Playa de Simos, on the island of Elafonisos, Greece, is a paradise of golden sand and turquoise waters, famous for its natural beauty and its 'twin beaches'. It's an idyllic destination for relaxation and photography, offering a landscape reminiscent of the Caribbean.
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About this beach
Table of contents
Introduction
We embark on a journey to describe one of Greece's most treasured gems, a place often compared to the most exotic Caribbean beaches: Playa de Simos on the idyllic island of Elafonisos, in the Peloponnese. From the moment we set foot on its sand, we are transported to a world of pristine beauty, where time seems to stand still and nature is displayed in its full glory.
Playa de Simos is not just any beach; it's an experience. It stands out for its unique geography, divided into two main bays: 'Big Simos' (Megalos Simos) and 'Little Simos' (Mikro Simos), connected by a narrow sandy isthmus. This natural phenomenon creates a truly spectacular landscape, with golden dunes gently merging with the clearest waters we have ever seen. It's a place where the blue of the sea transforms into emerald and turquoise, inviting us to immerse ourselves in its freshness and serenity. It is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic beaches of Elafonisos (Peloponnese) and an essential destination for any sea lover.
How to Get to Playa de Simos
Getting to Playa de Simos is part of the adventure and, despite its island location, is a relatively simple and picturesque journey. The key to accessing Elafonisos is the small ferry that departs regularly from the port of Pounta, on the mainland Peloponnese. The ferry ride is short, just about ten minutes, and offers charming views of the strait separating the island from the mainland. We highly recommend arriving well in advance, especially during high season, as the ferries fill up quickly.
From Athens
If we are coming from Athens, the most common route is to drive to Pounta. The car journey takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, passing through rural and coastal landscapes of the Peloponnese. Alternatively, we can take an intercity bus (KTEL) from Athens to Sparta or Neapoli, and from there a local bus or taxi to Pounta. This option is longer but can be a good alternative if we prefer not to drive.
Once on Elafonisos
Once we disembark at the port of Elafonisos, Playa de Simos is located about 4-5 kilometers south of the main town. We can get there by car (if we brought ours on the ferry), by taxi, or by a local bus that operates during the high season. The road is well signposted and easy to follow. As we approach, the vegetation becomes sparser, giving way to the imposing sand dunes that announce our arrival in paradise. The parking lot, although spacious, can fill up during peak season, so it's advisable to arrive early to secure a good spot.
The Sand and Water
The most distinctive and captivating feature of Playa de Simos is certainly its sand and water. The sand here is of exceptional quality: fine, soft as talc, and of a dazzling golden color. Walking barefoot on it is a delight, a sensory experience that instantly connects us with nature. The sand dunes, some quite high, add a wild and exotic touch to the landscape, inviting us to explore them and find our perfect spot.
But it's the water that truly takes our breath away. The waters of Simos are of astonishing clarity, with hues ranging from a crystal-clear blue at the shore to a vibrant turquoise and a deep emerald blue as we go further in. They are incredibly clean and warm, especially during the summer months, making every swim a rejuvenating experience. The shoreline is shallow, making it an exceptionally safe and pleasant place for young children and for those who prefer to splash around calmly. The underwater visibility is excellent, inviting us to snorkel and discover the marine life inhabiting the nearby rocky seabeds.
Services and Facilities
Despite its natural and largely pristine appearance, Playa de Simos is well-equipped with services that guarantee a comfortable and pleasant stay for all its visitors. Every detail is considered to make our day at the beach perfect.
Essential Amenities
- Sunbeds and Umbrellas: Along both bays, especially in the more popular areas, we will find wide sections with straw umbrellas and comfortable sunbeds available for rent. This is ideal for protecting ourselves from the Mediterranean sun and enjoying a day of total relaxation.
- Chiringuitos and Restaurants: Several beach bars dot the shore, offering a wide range of refreshing drinks, cocktails, coffees, ice creams, and light snacks. Some of them transform into more complete restaurants where we can enjoy delicious Greek salads, fresh seafood, and traditional dishes. The atmosphere in these places is relaxed and welcoming, perfect for an informal meal by the sea.
- Showers and Toilets/WC: For our comfort, there are clean shower and toilet facilities available, allowing us to rinse off the salt and sand after a swim and stay fresh throughout the day.
- Parking: As mentioned earlier, the beach has a considerable parking area, although in high season it can be a challenge to find a space if we don't arrive early.
- Lifeguards: During the summer months and in the busier areas, there are lifeguards on duty, adding an extra layer of safety, especially for families with children.
Other Services
- Equipment Rental: At some points, we can find options to rent equipment for light water sports, such as paddleboards or kayaks, perfect for exploring the calm waters of the bay. It's also common to find stalls selling eq