Simos Beach on Elafonisos Island rates very highly on our scale of best beaches in Peloponnese Greece. The waters are some of the clearest we have come across and the sand is white… what more could a beachgoer ask for?
Let us tell you how to get to Elafonisos, how much you’ll pay for the ferry and some of the need to know details below. Or, if you want to watch us explore this little piece of paradise, then skip to our youtube link at the bottom of this post.
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How to Get to Elafonisos Island
First it’s important to get an idea about where this little gem of an island is hidden. The Peloponnese is a large region on mainland Greece to the south. To narrow in further, there is a region within the Peloponnese called Laconia. And to narrow in even further still, look for the municipal Dimos Monemvasias.
At almost the southern tip of this peninsula, you will find Elafonisos Island just off Pounta. It sounds like a challenge to find but honestly it isn’t. Rather think of it as one of the best and remotest beaches in Southern Peloponnese Greece. A place where you can find a little piece of paradise. If you are coming from Athens, as we did, then these directions may help.
Athens to Elafonisos
If you are making the trip from Athens, then you are going to need to consider finding accomodation on Elafonisos for the night, possibly two. It depends on how long you enjoy a long car journey I suppose.
We made the drive in four and a half hours. But depending on traffic and the number of stops you take, it can take up to six hours. The drive itself is beautiful and will bring you through some very scenic mountains. If you’d like to stop along the way to break the journey up, there is always Mystras near Sparti (or Sparta). This is another place to visit if you fancy dipping further into Greek history.
If you stick to the main roads following google maps, then there are a number of toll points to pass through. But these highways are really smooth to drive on and make the drive easy.
On the main highway travelling south, before you reach Neapoli, sign posts will direct you towards Pounta. And the Pounta ferry terminal is the place you want to be, to get yourself to Elafonisos!
Elafonisos Ferry and Prices
The ferry price at the time of our visit to Elafonisos island was 11 Euros per vehicle and 1 Euro per adult.
In the down season, you can purchase your tickets on the ferry. However, if it is the busy summer season, get your ferry tickets at the port vending outlets. They are easy to find.
The ferry ride is 8 minutes each way but it only departs about once an hour. It’s a good idea to check the ferry schedule before you plan your trip to Elafonisos so that you don’t find yourself waiting for too long.
There is also no guarantee you’ll get the first ferry, if the boat is full you’ll be waiting for the next one. This happened on our return from Elafonisos, which you will discover if you watch our video further on.
The best advice is to try and get yourself in some kind of line and wait your turn. It also seems that everyone reverses onto the ferry. So be prepared for a long reversal down the wharf at the ferry port in Pounta.
Getting Around Elafonisos
Now that you are on the island, it’s time to think about how you want to get around? Because I was travelling solo with my littles on this trip, having the car was a must.
There is a small motorbike and scooter rental place in town. So if you’d prefer, leave the car in Pounta – there is plenty of car parking space at the port. And opt instead for exploring the island on two wheels… summer wind in your hair… it sounds like fun to me!
The Tsegas Rent a Moto is easy to find. As you come off the ferry, walk a few minutes to the street across from the small beach and it is right there.
Where to Stay on Elafonisos
Near the ferry port there are a few places to stay, it is a pretty part of town and central. And there are some other options further around to the west side of the island.
Booking.comIf you prefer to be closer to Simos Beach you won’t find anything on Booking.com. However, there are a couple of places to stay. If you fancy camping, then check out Simos Camping Ground. They also have some smaller cabins that might suit.
Weather in Elafonisos
We advise to look for a calm day to catch Simos Beach in all its glory. It is also important to note that there are two sides to Simos beach. There is a longer stretch of beach, and a smaller bay also, which on the day we visited was calmer. Look for a gentle south-westerly wind for ideal beach conditions. Little Simos beach will be protected and great for swimming and snorkelling.
Highlights – a Day Trip to Simos Beach
What is There to See and Do?
Because the water is so clear, naturally Little Simos beach is a great place to snorkel. I will add that there isn’t a great deal to see, but there is a reef just off the beach where you can see a few fish. If you go out further to the reefs beyond, you will likely see more. But as I had the kids, this was not an option for me.
The attached island that separates Simos and Little Simos is also interesting for a walk. The rocks around the island are home to some interesting little rock pools. Or instead, you could walk upwards and find a point from which to get a great view of both beaches.
Paradiso Beach Bar
Grab yourself a beach umbrella and a couple of beach chairs for the day from the Paradiso Beach Bar for 10 Euros. If you do this you can also use their bathrooms and parking spaces.
Order yourself an iced coffee and you’ll fit in, just like one of the locals. They hit the nail on the head when they named this little beach bar Paradiso. It truly is a little piece of paradise. Simos is justifiably one of the best beaches in the Peloponnese region of Greece!
Check out our video below to get a better idea of the beauty of Simos beach, and see for yourself just how clear the waters are.
If there are any other questions you have about this beautiful beach and island, be sure to leave a comment below.
If you love Greece, and were interested in this post on the best beaches in Peloponnese, then you might also like this post on Santorini; or our tips on how to explore Greece with kids.
Oh my gosh this island seems like an absolute dream! I am hoping to do Greece next year, so I hope we can work this in! I can’t get over how crystal clear the water is…WOW!
That video was too cute at the beginning! And that water looks beautiful.
My hubby spent a lot of time in the Greek islands when he was younger and keeps saying we must go back! I would love to go off-season when it isn’t so hot and enjoy the winter beaches and good food!
September and October is definitely a beautiful time to visit. This evening is the first time I’ve put long sleeves on!!
This seems like an absolutely incredible place to stay! Lucky you!
There is certainly a lot of useful information here. And that beach looks so nice and peaceful.
I want to go to Greece SO badly. This isn’t helping me stay patient…;) What a beautiful place!
I go to Greece a lot and have been to kalamata and the mani, but never elafonisis island. What a great suggestion. So beautiful. Thanks you for the info.
Looks so peaceful! Just what one needs after city life !
It sure is 🙂
Thank you for such an informative post!
However, me and my girlfriend are wondering if there is any Taxi service on the Island? We don’t know how to drive motorcycles.
How does one go from the town to Simos beach?
Hi Pedro… thanks for your message! Great question, there is a taxi service on the island… try this number +30 6951484989. Alternatively, you could rent a car from the mainland as I did. Or if you are up for the challenge they will give you a quick lesson on how to ride a scooter at the Tsegas Rent a Moto. Also I read last summer there was a shuttle bus around Elafonisos, but I can’t find any more information on it for this coming summer. Let me know how you get on… you will love Elafonisos Island!