Elafonisos Beaches

Definitely one of the last pearls of Greece, which many are discovering as an alternative holiday given its difficulty in reaching it which remains only for those who want and appreciate a non-direct journey which still has its charm through the Peloponnese, a part of Greece still intact where nature is sovereign, deeply rooted traditions and a respectable historical baggage.

Elafonisos is small we are talking about just twenty square kilometers but she manages to make anyone fall in love with her and feeds the desire to go back again and again. From the mainland and the coast, the journey by sea takes no more than ten minutes, but in just six hundred meters everything changes.

Also called Cervi (Elafi in Greek is deer while nissi is island) due to its shape, we can say that it has an almost exotic flavor due to its beautiful white sand beaches with pink shades bathed by a crystalline sea and the different shades of blue . It is part of the Natura 2000 project because the delicate sea lilies bloom in its dunes every moonrise and for the Caretta Caretta turtles, which have found a perfect habitat for nesting and the continuation of the species in Elafonisos.

Given its size, there aren't many beaches, in total there are seven but they will surely remain in your heart because they are extraordinary.

Simos Beach

Simos beach is the most famous and best known when it comes to Elafonisos. We find it to the southeast, four kilometers from the fishing village, among other things, the only one present on the island, the point where it lands. A breathtaking desert landscape of velvety white and pink sand, clear and transparent waters, a sea of intense blue and turquoise up to sparkling blue with depths that descend very slowly, perfect for families with children and those who like to soak in vitamin D. A long strip divided into two called respectively Little Simos and Sarakiniko, both in the shape of a crescent that with their backs join a promontory. Walking up the canal that separates the two beaches in the middle of a fragrant Mediterranean scrub made of wild rosemary, sea lilies and ancient junipers shaped by the wind, you get an idyllic panorama. Hundreds and hundreds of meters of beach where you can find your own corner to meditate and enjoy so much benevolence from Mother Nature. Legend has it that Simos beach was a refuge for pirates when they tyrannized the seas between the 16th and 19th centuries. They are equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas with different prices based on the location and the season, a mini market, a self service at the only campsite in Elafonisos and a couple of refreshment points where in the evening you will find food as well as live music. There is also a free area especially in the northern part where you can put your beach towel and enjoy a wonderful day at the beach. For romantics, during the hot summer nights, the beach of Simos is a perfect observation point to admire the Milky Way looking up, which from here, given the lack of artificial lights, can be seen in its unique and immense beauty.

Lefki Beach

Lefki beach is a hidden wild treasure chest of Elafonisos island. Overlooking the Gulf of Vatika to the southeast, to reach it, follow the road that leads to Simos beach but you have to turn left. Lefki in Greek means white and the name is due to the color of its sand that seems almost silk. A small lagoon with a sea with blue and emerald shades, clear and extremely crystalline waters, a seabed with some rocks full of colorful fish all to be observed equipped with fins, a mask and why not an underwater camera to immortalize them. A pearl, wild and uncontaminated, where you come to enjoy a fabulous sea and untouched nature. It is not equipped for something to drink or eat if you don't think about it independently you have to go to Simos beach, a lonely paradise in a nutshell. Obviously during the summer it tends to fill up so the rule is that first come first served. Every year new archaeological finds are made from the waters of Lefki beach, submerged treasures that tell the long history of the area and of maritime traffic that stretches up to Cape Maleas, a place linked to Ulysses as legend has it that right here he lost his way in the his return to his beloved Ithaca.

