Getting from Elafonisos to Lemnos

If you are heading to Lemnos from Elafonisos you are making your way from a small island off the southern Peloponnese coast to an island in the northern Aegean, on the opposite side of Greece. Lemnos has long sandy beaches, a Byzantine castle above the harbour at Myrina and some of the best Muscat wine in 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 Lemnos means taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Athens and either flying to Lemnos or continuing to Piraeus for the long Piraeus to Lemnos ferry, which runs around 3 times a week and takes around 12 to 15 hours. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Getting there by air

Lemnos has its own airport with daily 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 Lemnos takes around 1 hour in the air. Total journey time is 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 Lemnos. It is the fastest and most practical approach. Having a car is essential for the Pounta to Athens leg as the KTEL bus connection is slow and infrequent. Lemnos Airport is around 22 kilometres from Myrina so factor in a taxi on arrival. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta and drive to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Lemnos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.