Getting from Elafonisos to Folegandros

If you are heading to Folegandros from Elafonisos you are making your way from a small island off the southern Peloponnese coast to a small clifftop island in the southern Cyclades, on the opposite side of Greece. It has a Chora perched on the edge of a sheer drop above the sea and an atmosphere of genuine calm.

Take the ferry

Elafonisos has no ferry connection to the wider Greek ferry network. The only ferry from Elafonisos is the short 10 minute crossing to Pounta on the southern Peloponnese, which runs every 30 minutes in summer. Getting to Folegandros means taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Piraeus and boarding the Piraeus to Folegandros ferry, which runs several times daily in summer and takes around 4 to 8 hours. Alternatively drive to Athens and fly to Santorini and take the short ferry from Santorini to Folegandros, which takes around 45 to 50 minutes.

Getting there by air

Folegandros has no airport. The nearest airport is Santorini. Elafonisos has no airport. The nearest airport is Athens, around 3.5 to 4 hours by car from Pounta. Taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Athens and flying from Athens to Santorini, followed by the short ferry to Folegandros, gives a total journey time of around 7 to 8 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, drive north to Athens and fly from Athens to Santorini, then take the short ferry across to Folegandros. Having a car is essential for the Pounta to Athens leg as the KTEL bus connection is slow and infrequent. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta and drive to Piraeus for the conventional Piraeus to Folegandros ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to the island.