ELAFONISOS

Despite having an area of only 19 square kilometres, Elafonisos is sure to impress anyone who visits. The island has been inhabited since antiquity and has a rich history: Pausanias relates that it was once a peninsula known as ‘Onou Gnathos’. It owes its name to the small deer that once called it home – another piece of information shared by Pausanias. Today, it is a tiny Aegean[A1] island administered by the prefecture of Lakonia. The island of Kythira is located a short distance to the south. The island’s main settlement is Chora, a classic example of island architecture, with its picturesque blue-windowed, tile-roofed houses with romantic courtyards. There are three other villages on the island: Kapari, near the port; Lefki, with the island’s main attraction – Simos Beach – nearby; and Kato Nisi. In recent years, the latter has become quite popular with visitors in search of a secluded paradise, thanks to the striking Panagia beach. The patron saint of Elafonisos is Agios Spyridon, whose chapel is visible from ferries approaching the island. Due to the unique flora and fauna which call it home, Elafonisos is a Natura 2000 protected area. Visitors with a more adventurous streak should not miss the opportunity to go scuba diving and explore the sunken ancient settlement of Pavlopetri.

Gastronomy

Elafonisos has one of the largest fishing fleets in Greece, counting 180 coastal fishing vessels, so it is no surprise that top-quality fresh fish and seafood are the main culinary attraction here. The island’s coastal road is dotted with seafood restaurants where visitors can sample fresh grilled fish. To add to that, visitors should not miss the opportunity to taste the local kakkavia, a fish stew made with seasonal greens and known for its smooth flavour. Other local dishes include lobster pasta and shrimp pasta. Octopus – whether grilled or cured in vinegar-, grouper, dentex, swordfish and various other locally caught fish are also available.

Visitors to the island should also take the opportunity to sample the Lakonian variety of cheese pie, known as saiti and made with goat’s cheese and plenty of mint. The island’s best-known sweets, sousamades, are reminiscent of fried baklava and are well worth sampling.

How to get there

Elafonisos is in the prefecture of Lakonia. to visit the island, follow the road to Pounta in Lakonia and take the quick 10-minute ferry to the island from there.