Hiring a boat is the ideal way to explore Elafonisos, a beautiful island between Kythira and the Peloponnese coast. Elafonisos is known for its exotic waters, a private boat trip will ensure you have a unique experience. You can easily find the ideal catamaran, sailboat, motor yacht or speedboat of your choice from the picturesque Port of Elafonisos or any other marina in the Peloponnese. You can directly contact the owners of the vessels or simply allow a BednBlue travel expert to guide you with some suggestions.
You have plenty of options:
You can book and hire a sailboat or speedboat with a skipper, or without if you own a license and enjoy a one-day cruise to the islands of Panagia. With the option to rent a motorboat, their fast cruising speed will allow you to tour various beaches you desire with ease. If you book a catamaran, you can throw a birthday party or celebrate a wedding anniversary onboard. Finally, you can hire a luxury yacht or sailboat and visit Kythira and Crete for multi-day trips.
During the age of antiquity, the entire region of Elafonisos formed a lagoon commonly known as “stroggyli” where an isolated population of deer surrounded it in the fields around. Elafonisos is known as the island of the deer due to the rich hunting that existed in the same period, there is also evidence that there was a sanctuary of the Goddess Artemis at the time. Besides the beautiful azure waters that rest between the island and the Peloponnese, Elafonisos is rich in history. According to Thucydides, one of the most powerful patriots in Greece, Demosthenes visited the area. There are mentions that the area was also inhabited in the prehistoric period.
Around the 17th century, the island was used as a base for many Sailors and Corsairs and even today there are many vessels making their way from Continental Europe to the Eastern Mediterranean through the Elafonisos channel. Today, Elafonisos remains unharmed from its authentic past and brings many visitors yearly who are seeking an ideal destination for relaxation. When you have finally selected your favorite boat, be prepared to gaze at the island’s exotic landscape and visit some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.
You can rent a boat in Elafonisos and cruise to the magnificent beach of Simos. Simos is the island’s superstar spot, awarded multiple times with a blue flag for its transparent emerald waters and fine white sand. A magical strip of land that the beach forms leads to another smaller and peaceful one known as Lefki. This beach is ideal for motorboats and speedboats looking to moor in a wind-protected bay. On the west of Elafonisos, the islands of Panagia are also worth a visit. With a catamaran, you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the three islets of Elli, Kasella and Gaidouronisi. If you want to extend your cruise you can also visit the Islet of Pavlopetri right across Elafonisos. A fascinating seabed forms underneath with a sunken city dating back to the Bronze Age.
Boat trips from Elafonisos can also visit Neapoli or Kythira. Neapoli stretches along the coast towards Cape Malea and Vatika. You can cruise northeast of Neapoli and visit the wonderful Kastania Cave, formed from limestones during the Jurassic period. If you are sailing the southern side of the Peloponnese, Kythira is a great stop. You may plan the perfect 3-day itinerary around the islands and make stops as you please. Elafonisos can also be reached by hiring a boat from Kissamos in the west of Crete. From Crete, you can make a stop at Kythira and Antikythira islands or make your way to Monemvasia. Although sailing is more common, fishing is highly encouraged in Elafonisos. This tiny piece of land that stretches 19 square km has many local fishing boats that can take you for a swim and taste fresh fish.
Below you will find some useful information for your boat rentals in Elafonisos.
There are no organized marinas in Elafonisos, but you can find your preferred boat from the main Port.
The main port is split into two harbors. The New Harbor is packed with ferry boats that plan excursions to Pounda every day. The Old Harbor is ideal for smaller vessels and is protected from any kind of weather.
The bay of Lefki: If you are visiting Simos Beach, this is a safe Anchorage if you want to avoid the wind.
The bay of Panagia: Attention is needed when approaching the entrance to the small islands.
If you do not find the ideal boat for your sailing trip, you may begin from Kythira or Crete and include Elafonisos in your itinerary. Both Kythira and Crete have airports.
During the summer, there is a ferry connection from the mainland (Gythio, Neapoli) to Elafonisos, the trip should take only 15 minutes
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