Elafonisos: Pavlopetri, dunes and coastal coves

Elafonisos combines coastal landscapes with a submerged prehistoric city. Between beaches, dunes and traces of history, you can choose different focuses for your days on the island. The crossing from Pounta and Ypostego to the island takes nine minutes. Check the timetable before setting off, as schedules and operating conditions may vary.

Beaches, coves and dunes

Panagia Beach lies on the western side of Elafonisos in the Kato Nisi area, opposite the coast of Mani. It is a large sandy beach with deep blue waters. Rare dunes and a forest of sea cedars line the coast. In winter, the small seasonal Limnitsa Lagoon also forms here. This means the character of this stretch of coast changes with the seasons: in winter, a wetland is added to the beach landscape.

Simos Beach can also be described in more detail. The Sarakiniko peninsula divides it into two natural coves: Megali Paralia, also known as Sarakiniko, and Mikri Paralia, also known as Frangos. In Fragkos Bay, shallow waters sheltered from waves provide easy and safe access to the sea and make swimming easier. Simos is about 5 kilometres, or roughly a 10-minute drive, from Elafonisos’s main settlement; both figures are approximate and may vary depending on conditions. If Simos is one of your must-visit beaches, factor this drive into your choice of holiday apartment.

Nature protection and distinctive landscapes

The Elafonisos area is designated a Natura 2000 Site of Community Importance (GR2540002). The features underpinning this protection include dunes and endemic plant species found exclusively on the beaches and in the wider Elafonisos area. In addition to Panagia’s dunes and sea cedars, Strongyli Lagoon is also designated as a wetland. These natural features give the island a different emphasis from a purely beach-focused stay: coastal formations and plant life are equally part of its landscape.

Pavlopetri: a city beneath the water

The submerged settlement of Pavlopetri lies underwater between Pounta Beach and Pavlopetri Island, about 600 metres north-northeast of Elafonisos harbour. It is considered a rare prehistoric city, with a settlement plan comprising buildings, streets and squares. Pavlopetri is one of the oldest submerged cities in the world; future research may further refine this archaeological assessment. Pavlopetri was already an organised settlement in the 4th millennium BC. Its layout makes Pavlopetri a historical subject that clearly differs from the coastal coves and dunes.

Individual religious buildings also shape the island’s history. The chapel of Agios Patapios is located in the Aglyftis area, at the westernmost point of Elafonisos. Agios Spyridon is considered the island’s only historic religious monument. The Elafonisos Run starts at the harbour and finishes at Simos Beach; it is listed as taking place in June. If you are interested, check the event details for your year of travel.

A wider look at Laconia

Other cultural sites in Laconia broaden the historical picture, without being equated with Elafonisos’s own underwater archaeology. The acropolis of ancient Sparta preserves parts of the sanctuary of Athena Chalkioikos; the archaeological remains also include a Roman Theatre with a capacity of 16,000 spectators. In Geraki, the castle combines a Frankish fortification with Byzantine churches whose frescoes preserve examples from the 12th to the 15th century. Geraki kilims are recognised as part of Greece’s intangible cultural heritage. These regional topics range from ancient sanctuaries to Byzantine art and craftsmanship.

This gives you a range of interests to consider when planning your trip: beach coves and swimming, seasonal landscapes or the history of Pavlopetri. When choosing your base, think about which of these themes you want to shape your days on the island.

Discover more destinations: Sellasia, Faris, Pikoulianika, Koita, Neapoli Vion, Paleochora, Tripi, Paralia.

Back to the regional travel guide: Laconia.