Vatika (Fort of Agia Paraskevi) 

The fort, which dates again to the late Byzantine interval,  is situated in Mesohori village. When you attain it you might be rewarded with a splendid view of Neapolis city and Elafonisos Island.

Ruins of the Fort of Vatika or Fort of Agia Paraskevi at sundown. The fort is situated in Mesohori village and has an exquisite view of Neapolis city and Elafonissos island.

The fort of Vatika is discovered on a rocky cliff not removed from the city of Neapolis. The fort has a small courtyard, a chapel and a few 2-story homes. There’s a wall that surrounds the fort. 

The character across the fort is nice for mountain climbing and there are a selection of paths to discover. You need to have your digicam with you as there the hilly, coastal walks provide very good photographic alternatives. Not solely that, there may be the possibility to discover a few of the villages that these thrilling mountain climbing paths take you to. Hold your eyes open for indicators, a few of them painted on rocks, indicating the place the paths will take you. 

Go to the well-known Simos Seaside

As soon as in Simos, it’s tough to get away from the concept this isn’t one of many Caribbean islands, so fascinating is its extraordinary magnificence. The huge seashore of white sand simply encourages one to throw down a seashore towel and to bask within the solar. 

The ocean is peaceable and crystal clear, and the bay is break up.  Basically Simos consists of two seashores, Megalos and Mikros. There’s a slim stretch of white sand that divides these two seashores. You possibly can hire sunbeds and umbrellas and there are additionally bars or taverns close to the seashore the place you should buy refreshments. 

The seashore to the fitting of the spit is called Mega Simos, Simos Grande or Megalos and it’s considerably extra upbeat, and also you is perhaps entertained by a sport of seashore volleyball on the go. You’ll discover seashore umbrellas and loungers too. Pack in darkish sun shades as nudists use the seashore and it’s possible you’ll need to take a peek greater than you need to! Simply concentrate on this should you plan on visiting the seashore with kids.

The crowds on the seashores at any time will likely be influenced by the vacation season which begins in Could and goes on until August. That is the time when it’s scorching and sunny on the island and time to construct on a trendy tan. 

Uncover the Sunken Metropolis

There’s a small island, Pavlopetri, that isn’t far to the northeast of Elafonisos. It’s a favourite spot for the seabirds that flock to the Stroggyli Lagoon. It is a wetland that’s dwelling to greater than 130 completely different hen species. A few of these birds use the lagoon as a resting place as they make a bid to achieve Africa.

The sunken prehistoric metropolis is an enchanting place to go to and the island has acquired loads of worldwide consideration due to this wonderful underwater metropolis. It’s not shocking that it has attracted intensive archeological analysis.

Although Pavlopetri is the oldest submerged metropolis within the world, but it surely solely not too long ago, in 2011, grew to become recognized to the world. Many scientists have visited the positioning and consider that town was probably submerged by an earthquake of 8 magnitudes. 

There appears to be conflicting details about the time that this occurred.  There are courtyards, buildings, water administration system, streets, and tombs and all that is accessible to guests. The wonderful factor about this metropolis is that even common snorkelers can go to it because it’s simply 3m under the water.

A tenting vacation spot

To take advantage of tenting in Elafonisos, that you must be armed with some data. Tenting is such a cost-effective strategy to take pleasure in a vacation whereas benefiting from what mom nature presents. 

What a pleasure it may be sitting round a campfire below the intense stars on a transparent evening, to not point out the attraction of outside actions comparable to mountain climbing, swimming, and biking. An outside vacation on Elafonisos will likely be an incredible expertise and can go away lasting recollections and impressions of this most lovely a part of Greece. 

The stunning Simos tenting grounds on Elafonisos Island are simply 4km from the port of Elafonisos,  in a protected nature reserve. There are shady areas for caravans, campers and tents. inviting you to settle all the way down to a blissful summer season vacation. The campsite is effectively positioned in entrance of the seashore the place the glistening emerald sea invitations you to dive proper in.

The campsite is effectively outfitted and comes with a restaurant, bar, bike rental providers, and mini market.  The bar presents cocktails and music for individuals who need to social a bit with fellow campers. If you happen to’re feeling lazy, each cafe and restaurant serve breakfast, lunch and supper. 

The best way to Get to Elafonisos

Elafonisos Island is the perfect summer season vacation spot and between Could and October, you possibly can take pleasure in wonderful sunshiney climate. 

Ferry boat that goes to Elafonisos

Driving is the perfect strategy to get to Elafonisos Island, and you’ll count on an superior 4 to 5-hour street journey from Athens to Pounta Port, after which a ferry will take you to Elafonisos in lower than 10 minutes. 

