A small Greek island in the Saronic Gulf, just one hour from Athens. Two hills connected by a bridge form its shape, with pine forests and lemon groves along its shores.
Poros, an island in the Saronic Gulf just one hour from Athens by ferry, consists of two connected islands: Sferia and Kalavria. From the 1927 clock tower, you can look out across the strait to spot fishing boats coming into the harbor. Spend your days swimming at Love Bay, walking through Greece's only lemon forest, or exploring the local cafes along the stone streets that wind up the hillside.
Getting to Poros
Ferries depart regularly from Piraeus port in Athens, taking about one hour to reach Poros. You can also arrive from other Saronic islands like Hydra, Spetses, and Aegina, or take a three-minute boat ride from Galatas on the Peloponnese mainland.
Exploring Poros Town
The narrow stone streets of Poros Town wind up the hillside, lined with small shops and cafes. The clock tower at the top dates from 1927 and has become the island's main landmark. From here, you can see across the strait to the Peloponnese and watch the constant movement of boats in the harbor below.
Beaches and Swimming
Love Bay sits in a small cove surrounded by pine trees that reach almost to the water's edge. Askeli Beach has jet ski rentals, volleyball courts, and several beachfront restaurants. Neorio Beach, within walking distance from town, typically has fewer people and quieter surroundings.
Moving Around the Island
Local buses connect Poros Town to Neorio and the monastery. The island has a bike-sharing system with 13 bikes available for up to three hours of use. Taxis serve all parts of the island, with most beach trips costing about six euros.
Day Trips and Nearby Areas
The Lemon Forest grows on the mainland opposite Poros port, creating the only citrus grove of its kind in Greece. You can reach it by boat from Poros Town. The nearby islands of Modi and Daskaleio make good destinations for short boat trips, with Modi harboring an ancient shipwreck in its waters.
The Monastery and Museums
Zoodochos Pigi Monastery, built in the 18th century, sits 4 kilometers east of town. The monastery has 4-meter-high walls enclosing 30 monastic cells and a library containing religious books and patriarchal documents from the 16th and 17th centuries. The Archaeological Museum in Korizi Square displays artifacts from the Mycenaean Period through Roman times.
Ancient History at Temple of Poseidon
The temple ruins stand on the island's northern side, dating back to 520 BC. The site includes foundations of the main temple, remnants of the agora, and the ancient parliament building. This temple formed part of an important religious triangle with temples on Aegina and at Cape Sounion.
