Getting from Mykonos to Elafonisos

You're heading to one of the best kept secrets in the Peloponnese. Elafonisos is a tiny island just off the southern tip of the Laconian coast, separated from the mainland by a narrow strait that takes about five minutes to cross by ferry. It is small enough to explore in a day but the beach at Simos on the southern coast is reason enough to make the journey from anywhere in Greece. A double bay of white sand and turquoise water that consistently ranks among the finest beaches in the Mediterranean. The island is quiet, unhurried and largely unknown outside of Greece which at this point feels like a miracle.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry between Mykonos and Elafonisos. Getting there requires making your way to the southern Peloponnese first and then taking the short crossing from Neapoli on the mainland across to the island. The Neapoli to Elafonisos ferry takes around 5 minutes and runs frequently through the summer season. The journey from Athens to Neapoli by car takes around 4 to 4.5 hours driving south through the Peloponnese.

What about flying?

Elafonisos does not have an airport and neither does the surrounding area. The nearest airports are Kalamata to the west and Athens to the north. Flying into Kalamata and driving across to Neapoli takes around 2 hours. Flying into Athens and driving down takes around 4 to 4.5 hours. Either way you will need a car for the final leg.

Drive or bus from Athens

Driving from Athens is the most practical way to reach Elafonisos. The route takes you south through Sparta and down into the Laconian coast to Neapoli where you catch the short ferry across. It is a long drive but the road through the Peloponnese is one of the more scenic in Greece and there are plenty of reasons to stop along the way. KTEL buses run from Athens to Neapoli but connections are infrequent so check the schedule carefully if you are travelling without a car.

Your best option

Fly into Athens, hire a car and drive south. Give yourself at least two nights on Elafonisos, get to Simos beach early before the crowds arrive and stay late enough to see it empty out in the evening. It is one of those beaches that justifies an entire trip to Greece on its own.