Getting from Elafonisos to Fournoi

If you are heading to Fournoi from Elafonisos you are making your way from a small island off the southern Peloponnese coast to a cluster of small fishing islands between Ikaria and Samos in the eastern Aegean, on the opposite side of Greece. It has excellent seafood, quiet beaches and almost no tourist infrastructure.

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 Fournoi means taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta and then driving north to Athens, flying to Samos or Ikaria, followed by the local ferry to Fournoi, which takes under 1 hour from either island and runs daily in summer.

Getting there by air

Fournoi has no airport. The nearest airports are Samos and Ikaria, both with connections from Athens. 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 Samos, followed by the local ferry to Fournoi, gives a total journey time of around 8 to 9 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 Samos, then take the local ferry across to Fournoi. It is the most practical approach. Having a car is essential for the Pounta to Athens leg as the KTEL bus connection is slow and infrequent. Give yourself at least two nights on Fournoi and come prepared as facilities on the island are limited.