Elafonisos: The Natura area and Chora

Elafonisos, apart from its exotic beautiful landscape, is of great ecological importance, due to its rare flora and fauna. For their protection, this area of extreme natural beauty was designated in 1992 as a Natura 2000 site of Community importance. The main settlement on the small island is Chora, where you can find rooms to let, hotels, restaurants, and cafés and bars.

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Elafonisos, apart from the exotic beauty of famous Simos beach and other beaches, is of great ecological importance, due to its rare flora and fauna. For their protection, this area of extreme natural beauty was designated in 1992 as a Natura 2000 site of Community importance.

The most important elements are the sand dunes and the endemic flora species, exclusively encountered on the beaches and wider region of Elafonisos. The wetland of Strongyli lagoon, on the opposite coast, near Pounta, plays a crucial role in the balance of the ecosystem. 

The flora is rich in common species, including endemic and local endemic species. It is characterised by a variety of habitat types, most of which are pretty well preserved: common ammophila and halophytic plants, the endangered “sea daffodil” (Pancratium maritimum), cedar trees on the sand dunes, high bushes, rocks. They form plant communities, of the richest biodiversity, and underwater plant communities (poseidonies), coves, gulfs, etc. 

The area is also very important for migratory birds, as a place of reproduction and rest. Equally important is the presence of rare amphibians, serpents and birds, encountered in Elafonisos, in the region of Malea and the wider region of Laconia. 

(Texts taken from the website of the Municipality of Elafonisos). 

Chora, Elafonisos 
It is a maritime little village, with fish tavernas and accommodation facilities. The other tiny “settlements”, mainly consisting of hotels, rooms to let, beach bars, restaurant and cafés are Kapari, Kato Nisi, with the Church of Panagia Katonisiotisaand Leuki.  

A visit to Chora is the best way to end your day. With a walk by the sea, fresh fish and seafood, view of the swaying boats, a drink at a bar, a nice chat with friends. The Chapel of patron saint Spyridon lies at the spot where ships drop off passengers. 

In Chora lies sandy Kontogoni beach, partly organised, and further to the west Kalogeras Bay, with its shallow waters. 
There are rooms to let and hotels of different categories. 

With the port as its starting point and Simos beach as its finishing line, Elafonisos Run takes place in June (https://elafonisosrun.com). 

See information about Pavlopetri with the sunken citadel.

Location

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