Getting from Elafonisos to Lipsi

If you are heading to Lipsi from Elafonisos you are making your way from a small island off the southern Peloponnese coast to a small island in the northern Dodecanese group, on the opposite side of Greece. It has a pretty harbour village, uncrowded beaches and an atmosphere of complete calm.

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 Lipsi means taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Athens and flying to Leros, followed by the short ferry from Leros to Lipsi taking around 20 to 40 minutes. Alternatively drive to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Lipsi ferry, which runs around 3 times a week and takes around 9 to 10 hours.

Getting there by air

Lipsi has no airport. The nearest airport is Leros. 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, followed by the short ferry from Leros to Lipsi, 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 Leros, then take the short ferry across to Lipsi. It is the 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 Lipsi ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.