Poros sits in the Saronic Gulf, about 58 km south of Piraeus. The island is actually two islands joined by a thin isthmus -- Sferia (the small volcanic hill where the town sits) and Kalavria (the larger, forested part with beaches and the ancient sanctuary). The narrow channel between Poros and the Peloponnese town of Galatas creates a sheltered strait that looks almost like a river, giving the harbour a unique, intimate feel.

Getting There

By Ferry from Piraeus

Ferry Type Journey Time Cost (one way) Frequency
Regular ferry 2 hrs 15 min 10-12 EUR Several daily
Fast ferry (hydrofoil/catamaran) 1 hr 16-18 EUR Several daily

Ferries depart from Piraeus, which is connected to central Athens by Metro Line 1 (Green Line). The first departures are around 07:30-08:00, with returns into the evening.

Most Hydra-bound ferries stop at Poros on the way, so connections are frequent.

Tip: The fast ferry is worth the extra cost for a day trip -- it saves over an hour each way, giving you significantly more island time.

By Car + Short Ferry

An alternative approach: drive to Galatas on the Peloponnese coast (about 2.5 hours from Athens via the motorway through Epidaurus) and take the small car ferry across the strait. The crossing takes 5 minutes and runs constantly throughout the day. Cost about 1.50 EUR per person, 5 EUR for a car.

This works well if you're combining Poros with Epidaurus or Nafplio.

What to See and Do

Poros Town

The town climbs up the volcanic hill of Sferia in a cascade of white and pastel buildings with terracotta roofs. The waterfront is the social centre -- cafes, restaurants, and the ferry dock all face the narrow strait with Galatas and the Peloponnese mountains as a backdrop.

The Clock Tower -- Poros's landmark, sitting at the top of the hill. A short, steep climb from the waterfront through narrow lanes. The views from the top -- harbour below, mountains across the water -- are the best on the island.

The waterfront -- Walk the length of it, have a coffee, watch the ferries and fishing boats come and go. The evening promenade is a local tradition.

The backstreets -- Behind the waterfront, narrow stepped lanes wind uphill past small churches, cats, and flowering balconies. Quiet and photogenic.

Beaches

Poros has better beaches than Hydra, though they're mostly on the larger Kalavria side of the island.

  • Kanali Beach -- The closest to town, a few minutes' walk west. Small, pebbly, fine for a quick swim.
  • Askeli Beach -- About 3 km east of town. The most popular beach on the island. Sandy, organised with sunbeds and water sports, several tavernas. Bus service from town.
  • Love Bay (Limanaki Agapis) -- A small sheltered cove accessible by water taxi or a 20-minute walk from Monastiri. Pine trees to the water's edge, calm turquoise water.
  • Monastiri Beach -- Near the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. Pine-backed, quiet, some facilities.
  • Russian Bay -- Named after a 19th-century Russian naval base. Reached by water taxi or a longer walk. Very quiet.

Temple of Poseidon (Kalavria)

The ruins of an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon sit in the middle of the island on a wooded hilltop. This is where the orator Demosthenes sought refuge from the Macedonians and took poison rather than be captured (322 BC).

The ruins are fragmentary -- don't expect standing columns -- but the setting among pine trees with sea views is lovely. A pleasant 30-minute walk or short taxi ride from town.

Water Sports and Cycling

Poros is flat enough (on the Kalavria side) for comfortable cycling. Bike rental is available in town for about 8-10 EUR per day. The circuit around the island is roughly 25 km.

Water sports centres at Askeli and other beaches offer kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing.

Galatas and the Lemon Forest

Take the 5-minute water taxi across the strait to Galatas on the Peloponnese side. Just behind the town is a 30,000-tree lemon grove -- the largest in Greece. In spring, the scent of lemon blossoms is overwhelming. You can walk through the groves in about 30 minutes.

Suggested Day Trip Itinerary

  • 08:00 -- Fast ferry from Piraeus
  • 09:00 -- Arrive Poros. Coffee on the waterfront.
  • 09:30 -- Climb to the clock tower
  • 10:00 -- Bus or bike to Askeli Beach
  • 12:00 -- Swim, relax
  • 13:30 -- Lunch at a beach taverna or back in town
  • 15:00 -- Water taxi to Galatas, walk the lemon groves
  • 16:00 -- Back to Poros, browse the town
  • 17:30 -- Final drink on the waterfront
  • 18:30 -- Ferry back to Piraeus

Practical Tips

  • Poros is smaller and quieter than Aegina or Hydra. That's the appeal. If you want buzz and nightlife, this isn't the island. If you want a peaceful day by the sea, it's ideal.
  • Scooter rental is available and gives the most freedom on Kalavria. About 15-20 EUR per day.
  • The bus service connects the town to Askeli, Monastiri, and other points on Kalavria. Runs every 30-60 minutes in summer, less frequently off-season.
  • Bring cash for smaller tavernas, water taxis, and the Galatas ferry.
  • Water taxis run from the harbour to beaches and Galatas. Agree on price before boarding.
  • Poros is popular with Athenians for weekend getaways. Weekdays are significantly quieter.

Best Time to Visit

May-June -- Warm, green, the lemon groves are fragrant. Not yet peak season.

September-October -- Warm sea, thinner crowds, golden light.

Summer -- Hot and busy on weekends but the beaches handle it. Weekdays are fine.

Spring -- The island is at its greenest. Good for walking and cycling.

Poros is 58 km from Piraeus. The fast ferry takes about 1 hour. The island is connected to the Peloponnese by a 5-minute water crossing.