Prime Issues to do on Elafonisos Island

Peloponnese Journey GreeceJanuary 3, 2022

It’s only a matter of opinion as as to if you suppose the pretty remoted Elafonisos Island, not removed from the Peloponnese mainland has or doesn’t have the spectacular fantastic 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 website for a lot of migratory birds.

It has lengthy stretches of sandy seashores, and you may put together to be blown away by the sheer magnificence of Simos Seashore, one of the lovely in Greece. The pristine seashores of Elafonisos Island are recognized for his or her excellent snorkeling situations. 

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

There may be the port, a number of retailers and taverns, some accommodations, mattress and breakfasts and a wonderful church. You’ll be able to say that the chapel of St. Spyridon is likely one of 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’ll be able to 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 get together into the wee hours of the morning. The island is about sheer rest, and that’s what lures individuals 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 concerning 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 historic civilizations, and when 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 in the course of the yr, and certainly one of 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 when you’re on the island over that point, you may put in your dancing footwear, as there may be loads of energetic 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 linked to the mainland however in newer instances you have to take a ferry from Pounta Harbor.  Pounta is simply 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 lease. The harbor can get busy, and when you’re on the port in 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, nevertheless it does have some bars the place you may sit outdoors alongside the waterfront and have a drink. 

A lot ambiance to take in

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

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

One of many high 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 gorgeous route begins from Megalo Tigani and also you observe the street until you come throughout a outstanding cave with a low vaulted roof. 

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

Get pleasure from a Conventional Meal in one of many seaside 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. Generally there’s a menu however not all dishes can be found on that specific 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 seaside. Ship your tastebuds into overdrive with delightfully good meals when you solid your eyes over your entire seaside. The tavern is known for its recent fish, caught from the tavern proprietor’s personal fishing boat. 

The spaghetti with lobster or shrimps is value a attempt as is the mackerel salad, pasta with hen or salmon or one thing else.  The recipes, some marinated with wine made out of natural grapes, are all the time recent and native, a lot of that are produced by the homeowners. 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 which means ‘the islands of Panagia’ presents a superb selection for breakfast, lunch and supper. It’s positioned on a really scenic spot on the island the place you may dine and revel 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 standard selfmade tsatziki and salad. You’ll be able to all the time take pleasure in a few of the conventional meals too such because the finger-licking scrumptious home-made burgers. 

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

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

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

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

The character across the citadel is nice for 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 excellent photographic alternatives. Not solely that, there may be the prospect to discover a few of the villages that these thrilling 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 Seashore

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 seaside of white sand simply encourages one to throw down a seaside towel and to bask within the solar. 

The ocean is peaceable and crystal clear, and the bay is break up.  Primarily Simos consists of two seashores, Megalos and Mikros. There’s a slim stretch of white sand that divides these two seashores. You’ll be able to lease sunbeds and umbrellas and there are additionally bars or taverns close to the seaside the place you should purchase refreshments. 

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

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 sizzling 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. This can be 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 succeed in Africa.

The sunken prehistoric metropolis is an interesting place to go to and the island has obtained a whole lot of worldwide consideration due to this wonderful underwater metropolis. It’s not stunning that it has attracted in depth archeological analysis.

Regardless that Pavlopetri is the oldest submerged metropolis within the world, nevertheless it solely lately, in 2011, grew to become recognized to the world. Many scientists have visited the location and consider that the 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 beneath the water.

A tenting vacation spot

To benefit from tenting in Elafonisos, you have to be armed with some information. Tenting is such a cheap method to take pleasure in a vacation whereas profiting from what mom nature presents. 

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

The beautiful 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 right down to a blissful summer time vacation. The campsite is effectively positioned in entrance of the seaside the place the glistening emerald sea invitations you to dive proper in.

The campsite is effectively geared up and comes with a restaurant, bar, bike rental companies, 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 right way to Get to Elafonisos

Elafonisos Island is the best summer time vacation spot and between Could and October, you may take pleasure in glorious sunshiney climate. 

Ferry boat that goes to Elafonisos

Driving is the best method to get to Elafonisos Island, and you may anticipate 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, when you use public transport, and also you need to know when you can attain and enter Greece, what with covid-19, click on right here to develop 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 depart from Kifissos KTEL Bus Station. 

Get pleasure from a day journey to Gytheion and Monemvasia 

Gytheion is such a picturesque little city and it lies near high sights. It’s near Historic 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 obtained a most lovely seaside – Mavrovouni, and the turtles suppose so too, as endangered sea turtles arrive on the seaside to put their eggs. The seaside city can 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 positioned on the southeastern aspect of the Peloponnese and is magnificently carved into sea rock. It’s such a romantic place and lots of the historic mansions have been transformed into stylish guesthouses and small accommodations. 

There may be the extra trendy 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 Fortress.

The place to Keep in Elafonisos 

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

Elafonisos Resort

Positioned in Elafonisos, and simply 500 m from the seaside, the fashionable 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 adorned items. The beautiful loos 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 fantastic 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 basic old-world really feel.  

It’s a sheer paradise of lovely gardens and delightful views.  They’ve carried out 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 trying 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 wedding ceremony reception. 

Factor Lodge 

This glorious resort has a powerful place, mixing into the hills behind it and simply 3.5 km’s from the primary harbor of Elafonisos and a selection of fabulous taverns and only a few minutes away from the well-known Simos Seashore. For availability and charges click on right here. 

 
It’s a 3-star air-conditioned resort positioned within the Kato Nisi space of Elafonisos Island. The resort is designed for consolation, rest and excellent 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 direction of guaranteeing a memorable keep. 

The place to Eat on Elafonisos Island

Creperie Mammy Mam

If you happen to love exploring attractive 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 a complete new stage. 

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

Conclusion:

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

As you strategy 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 title is busy, inviting you to pop into memento retailers and a restaurant earlier than you head in direction of your lodging. 

Elafonisos Island is small nevertheless it presents improbable lodging and once you begin catching up with a number of of the company at your resort or guesthouse to discover out what they need to say concerning the island, all of them appear to speak about it as a private favourite journey vacation spot.