Foskolos mentions that goddess Aphrodite separated Elafonisos from Kithera in order to protect Harietes.

Odyssey - Land of the Cyclops
The Odysssey begins with the Channel of Elafonisos.  When Odysseas was returning to Ithaki from Troia he reached cape Maleas.  There he was defeated by the elements of nature.  He unsuccessfully tried to enter  the channel of Elafonisos. After his navy was banished he arrived at the land of the Cyclops.
As local tradition has it, Kato-Nisi is known as the Land of the Cyclopes.  The islands of Panagia are called "Cyclopetres" (Stones of Cyclops), while the front cave in called Polifimos’ cave.
The Phoenicians often visited Elafonisos (and Kithera as well).  Traces of porphyry were found in the prehistorical town of Elafonisos called Pavlopetri.

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