Poros in Greece

Poros belongs to the Saronic islands and is located between the islands of Agistri and Hydra. Poros has about 3,990 inhabitants, almost all live in Poros Town which has about 3,650 inhabitants. The surface area is 31 km2 and the island's highest mountain Vigla measures 358 metres above sea level.

Poros is just over 300 metres away from Galatas in the Peloponnese. I do not know any other island located as close to the mainland as Poros. Another thing that distinguishes Poros from other islands is that it in fact is two islands: small Sferia (Sphairia) where Poros Town is found, and Kalavria which is the main island. The islands are connected by a small bridge.

ll

The picturesque Poros Town.

Sometimes Poros is confused with Paros in the Cyclades. When I went island hopping for the first time (in 1982), my first stop was Paros, as many other island hoppers at that time. I bought boat tickets to Paros in Piraeus, but noticed that I had received a ticket to Poros when I was about to board the ferry. It worked out luckily.

The town of Poros is very nice and it is a great pleasure to stroll around the alleys.

I like Poros very much, not least the picturesque Poros Town. I also like the smallness, most things are within cycling distance. Also the proximity to Galatas is an advantage. The scenery is beautiful with large green pine forests that grow all the way down to the sea. Unfortunately, parts of the island were affected by forest fires in the summer of 2007. Luckily, the fire could be extinguished quickly.

The waterfront of Poros Town.

TRAVEL TO POROS

It is possible to go on a package-holiday to Poros from several countries. If you choose to travel independently, go by air to Athens and continue by ferry to Poros from Athens' port at Piraeus. Many daily departures. Poros also has very good boat connections with Aegina, Hydra and Spetses, as well as with Galatas on the Peloponnese.

Ferry timetable for Poros »

Book ferry tickets online here »

Poros town seen from a ferry on the way to Hydra.

GETTING AROUND ON POROS

Bus operates the beaches on the south coast, and the monastery of Zoodochos Pigis. Otherwise, cycling is the best way to get around. As I said, the distances are very short, there are few slopes, and it is cheap. You rent a bicycle in Poros Town. Boats to Galatas are shuttling from the small port in Poros Town.

VILLAGES ON POROS

Just like on Spetses and Hydra, there is only one village on Poros, namely Poros Town. Most of it revolves around the cosy waterfront lined with tavernas, bars, cafes and shops.

Along the cozy harbor promenade in Poros Town are many good restaurants.

The dominant building is the Clock Tower that seems to be watching over the town. The view from here is fantastic, both over the sea, and also over the older parts of Poros Town. The sunset is beautiful from many places in the town, but the most beautiful sunset is seen from the Clock Tower. Behind the Clock Tower, there are countless of narrow streets flanked by old nice houses.

The sunset seen from Dimitris Family Taverna in Poros Town.

Dimitris Family Taverna is located in one of the alleys. It's one of the best tavernas I've eaten at. Dimitris is both a butcher and the owner of the taverna. The slaughterhouse itself (and the kitchen) is located opposite the taverna. The menu is huge, the food is fantastically tasty and the prices below average. Here you really get value for money. Views and the sunset are available for free.

BEACHES ON POROS

All beaches are on the south coast and consist of sand or pebbles. It is about the same distance to the beaches west of Poros Town, as to the beaches east of the town.

Poros most popular beach is Askeli beach.

The first beach in the east is Kanali beach, there after is Askeli beach (see picture above), which is Poros' longest, best and most popular beach. There are sun beds and umbrellas for rent and there are many tavernas, and also rooms for rent.

At the far end - below the monastery of Zoodochos Pigis - lies the beach of Monastiri. Here, too, there are several tavernas with a good location right by the sea. However, the beach is not as nice as Askeli.

The first beach west of Poros Town is Micro Neorion, followed by Calypso bay and Megalo Neorion. I think the latter is the best of these three. Along the beach there are several tavernas with tables directly in the sand. Here one gladly linger away a lot of time enjoying lunch and people watching.

Love bay beach has a beautiful location.

A little further west is Love bay, a nice little beach framed by pine trees. The last beach is called Russian bay which is a pretty pebbly beach, but it has a nice location. The name of this beach derivers from the naval base that the Russian had here in the early 19th century. Remains from one of the buildings still remain.

Russian bay is the last beach on southern Poros.

Read about the 8 best beaches on Poros here »

SIGHTS ON POROS

There are few sights besides Poros Town, which I think is the most worth seeing on the island. If you like monasteries, you should visit Zoodochos Pigis, not least for the beautiful surroundings. Almost in the centre of the island are the remains of a Poseidon temple, but it is so ruined that there is nothing to see.

ACCOMMODATION ON POROS

There is a wide range of hotels and pensions in Poros Town, and at some of the beaches. You can also stay in Galatas and go by boat to Poros. Many do so. Sometimes letters of rooms show up when the ferries dock at the port, sometimes not. It is best to book a hotel in advance. Below are three suggestions for good hotels.

KTM Sunny Villas »

Saga Hotel »

Panorama Apartments »

Book other hotel on Poros here »

Part of the waterfront of Poros Town.

From here the boats departs to Galatas in the Peloponnese. The Clock Tower at the top of the picture is good to have as a benchmark so you do not get lost in the alleys.