Getting from Elafonisos to Kasos

If you are heading to Kasos from Elafonisos you are making your way from a small island off the southern Peloponnese coast to the southernmost island in the Dodecanese group, on the opposite side of Greece. It has a maritime history that produced some of Greece's most celebrated sea captains and an authenticity that comes from being almost entirely off the tourist circuit.

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 Kasos means taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Piraeus and boarding the Piraeus to Kasos ferry, which runs 3 to 5 times a week and takes around 13 to 17 hours. Flying via Rhodes is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Getting there by air

Kasos has its own small airport with connections from Athens via Rhodes. 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 Rhodes and Rhodes to Kasos 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 Rhodes, then connect to Kasos by air or local ferry. Having a car is essential for the Pounta to Athens leg as the KTEL bus connection is slow and infrequent. Check the schedule carefully as the Kasos service runs a limited number of times per week. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta and drive to Piraeus for the Piraeus to Kasos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in around 13 to 17 hours depending on the route.