Welcome to our quick travel guide on Elafonisos, Greece! We are Jose and Tania, a couple from Spain and Mexico who travel with our dog Fender in our campervan. We work online – so on our travels we like to go slowly, enjoy the local cuisine, talk to locals, visit towns and less touristy places.
Recently we embarked on a trip across Europe to Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. On our return to Spain, we decided to head through Greece for a month. We visited Thessaloniki, Meteora, Athens, Corinth, Nafplion, the Peloponnese, Elafonisos, Nafpaktos, Lefkada, Parga and Corfu.
We discovered Elafonisos after searching for the most beautiful beaches to visit in the Peloponnese. When we saw that Elafonisos could be reached via a 20-minute ferry ride from the port and that we could bring our campervan across to the island, we didn’t hesitate to visit it!
Elafonisos is a small island famous for one spectacular beach called Simos. This is an impressive place with turquoise waters and sand dunes that create the effect as if the sea were split into two. After our trip there, we can safely say that there are even more amazing things to see and do in Elafonisos beyond this one beach. Keep reading below to find out!
Top 4 Things To Do in Elafonisos
1. Go Swimming at the Beautiful Simos Beach
Simos Beach boasts fine, powdery white sand and stunning, crystal-clear waters, set against a backdrop of small rolling dunes. It’s an ideal place for swimming, with calm waters and shallow depths, making it safe and enjoyable for all – whether it be for families with kids or elderly travelers.
While it’s a remote and unspoiled location, nearby beach restaurants offer delicious Greek cuisine – ensuring visitors can savor local flavors and stay fueled throughout the day. The beach’s unobstructed views of the sea and the surrounding landscape create an oasis of serenity – making Simos Beach a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful, natural escape.
2. Relax on the Golden Sands of Kato Nisi Beach
The second destination we recommend visiting is Kato Nisi Beach, located on the west side of the island. It’s just as gorgeous as Simos Beach and the calm waters are perfect for families. The golden sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, cedar trees and small nearby islets will transport you to a state of pure bliss! Catching the sunset here is also highly recommended.
3. Bathe in the Serene Waters of Lefki Beach
Lefki has waters so clear that it feels like bathing in a swimming pool! This natural beach has no sun loungers or beach clubs, creating a slice of paradise without the crowds. It’s situated in the southern part of Elafonisos next to Simos Beach, so you can visit two beaches at the same time.
4. Visit the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Spiridon
Finally, no trip to Elafonisos is complete without visiting the Orthodox church of Saint Spiridon. You can find it sitting on a tiny separate piece of land, connected by a bridge over shallow waters. Not only is the church’s history fascinating but it’s also an aesthetically pleasing place to visit.
Tips for Your Visit to Elafonisos
- Stay Overnight on the Island: We spent four days in Elafonisos and were so glad we did more than just a simple day trip. If you decide to stay overnight, just know that you can’t free camp with a campervan. You would need to book a campsite or stay in a local house (Airbnb).
- Bring a Vehicle Along With You: The most comfortable way to travel around Elafonisos is with a car. It’s advisable that you arrive early for the ferry ride, as there is usually a long line of cars waiting to board. There are three different ferry companies – each one with different schedules – but the price is the same and the journey takes about 20 minutes.
- Expect More Than Beaches: Elafonisos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, however there is more to the island than just that. You can also find a series of restaurants, bars and beach clubs. Some even stay open until 12am, so you can enjoy a wee bit of nightlife.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to follow us on Instagram (@joseandtania) where we share the places we discover while traveling in our campervan. For those interested in this lifestyle, you can visit distritocamper.com. Here we talk about road trips, slow travel and everything related to Vanlife.