Bear in mind, should you use public transport, and also you need to know should you can attain and enter Greece, what with covid-19, click on right here to change into an knowledgeable traveler.  

There are bus routes from Athens, Tripolis and Kalamata. To go from Athens to Elafonissos, you are taking the bus to Neapoli after which the ferry from Neapoli to Elafonissos. The buses from Athens to Neapoli go away from Kifissos KTEL Bus Station. 

Take pleasure in a day journey to Gytheion and Monemvasia 

Gytheion is such a picturesque little city and it lies near prime points of interest. It’s near Historical Sparta, Mani, the medieval city of Mystras and to the Diros Caves. Guests simply love the attractive seaside city because it nestles on the hillside within the peninsula of Laconia. 

It’s acquired a most lovely seashore – Mavrovouni, and the turtles assume so too, as endangered sea turtles arrive on the seashore to put their eggs. The seaside city can also be ideally located to take a street journey to Monemvasia.

Monemvasia is a part of the prefecture of Laconia, It’s basically a Medieval fortress, full with Byzantine church buildings, ruins and a city.  It’s situated on the southeastern aspect of the Peloponnese and is magnificently carved into sea rock. It’s such a romantic place and most of the historical mansions have been transformed into stylish guesthouses and small accommodations. 

There’s the extra fashionable city outdoors the Rock, filled with vacationer amenities. It’s a cool place to remain whereas making day journeys to Gythio, Don’t miss the breathtaking sea view from the highest of the Fort.

The place to Keep in Elafonisos 

There’s no scarcity of superior locations to remain on Elafonisos Island and each is interesting in their very own manner. The island is dwelling to an eclectic mixture of locations to remain and hospitable hosts, every of whom presents one thing particular to the realm, and that provides you numerous causes to remain over.

Elafonisos Resort

Positioned in Elafonisos, and simply 500 m from the seashore, the trendy air-conditioned stone villa resort is peacefully surrounded by olive groves. It sports activities a beautiful pool, poolside bar, solar terrace, free wifi, LCD satellite tv for pc TV, and stylishly embellished items. The stunning bogs full with bathe and hydro-massage jets and free toiletries are designed to pamper and rejuvenate you.  For availability and charges click on right here. 

Capari Suites

If you happen to’re into the great thing about nature and its preservation, you’ll love Capari Suites on Elafonisos Island. You’ll discover furnishings of pure wooden that merely complement the place’s traditional old-world really feel.  

It’s a sheer paradise of lovely gardens and delightful views.  They’ve achieved what they will to be environmentally pleasant, making use of photo voltaic water heaters, photo voltaic lighting, pure air con and extra. Capari Suites presents splendid sea and mountain views from its prime place wanting over the Laknian Gulf. All their lovely rooms provide balconies and terraces. It’s such a romantic venue and {couples} select it for his or her marriage ceremony reception. 

Component Resort 

This excellent resort has a powerful place, mixing into the hills behind it and simply 3.5 km’s from the principle harbor of Elafonisos and a alternative of fabulous taverns and just some minutes away from the well-known Simos Seaside. For availability and charges click on right here. 

 
It’s a 3-star air-conditioned resort situated within the Kato Nisi space of Elafonisos Island. The resort is designed for consolation, rest and very good hospitality. It presents spacious rooms with sought-after facilities comparable to air-conditioning, satellite tv for pc TV, free wifi, mini bar, non-public balcony, and sumptuous views of the bay, all of which go in the direction of making certain a memorable keep. 

The place to Eat on Elafonisos Island

Creperie Mammy Mam

If you happen to love exploring beautiful little eateries, remember to cease in at Creperie Mammy Mam. Whereas on Elafonisos you need to expertise unique island flavors with high quality components that elevate easy meals comparable to fish to an entire new degree. 

Whilst you take pleasure in your meal, you possibly can absorb magnificent views of the ocean whereas the tantalizing scent of contemporary espresso guarantees a quiet time of reflection. The restaurant is such a colourful place When it comes to décor and environment and the selfmade treats promise an ooh-la-la expertise.

Conclusion:

If you happen to’re unsure what to see and do on this excellent little Greek island, many individuals take a guided tour of Elafonisos, ideally with a seasoned boatman, providing you with the possibility to cease alongside the best way and swim within the well-known turquoise waters.

As you method the island, the ocean is evident and is a mix of blue, inexperienced and turquoise. The island of Elafonisos and its village of the identical identify is busy, inviting you to pop into memento retailers and a restaurant earlier than you head in the direction of your lodging. 

Elafonisos Island is small but it surely presents implausible lodging and while you begin catching up with a number of of the friends at your resort or guesthouse to discover out what they need to say in regards to the island, all of them appear to speak about it as a private favourite journey vacation spot.