General information about the island of Elafonisos
Strengths:
Sea and beaches.
Average:
Prices, crowding, nightlife, fairly suitable for families with children.
Weaknesses:
Points of interest, excursions, connections.
- Capital: Elafonisos
- Population: 750
- Area: 20 km²
- Port: Elafonisos
- Airport: no
- Public transportation: no
- Car and motorcycle rental: yes
- Campsites: yes
Elafonisos, also known as Cervi (from Greek Ελαφόνησος), is a small Ionian island located between the Peloponnese and Kythira. It can only be reached by sea and is just 300 meters from the coast of the Peloponnese.
It has an area of 20 km² and a population of about 750 inhabitants.
In the past, Elafonisos was connected to the mainland by a strip of land, but in 375 AD an earthquake turned it into an island. Currently, it is highly appreciated for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear sea, and it is a natural paradise protected by the European Union for the numerous endemic plant species on the island. Elafonisos has low relief; the highest point is Mount Vardia at 276 meters. Its appearance is almost African, and its sea is Caribbean-like and rich in fish.
The inhabitants of the island mainly engage in fishing and tourism.
The capital of the island is Elafonisos, where the port is also located.
It is a quiet and sparsely populated island, but during the summer period, it is crowded with tourists who appreciate its beautiful sandy beaches.
The island's road network consists mainly of two roads that, starting from the town, run along the right and left coasts. Not all internal roads are paved, and there is no bus service, but it is possible to get around by taxi or rent cars and scooters.
