Getting from Elafonisos to Volos

If you are heading to Volos from Elafonisos you are making your way from a small island off the southern Peloponnese coast to a city on the Pagasetic Gulf at the foot of the Pelion peninsula in Thessaly. It is the departure point for ferries to the Sporades and has a long waterfront lined with ouzo bars and seafood restaurants.

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 Volos means taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta and then driving north via Tripoli, Corinth and Athens to Volos, which takes around 7 to 8 hours from Pounta via the E75 motorway. Alternatively drive to Athens and take the KTEL bus north to Volos, which takes around 3 to 3.5 hours from Athens.

Getting there by air

Volos has a small airport at Nea Anchialos, around 20 kilometres from the city, with limited 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 then driving or taking the KTEL bus to Volos gives a total journey time of around 8 to 9 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 drive or take the KTEL bus north to Volos. 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 north to Volos via the E75 motorway, which takes around 7 to 8 hours from Pounta.