Elafonissos Architecture

A charming small island of Greece, right opposite Lakonia, Elafonissos is an ideal destination for a short trip in Peloponnese during summer. The local highlights are the exotic beaches, a unique pole of attraction but the traditional architecture of Elafonissos is also interesting. The island exists since the Neolithic period where submerged remains of an ancient prehistoric city can be clearly seen, particularly when the sea is calm.

During the ages, Elafonissos island was occupied by the Venetians, the Turks, the French and the British but it was not influenced by them. The only historical trace of that time was the 7th-century castle that the Byzantines left which was finally destroyed by the Turks. The only settlement was founded by residents of Mani in the middle of the 18th century, who built a few traditional houses painted in white and some modern buildings and arched doorways and balconies rising over the alleys.

One of the churches that are worth visiting in Elafonissos is the church of Saint Spiridon at the entrance of the port. This church is connected through a narrow bridge with the rest of the island and provides a relaxing promenade.

Visitors can enjoy their stay in many of the traditional hotels that have respected the traditional architecture.