Panagia Beach or Kato Nisi

Panagia beach (Virgin) also called Limnista beach (small lake) or Kato Nisi beach (low island), is located about halfway west of the Elafonisos island, four kilometers from the only inhabited village. It can be reached passing through immense fields of olive trees and rugged plateaus passing the church of Agia Triada Timios. The name Limnitsa derives from the fact that during the winter, rainwater is deposited inside a creek, creating a small lake. A very large coast made up of sandy dunes covered with sea lilies where the Caretta-Caretta turtles arrive from April to May to lay their eggs, transparent and clean waters, a sea of crazy colors with a seabed rich in marine fauna and flora as well as to finds of ancient artifacts. It is partly equipped with a refreshment point, while an area is completely free with a fresh juniper forest which gives natural shade during the hottest hours. From the beach of Panagia right in front there are four small islands that can also be reached by swimming if desired, Lepto, Nisi, Pasonisi, Kassela and Xeropoules, a favorite destination for wild birds. The myth tells that they are the stones thrown by the Cyclops to sink Ulysses' ship. The sunset from here is undoubtedly the best on the island when the sky and sea are tinged with warm colors that would melt even the coldest souls. To visit in the surroundings, the homonymous church and several natural caves up to the wonderful belvedere the highest part where you can enjoy a panorama that will leave you speechless.

Kontogoni Beach

Kontogoni beach is the city beach if we can call it that. We find it in the only inhabited center of the Elafonisos island just around the corner. A long and narrow coast of soft light sand, clean and transparent waters and a bright turquoise sea. It is well equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas while to eat or drink something behind the village with its cafes, typical taverns and cafes where you can take a break from the sun and maybe wait for the sunset comfortably seated at a table with a nice iced drink in hand . Especially during the summer when the island fills up, Kontogoni beach can be a little crowded, on the other hand, not everyone and not every day you want to go and discover Elafonisos and its incredible beaches, so if fall into the category of people who do not like confusion, just go a little way towards the beach of Kalogeras just after the soccer field of the island.

Kalogeras Beach

Kalogeras beach is in the northwest part of the Elafonisos island not far from the port where you dock when you reach it. It is said to be in reciprocal relationship with the ancient city of Elafonisos called Onou Gnathos which was located in today's Pavlopetri on the mainland. To better clarify the matter, you need to know that Elafonisos was once a single piece with the Peloponnese but in 375 AD a violent earthquake detached this strip of land from the continent. Just after Kontogoni beach it takes five minutes on foot to reach it, it has a sandy beach, warm waters with shallow waters, crystal clear and turquoise waters where families with children can leave the little ones to play in total safety. Given its position right on the tip, it is much loved by sports enthusiasts of kite surfing or windsurfing because it is subject to the winds when Eolo decides to make itself felt. To make the landscape even more beautiful there are cedar trees among the sinuous sand dunes where you can perhaps take a nap in the shade during the hottest moments of the day. Also perfect for snorkelers who can have fun discovering the abyss. Kalogeras beach is not equipped so remember to bring everything you need.

Sarakiniko Beach

Sarakiniko beach is nothing but one of the two beaches that form Simos. The larger twin is found in its homonymous bay, once a refuge for Saracens, corsairs and so on and so forth, invaders who sailed the seas of Greece. A curiosity, the story tells that it was here that the decision was made for the battle of Navarino in 1827 for the independence of Greece when the allied fleets destroyed the fleet of Ibrahim Pascia. Sarakiniko beach is of shocking beauty, a beach that extends for a kilometer of soft golden sand, clear and transparent waters, a turquoise sea of a thousand shades with seabeds that slope down flat and unspoiled nature everywhere here is what to expect from Sarakiniko o Megali Paralia as it is also referred to. Surrounded by languid sand dunes and rare Cedar trees, a real godsend for shelter from the sun, it offers a truly unique landscape to the environment. It is partly equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas while an area is totally free and you can spread out your towel where you feel best inspired. For something to drink or to eat the two kiosks that also cover the Little Simos.

Megalo Tigani Beach

Megalo Tigani beach is part of the so-called "city beaches" of Elafonisos as it too is located near the village where you arrive by ferry, the only center where life on the island completely revolves. Exactly it is right next to the port and we can say that it is not a shocking thing like the others, it is certainly comfortable and usable especially for a lunch by the sea or a coffee as a stop during the day. There is no sandy beach, only rocks but the sea, despite its proximity to the port, is extremely clean. Perfect for an aperitif at sunset or for dinner on a full moon evening.