Getting from Elafonisos to Samos

If you are heading to Samos from Elafonisos you are making your way from a small island off the southern Peloponnese coast to an island in the eastern Aegean, close to the Turkish coast, on the opposite side of Greece. It is green and mountainous with wine production dating back to antiquity and the UNESCO-listed Heraion sanctuary.

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 Samos means taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta and then driving north to Athens and either flying to Samos or continuing to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Samos ferry, which runs up to 6 times a week and takes around 8 to 9 hours. Samos has two main ports, Vathy and Karlovassi, so check which port your ferry arrives at before booking accommodation.

Getting there by air

Samos has an international airport with 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 Samos 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 Samos. 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 Samos ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to the island.