Simos Beach

A beach straight out of a fairytale…
Simos Beach in Elafonisos isn’t just a natural wonder — it’s a place full of stories, whispers, and imagination.
There may not be any official ancient myths tied to it, but locals have always had something to say about this beach with its golden sands and crystal waters.

Who was Simos?
No one knows for sure. But some stories stand out:

The Pirate or Captain Simos
An old local tale says the beach was named after a captain or pirate who shipwrecked here or used the twin bays to hide his vessel.
The dunes made for perfect cover — and some even say his treasure is still buried here…
(but you didn’t hear that from us).

The Mycenaean Simos
The name “Simos” dates back to ancient Greece, perhaps even to the Mycenaean era.
Some believe the beach was named after a landowner or prominent figure who lived here thousands of years ago.
Just nearby, in Pavlopetri, lies one of the oldest submerged cities in the world.
Many believe the Simos area held spiritual significance for the Minoans or Mycenaeans.
Perhaps these dunes are older than we think…

The Nymph and the Fisherman
But the most beloved legend is a romantic one…
Simos, they say, was a humble fisherman who fell in love with a sea nymph.
She would appear only on nights with a full moon, and the two met in secret among the dunes.
Until one night, Simos never returned.
Since then, when the wind blows through the cedar trees, you can hear her song — and some say she’s still searching for her love.
Too sweet? Maybe.
Romantic? Absolutely.

Next time you walk among the dunes or rest under the cedars, listen closely…
You never know what secrets Simos might whisper to you.