Summary
Situated in the Saronic Gulf, the small island of Poros is just an hour’s ferry trip via a “Flying Dolphin” service from the Port of Piraeus.
Poros is conveniently located, separated from the Peloponnese by merely 200 metres, making it an ideal Greek Island for travelers heading from the capital by road or boat.
Visitors can enjoy a serene paradise adorned with pine trees and sandy pebble beaches along its peaceful southern coastline.
Historically, the island was believed to be the dwelling of Poseidon, and remnants of a sanctuary dedicated to this deity loom over the northern coast from a nearby hill.
The primary settlement, Poros Town, features a stylish harbor with a scenic promenade and yachts gently swaying in the water.
Let us delve into the top attractions in Poros:
1. Poros Town
Constructed on an ancient volcano, Poros Town is effectively an island in its own right, separated from the remainder of Poros by a narrow canal.
The waterfront is lined with a promenade that offers stunning views of the strait and the coastal mountains of the Peloponnese.
The presence of private yachts adds a touch of elegance, complemented by the Neoclassical villas across the street, with cafes and tavernas conveniently located just a few meters away.
You can find a spot by the flowerbeds along the promenade to observe the ferries and yachts as they glide by.
Subsequently, venture inland from the waterfront into a charming maze of winding alleys filled with local shops and restaurants that are often overlooked by most tourists.
2. Archaeological Museum of Poros
Located in Poros Town, the archaeological museum was constructed on land generously given by the affluent Koryzis family, descendants of Alexandros Koryzis, who served briefly as Prime Minister in 1941. The museum exhibits artifacts primarily unearthed on Poros at the Sanctuary of Poseidon, as well as from the Sanctuary of Aphrodite Akraia in Troezena, which lies across the channel.
The collection spans from the Mycenaean Period in the Bronze Age to Roman times.
Notable Mycenaean artifacts include figurines and pottery excavated from tombs in Galatas, along with a remarkable clay figurine of a horseman dating back to 1300 BC, discovered in Methana.
Of particular interest are the votive bronze vessels and Ionic column capitals sourced from the Sanctuary of Poseidon, which is accessible in the northern part of the island.
3. Holy Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi
Located slightly east from Askeli Beach, this monastery was established in 1720 after the Metropolitan of Athens, Iakovos II, drank from a local spring believed to have cured his lithiasis.
The monastery is nestled on a pine-covered slope overlooking the sea, and its main church (katholikon) is adorned with artistry from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The iconostasis, crafted in Central Anatolia, is made of gilded limewood, complemented by the Panagia of the Zoodochos Pigi, an icon of the Madonna painted around 1650. Additionally, on the western wall of the church is a stunning depiction of Christ Pantocrator, created around 1780. As you enter, you will find the tombs of Nikolis Apostolis and Manolis Tombazis, two honored naval commanders from the Greek War of Independence (1821-1829) flanking the vestibule.
4. Poros Town Clock Tower
Situated above the ferry port, this distinguished clock tower stands as one of the island’s notable landmarks, elegantly perched atop a rocky platform.
Although its neo-Renaissance architecture may suggest antiquity, the tower was constructed in 1927. Reaching its summit necessitates climbing a stairway, which may prove challenging under the midday sun, although portions of the steps are shaded by fig trees.
Upon your arrival at the top, the breathtaking views of the entire strait and the Aderes ridge in the Peloponnese reveal why the climb was worthwhile.
The tower also faces west, making it an ideal spot for capturing stunning sunset photographs.
5. Vagionia Bay
Situated at the terminus of a steep, elongated inlet on the northern coast, Vagionia Bay captivates visitors with its charm.
The beach comprises a mixture of sand and pebbles, gently sloping into waters of remarkable clarity.
The water’s transparency allows for snorkelers to observe the foundations and cobblestone streets of an ancient town submerged beneath the sea.
Along the shore, a single taverna offers sun loungers for rent, serving trusted Greek classics such as souvlaki, tzatziki, and tirokafteri.
The remainder of the cove remains largely secluded, with no visible signs of habitation amidst the pines, scrub, and cypress trees.
6. Askeli Beach
Bordered by eucalyptus trees along the coastal road extending eastward from Poros Town, Askeli Beach features a lengthy sandy bay set upon a gentle curve.
During the summer, the beach is predominantly adorned with sun loungers and palm sun shades that tend to fill up quickly, necessitating an early arrival.
The private sun loungers are affiliated with various hotels, while others are linked to the numerous beach bars and tavernas surrounding the bay, and their use is included with the purchase of a drink or snack.
An open area is available on the west side where visitors can bring their own parasols and relax on the sand.
Although the sea at Askeli Beach is inviting, the shore experiences a steep drop-off, which may not be suitable for young children.
7. Love Bay
Approximately three kilometers west of Poros Town lies this charming cove with coarse sandy beaches, where pines approach the shoreline, almost touching the water.
This beach features a gentle slope, offering a shallow and clear swimming area, ideal for sunbathers.
