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Elafonissos, also known as Cervi, is located south of the Peloponnese, opposite the town of Pounda, from where the ferry departs. In just ten minutes, the ferry crosses 600 meters of sea and takes you to another world, what we can easily call paradise!
Elafonissos is a tiny island covering only 19 square kilometers, a small patch of land offering visitors incredible places with untouched and wild nature. It boasts bays with exotic beaches of soft, light sand bathed by extremely clear and clean waters, with a sea in stunning colors and gently sloping seabeds, perfect for a family holiday, especially with small children.
The name Cervi was given to the island during the Venetian period due to its shape, which resembles a deer’s head. Like much of Greece, Elafonissos endured centuries of Ottoman domination, later becoming part of the United States of the Ionian Islands, passing under British rule in 1815, and finally becoming part of Greece in 1864.
A vacation in Elafonissos is chosen by adventurers, as reaching it requires some effort. However, the journey is part of the charm, and the reward is well worth it upon arrival. The trip involves crossing much of the Peloponnese (depending on whether you land in Athens or Kalamata; both require about 3.5 to 4 hours of driving). Along the way, you can make a stop to enjoy the wonders of the mainland, such as the Mani Peninsula or the stunning Monemvasia.
Elafonissos is not for everyone, but for those who want to stay in close contact with nature in its purest form. It offers a different side of Greece compared to the more typical islands, just as beautiful and full of interest.
Going back in time, archaeological evidence shows that Elafonissos dates back to the Neolithic period. It became a peninsula in 375 AD due to a catastrophic earthquake that separated this strip of land from the mainland, giving it new life and identity. The island is protected under the Natura 2000 network because, despite its small size, it preserves a unique habitat. Here, beautiful sea lilies bloom among the soft dunes under the moonlight, and the endangered loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) come to lay their eggs, continuing their life cycle.
What can you do in Elafonissos? The main draw is the sea and its beaches, which will surprise visitors. The most famous is Simos Beach in the southeast, where two crescent, shaped bays meet to create an almost dreamlike landscape. However, all of Elafonissos’ beaches are stunning, and you’ll find yourself changing favorites daily!
The island has only one village, where life centers around a few taverns, cafes, and essential shops. Nothing more is needed for a Greek vacation focused on relaxation and peaceful living. Most of the locals are involved in tourism or fishing, and every day you can enjoy the freshest fish, generously provided by the sea and the hard work of the fishermen.
If you’re in the mood for something different beyond lounging and soaking up the sun, a visit to the stunning medieval of Monemvasia village is just an hour away from Elafonissos. Built into an imposing rock, Monemvasia is only accessible on foot via a road over the sea. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time as you walk through the stone streets that intertwine like a labyrinth. At the highest point, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view, especially at sunset, when the stones take on a purple hue, creating a surreal, fairy tale like scene.
Another great option for a day trip is to visit the underwater city of Pavlopetri, a unique archaeological site and part of UNESCO’s Underwater Cultural Heritage. Considered the oldest submerged city in the Mediterranean, it lies 4 meters underwater and dates back to 3000 BC. Pavlopetri was completely submerged around 1000 BC by a violent earthquake that reshaped the region of Laconia. This unforgettable adventure, with fins, mask, and snorkel, allows you to discover one of Greece’s most beautiful sites.
For those who love hiking or walking, Elafonissos is ideal. The distances are short, with hills reaching a maximum height of 300 meters. However, there are plenty of trails to explore the island from end to end. For a more challenging hike, simply take the ferry back to the mainland. One of the most beautiful trails leads to Cape Malea, but that’s another story…
As a small island, the accommodation options are proportional to its size. Most places to stay are in the village where the ferry lands, offering a good selection of studios, apartments, and rooms for rent. Just outside the village, near Simos Beach, you’ll find a few larger hotels. If you choose to stay outside the village, it’s essential to have your own transportation.
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