Endless golden sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters. The emerald island of the Peloponnese offers the ultimate setting for summer relaxation.
At the southern tip of the Laconian peninsula, Elafonisos, an island of just 19 sq. km, 500 meters from the opposite shore, is a place straight out of a dream. As soon as you reach Pounta, Laconia, you will board the ferry and find yourself in this little paradise within minutes. There are many reasons to fall in love with Elafonisos and return to its turquoise waters every summer.
Diving in emerald waters
Here one of the Mediterranean’s loveliest beaches awaits you, the exotic beach of Simos. Simos lies on the southeastern side of the island and consists of two sandy stretches: Small and Large Simos (Frangos and Sarakiniko, or Tseratsiniko to the locals).
Everything feels ideal at Simos Beach, from the waters and their unbelievable turquoise color, the powder-soft sand and white dunes, to the lively crew who will welcome you at the organized campsite, if you have decided to camp there. Simos is about 4.5 kilometers from the town of Elafonisos and access is by car on a paved road.
If you are not among those who want to relax on the sand all day, you can walk up to Simos Cave. It is a strenuous ascent (about 20 minutes), but the view will reward you. From this slit-shaped cave, locals say the island was born. It is like a balcony with stunning views towards the bay of Sarakiniko,a balcony to the endless blue.
In the «shadow» of famous Simos, there are other beaches, equal in beauty to the island - star beach. Almost next to Simos Beach, there is the Lefki beach which hasthe same, beautiful, exotic waters and is ideal for those who do not favor organized beaches and want a little seclusion from the crowd. That is its main difference from Simos, after all. Lefki truly lives up to its name, as all of its sand is white and invites you to enjoy the waters of Elafonisos a little more «privé».
If you get tired of the soft and restful sand and prefer a little pebble, visit the beach of Aglifti,at the westernmost point of the island. Access may be difficult, since reaching it requires hiking, but if you manage it, you will likely find yourself alone in yet another Elafonisos paradise.
Also, to the west lies Panagia, a wonderful beach with pool-like waters that recalls an exotic destination. In the embrace of Panagia we find its four islets: theXeropoules, theLepto Nisi, thePrasonisiand theKassela, the largest islet of Elafonisos. On Panagia Beach one can enjoy a magical sunset, as the sun sets between the islets.
