Getting from Elafonisos to Santorini

If you are heading to Santorini from Elafonisos you are making your way from a small island off the southern Peloponnese coast to the most iconic island in Greece, on the opposite side of the country. It has caldera views, volcanic beaches and the ancient Minoan site of Akrotiri preserved under volcanic ash.

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 Santorini means taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Piraeus and boarding the Piraeus to Santorini ferry, which runs up to 9 daily departures in summer and takes around 5 to 9 hours depending on the vessel. Alternatively drive to Athens and fly to Santorini.

Getting there by air

Santorini has an international 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 Santorini takes around 45 to 55 minutes on the second leg. Total journey time is around 6 to 7 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 Santorini. 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. Book well ahead in July and August as Santorini flight spaces fill up fast. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta and drive to Piraeus for the conventional Piraeus to Santorini ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to Athinios port.