Exploring the the lower southern tip of the Peloponnese.
We drove onwards to the tiny island of Elafonisos. Stunning azure blue waters greeted us, as we took the ferry across. A tiny island with a port and shops at one end, then deserted beaches on one side with only sand trails, we headed there in search of some ancient ruins that weren’t around anymore. Instead we found a fairly deserted beach with palm frond umbrellas perfect for chilling and watching the crystal waters.
After a light seafood lunch in town, grilled calamari and dips, we headed to the famous Samos beach. It was windy and not that great, so instead we caught the boat back and I spent the remaining light swimming over ruins of the…..
Ancient city of Pavlopetri
We though it was just an abandoned stretch of beach, but as I swam in the water I noticed interesting remains below me. Luckily I had my snorkel, and with it I was able to spot the city walls and houses visible under the clear blue waters! I felt like Indiana Jones, it was so exciting!
Pavlopetri is an underwater Greek bronze age city from around 2800 BCE. It was a planned city, with a busy port that did trade with Crete, and archeologists have found Mycenean and Minoan remains. You can easily snorkel or scuba over the town and see the straight streets, house foundations, rock cut tombs, port and more. Complete access to the site is from the beach, its easy to get to (see my map below) and just bring your snorkel or scuba gear. Remember to not touch anything!
Recent excavations have found it is the oldest sunken city in the world and much older than originally almost 5000 years. The archeologists have also been able to recreate an entire town map!
The University of Nottingham is doing the excavations and you can read more about it on their website. and watch their videos about the excavations. I’ve put one below for you.
I could’ve stayed for ages except that the sun was fading and it was getting colder…
We had dinner in Geyfri overlooking the water at a lovely taverna with quite a lot of cats. Not unusual in Greece, however the French tourists at the next table took pity on them feeding them fish scraps. I might’ve joined in!
Sunset behind the rock, watching the horizon turn pastel blue….
