Getting from Elafonisos to Lesvos

If you are heading to Lesvos from Elafonisos you are making your way from a small island off the southern Peloponnese coast to the third largest island in Greece, in the northeastern Aegean. It is the birthplace of Sappho, an island of olive groves, ouzo distilleries and a capital at Mytilini with a Byzantine castle and one of the most enjoyable waterfronts in the northern Aegean.

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 Lesvos means taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Athens and either flying to Lesvos or continuing to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Lesvos ferry, which runs up to 8 times a week and takes around 10 to 14 hours. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Getting there by air

Lesvos 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 Lesvos takes around 1 hour 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 Lesvos. 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 Lesvos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.