Getting from Elafonisos to Leros

If you are heading to Leros from Elafonisos you are making your way from a small island off the southern Peloponnese coast to one of the most atmospheric islands in the Dodecanese group, on the opposite side of Greece. It has a striking Art Deco Italian colonial port at Lakki and a medieval castle above the main town of Platanos.

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 Leros means taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Athens and either flying to Leros or continuing to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Leros ferry, which runs 3 to 5 times a week and takes around 9 to 13 hours. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Getting there by air

Leros has its own small 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 Leros takes around 50 minutes on the second leg. 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 Leros. 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. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta and drive to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Leros ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.