The sea has a central role for the people of Elafonisos. The way of arrangement with the shops and the cafes located in front and the houses behind, seems that the point of reference, the stage of the theater, is the sea (Beopoulou 1998: 195). On each of the two jetties surrounding the port of Elafonisos (called Bastouni and Kavaki) stand two deer statues, that represent the symbol of the island. And on the inside there is the picturesque harbor with the boats gently rocking on the calm waters of the beach.
At the location of the present settlement of Elafonisos and in its submerged north and northeastern region, was the first prehistoric settlement of Elafonisos and Vatika.
In modern times and just up to 1980, the paths were covered by sand and that is why the inhabitants used to walk barefoot. The best way to see the settlement of Elafonisos is to park your car and to stroll through the narrow alleys (where no car can pass anyway). Traditional houses in Elafonisos have tiled roofs, courtyards with flowers and wells. In the center of the settlement there is Pano Pigadi (upper well), from which the villagers used to collect water.
From the village you can head south and climb to Vigla (observatory) and Vardia (the highest point of Elafonisos, 276 meters above sea level) from where you will enjoy a unique view of the north (Laconian Gulf, Kavo Malea) and the south (Kythera).
Sources
Beopoulou, I., 1998, "When Men Travel", in Papataxiarchis E. & Paradellis Th. (Eds.), Identities and Gender in Contemporary Greece, Athens: Alexandria
Mentis, K., 1994, S. Peloponnesus and its “smigopelaga” islands. - Il Peloponneso meridionale e le sue isole “smigopelaga”, Elafonisos: Library of Elafonisos/Bibliotheca di Elafonisos
