My last year summer started in Elafonissos. A new company with a positive spirit, convinced us to cross the Peloponnese, with final destination Neapolis at Laconia, during the Holy Spirit Weekend. Personally, I made my decision with reservations, because the idea finding my self into national roads, ports or airports, during the days of the massive "output" scares me. We had missed the summer - who hasnt missed summer at the end of May? - And so we decided to take the risk. And we did not regret it.
This year we took the same route, on the same weekend, with the company grown by a bit and even more fun. Because in our mind, the microscopic Elafonissos is already registered next to the word "summer".
The route from Athens until Naples without many stops takes four hours. It not fast. But the imagery that you face when you reach the coast of Laconia, is enough to compensate for your patience. This blue-green tint in the water, you encounter only in exotic paradises - but isnt this little island one of the planets last paradises afterall? You rush into the small ferry boatand you are across within 10 minutes. There arent many secrets about Elafonisos. From the islands-symbols of our youthful years and the camping spirit that evolve, I must admit with concern into a touristic destination. This is why I concider entirely justified the choice of June. July-August mean crowds and excessive noise at the beaches. And what beaches ... For beloved Simo - the famous beach-legend for so many decades, what can I say? For those who havet had the luck to date, rush into a sandy beach that defies imagination and makes you wonder why do you run to Hawaii. You walk and the sand blends with your feet, like gold dust, mixed with pieces of pink and yellow tiny shells. In older days, when people were scarce, these shells were whole there ... And on the very edge, that amazing point with the strip of sand that fades between two pieces of sea that make you want to dive and stay there until the next summer .... Even now where hundreds of deck chairs and umbrellas are stretched in the sand (which you will pay dearly), you will find a comfortable remote resting point. But if you want your loneliness, bring an umbrella and a portable refrigerator.
For those with the mood and the means of transport to roam the island, I would personally recommend the less-known beach Panagitsa on the southwest side. Ten minutes of driving, all for a long, golden beach, less crowded but equally magical.
My few tips for those who are convinced:
The best meal in Elafonisos, I had at Mrs Alexandra (Aroni). When I first arrived at the tavern, I wondered whether she can draw our attention away from the "imperial" view of the bay of the islands of Panagitsa (on the beach Panagitsa). Its a real feat how she makes it every time time. Homemade recipes and a repertoire spaning from the simplest to lobster-pasta.
I lreally liked the fish-soup that I tried on the waterfront, when I reached Ntagianta. Despite the fact that its position is "touristic" - it is the first restaurant you will encounter when you step of the ferry, the food was fair. Worth to try the octopus, you'll see hanging to dry in the sun.
Elafonissos is not Mykonos. This is fine if you're not looking for Mykonos (which remains in the Cyclades). But when we where in the mood for drinks, we found it. We walked at the port until the end - that is, until the point where the Church is - a symbol of Elafonisos, Saint Spyridon. It turned out that we chose correctly, carefully selected music, nice people and the crowds did not bother us. There was also a light pizza - margarita, if you do not have time to eat ...
A phenomenon which, unfortunately, tends to become a trademark - in the beach of Simos', is the "sunbed-operators". I find it ugly, in general when beaches, pile up with loungers. And even more bothersome is the fact that local mayors rent to aforementioned entrepreneurs the most beautiful and most loved places. The result is a situation, where the objective is to embarrass and send away anyone who doesnt have or does not want to pay money. Also bothersome however was, that at the beach - at the right edge of Simos, facing the sea - we were welcomed and rented a deckchair by an "educated" alien-citizen (apparently, taught by the "clever" locals), who sold us even coffee and refreshments, but when I asked for my receit he said ... unfortunately the engine broke down today.
Instead, even with two months delay, I would like to thank and congratulate the 2-3 coastguard officers who helped with the embarkation of the many cars at the port, so that island visitors could return to their homes without hassle . It was Monday (of the Holy Spirit), late afternoon ... and I overheard, them say among themselves that their schedule had expired 3-4 hours ago and there would be no overtime pay. They said goodbye, but with a smile ...
By Antonis Fourlis
From: http://www.protagon.gr/?i=protagon.el.ta3idia&id=8272
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