Geared towards younger visitors, Love Bay boasts a lively atmosphere, complete with a volleyball net set up in the water.
A sole beach bar rents out sun loungers, and during the summer months, it is advisable to call ahead to secure a spot.
As one of the most sought-after beaches on the island, a fee of €6.50 for a sun lounger is required, which is considered reasonable for enjoying the vibrant atmosphere in a memorable location.
8. Monastery Beach
Located just 200 meters away from the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi is a quaint sandy beach.
One advantage of this beach is that, despite its proximity at a mere 15-minute drive or taxi ride from Poros Town, it remains relatively untouched by tourists.
This beach maintains a peaceful atmosphere even during mid-summer, and its southward orientation offers splendid views of the Peloponnese.
In 2017, the rental fee for a sun lounger and parasol was €5 for the day, supplemented by a small kiosk on-site offering refreshments.
For more substantial dining options, the tavernas in Askeli are located just two kilometers to the west.
9. Russian Naval Station Beach
Following the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca in 1774, Russian naval bases were established throughout the Ottoman Empire.
The initial Russian naval base on Poros was repurposed by the Greek navy after independence in the 1830s, while a new site was established at this cove along the western coast.
The second base was larger and by the 19th century, the Russian presence on the island was significant enough to warrant establishing a Russian school.
By the 20th century, the base was in ruins, and today it serves as a shell against a small gravel beach featuring shallow waters and views of Daskalio, a diminutive island in the strait that houses a church.
10. Megalo Neorio
Accessible by a short taxi ride or a 30-minute walk from Poros Town, this small sandy beach faces a lineup of modest hotels and apartment buildings.
From the small stone jetty positioned in the center of the beach, one can appreciate the scenic beauty of the Aderes ridge to the south and west.
While Megalo Neorio is small and lacks extensive facilities, it offers a modest row of sun loungers and parasols, a kiosk, and a taverna located across the road.
Here, you can unwind under the shade of pines and a large eucalyptus tree that thrives directly from the sand.
11. Outdoor Activities
Given the right preparation, Poros is an island designed for exploration on foot.
You can traverse paths that have been followed for centuries by local villagers and farmers.
While trekking through the aromatic pine-laden hills, you will encounter olive and citrus groves, historic presses, and notable peaks such as Vigla, rising to 358 meters.
One trail leads from Sinikismos, passing by the fountains of the Virgin Mary and the churches of Profitis Elias and Agios Atathis, ultimately guiding visitors to the ancient Sanctuary of Poseidon, discussed further below.
Near Vagionia Bay lies “Dontas Horses,” a riding center that organizes guided treks along the rocky northern coast, allowing riders to admire the views of deserted deep blue inlets from the trails.
12. Water Sports
Multiple factors contribute to Poros becoming a prominent water sports destination.
The sea, particularly on the south side of the island and west of Poros Town, features warm, lagoon-like waters due to its nearly land-locked position between Poros and the Peloponnese.
Despite the notorious Meltemi north winds that affect the Greek islands, Poros is situated outside of its reach.
In this tranquil environment, water sports centers located at Neorio and Askeli provide an array of activities, including tubing, banana boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
13. Sanctuary of Poseidon
Perched in a commanding position with views overlooking Vagionia Bay, the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to Poseidon can be found at a site that has been utilized since the Bronze Age.
The Sanctuary of Poseidon is an archaeological site that encourages visitors to engage their imaginations, though it is a worthwhile diversion while exploring the island.
Demosthenes, a renowned orator from antiquity, famously chose this location to end his life by consuming hemlock.
Faint remnants of the temple exist, dating back to the late 6th century BC, which originally consisted of 6 columns arranged in 12 rows. Four stoae (covered walkways with columns) and the remnants of a grand propylon (gate) also define the site.
14. Lemon Forest
Adjacent to Peloponnese, across the narrow strait from the port of Poros, lies vibrant plots of lemon and orange groves, collectively forming a large forest that can be explored on foot.
This serene landscape encircles the port of Galetas and was notably featured in a beloved novel by Kosmas Politis written in 1930. Many of the trees now remain uncultivated, and it is evident which plots are still actively maintained versus those left to nature.
A stroll through this forest, estimated to comprise 25,000 trees, will take about an hour and leads visitors through olive, cypress, and pomegranate groves interspersed amongst the citrus trees.
15. Citronne Gallery
Owing to its vicinity to Athens, Poros served as a retreat for several Greek cultural figures during the 20th century, including the novelist Georgios Theotokas and the poet and Nobel laureate Giorgos Seferis.
Thus, it is fitting to incorporate a dose of culture amidst your beach excursions.
Named after the famous lemon grove cherished by Politis, the Citronne Gallery is housed in an 18th-century building in Poros Town, conveniently located a short distance from the ferry port.
The gallery opens exclusively for three months during the summer and hosts temporary exhibitions.
Prominent artists who have exhibited at the Citronne Gallery over the years include the Critical Realist painter Yiannis Psychopedis, sculptor Costas Varotsos, and photographer Robert McCabe.
