Getting from Elafonisos to Kalymnos

If you are heading to Kalymnos from Elafonisos you are making your way from a small island off the southern Peloponnese coast to an island in the Dodecanese group, known above all for its sponge diving tradition and its status as one of the premier rock climbing destinations in Europe, on the opposite side of Greece.

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 Kalymnos means taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Athens and either flying to Kalymnos or continuing to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Kalymnos ferry, which runs around 5 times a week and takes around 9 to 11 hours. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Getting there by air

Kalymnos has its own small airport 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 Kalymnos takes around 1 hour on the second leg. Total journey time is around 7 to 8 hours. Alternatively fly to Kos and take the short ferry from Mastichari to Kalymnos, which takes around 30 to 45 minutes. 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 Kalymnos or Kos. Having a car is essential for the Pounta to Athens leg as the KTEL bus connection is slow and infrequent. If you fly to Kos the Mastichari to Kalymnos ferry is a frequent and effortless connection. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta and drive to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Kalymnos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.