Getting from Elafonisos to Zakynthos

If you are heading to Zakynthos from Elafonisos you are making your way from a small island off the southern Peloponnese coast to one of the most beautiful of the Ionian islands, on the opposite side of Greece. It has Navagio Beach, the shipwreck cove with towering white cliffs and turquoise water that is one of the most photographed places in the Mediterranean.

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 Zakynthos means taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta and then driving northwest through the Peloponnese to Kyllini, which takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, and then taking the ferry from Kyllini to Zakynthos, which takes around 1 hour 15 minutes and runs frequently. This avoids Athens entirely and is the most natural road connection from the southern Peloponnese to Zakynthos.

Getting there by air

Zakynthos 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 Zakynthos 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 and drive northwest through the Peloponnese to Kyllini for the ferry across to Zakynthos. It avoids Athens entirely and is the most direct and natural approach at around 4 to 5 hours total. If you prefer to fly, take the ferry to Pounta, drive to Athens and fly to Zakynthos. Having a car is essential for this route as the KTEL bus connection from Pounta is slow and infrequent.