The island of Elafonissos is one of the Greek islands of the Aegean Sea and it belongs to the region Peloponnese. A tiny island south of Peloponnese, Elafonissos in Greece is a place for total relaxation. Nudism is discreetly practiced in some beaches of Elafonissos island, particularly in Mikros Simos beach. Simos and Panagia are the main and most fantastic beaches on the island. The most famous is Simos beach, on the southern side, very popular for camping too. The only village of Elafonissos concentrates on all activities and things to do, visitors head to the village for a stroll along the beach promenade and a tasty meal in the taverns. Holidays in Elafonissos can be combined with Kythira or other lovely destinations of southern Peloponnese, like Monemvasia and Gythio.

Elafonissos island does not have the spectacular beauty of its island cousins in the Cyclades chain. But it is surrounded by the most beautiful turquoise seas and has some of the finest and longest sandy beaches in Greece. The port town may remind you of a smaller more Spartan version of Aegina, with a line of seafood tavernas and a few rooms to rent and summer houses. Many Athenians who have yachts and cabin cruisers come here on weekends for barbounia and because of that prices are a little higher than what you will pay in a beach taverna somewhere in the Peloponessos.

Simos beach may be the best beach in Greece with soft white sand and clean blue water. One of the few beaches in Greece where camping is allowed. Well maybe it is not allowed but people do it anyway, pitching their tents among the dunes and trees and giving the area a sort of hippy or gypsy feeling to it. All the beaches on Elefonissos have a tropical look and feel to them and the cantinas play as much latin as Greek music. Besides the beaches there is not much to see on the island and besides being on the beach there is not much to do besides eat and drink. But the snorkeling is terrific, the barbounia at Psarotaverna Ntagiantas were delicious and I even allowed myself a glass of ouzo before our drive to Gythion.