I-Heart-Mykonos-tank-top.jpg
Greek-flag-socks.jpg
Santorini-luggage-tag.jpg
save-water-drink-ouzo-t-shirt.jpg

Poros

Saronic Gulf Islands

The island of Poros is almost a part of the Peloponnese, being separated from the mainland by a narrow channel, just 400m (1312ft) across at its narrowest point.

Poros Town on Poros in the Saronic Gulf Islands near Athens in GreecePoros Town

The channel gives the island its name, as Poros means a passage, and small boats chug back and forth all day taking people between Poros Town and the tiny mainland town of Galatas. From here it is possible to catch buses to places such as Epidavros and Nafplion, making Poros a convenient base for a few days. It is also a popular and very easy day trip from Athens, with regular ferries from Piraeus.

Poros Town

As well as access to the mainland, Poros provides two islands for the price of one. Sferia, on which Poros Town stands, is separated from the much larger Kalavria by a small causeway. Poros Town is a very popular tourist destination, for cruise ships, for weekending Athenians and for European package holidaymakers, despite the island’s lack of good beaches. The town is still very attractive, though, with its mix of white and pastel-coloured houses like a jigsaw on the hillside above the harbour. The waterfront is a lively place, filled with bars and restaurants, and is certainly the place to be if you want a good night out.

Fishmonger selling octopus in Poros Town on Poros in the Saronic Gulf Islands near Athens in GreeceFresh Octopus on Sale in Poros Town

What to Do on Poros

For a quieter time, you can walk or cycle along the single main road that loops around the main island, Kalavria. This takes you past the quiet little 18th-century monastery of Zoödochou Pigis, right by the sea but no longer inhabited. Higher up on this wooded and hilly little island are the scant remains of what was the Temple of Poseidon, dating from the 6th century BC and on open access to anyone who makes the small effort to get there. 

When you have fully explored Poros, which won’t take long, make the short boat across to Galatas on the Peloponnese mainland. From here, turn left from the quiet harbour and walk until you reach the wonderful lemon groves of Limonodassos. There are tens of thousands of lemon trees here, no one seems to know for sure exactly how many, but it is a wonderful experience to stroll up the gentle hills, through the groves, taking in the scent of lemon on the gentle breeze.

Poros Town on Poros in the Saronic Gulf Islands near Athens in GreecePoros Town

Ferries from Poros to Galatas
Ferries from Poros to Galatas run 24 hours, and normally leave every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes during the night.

Getting to Poros

Flights to Poros
To get to Poros you must fly to Athens and then take the ferry from Piraeus.

Ferries to Poros
There are several ferries a day from Athens (Piraeus) to Poros. You can choose between the regular ferry and the flying dolphin service. The regular ferry is cheaper but takes about 2hrs 15mins while the flying dolphin is more expensive but will get you to Poros in one hour.

Ferries in Greece

Ferries in Greece has an excellent and very thorough website where, in addition to checking ferry schedules and times, you can also book tickets and get lots of useful information about travelling by ferry in Greece.

Where is Poros?

Google Map showing location of Poros in the Saronic Gulf Islands near Athens in Greece(c) Google Maps

Where to Stay on Poros

Other Saronic Gulf Islands pages

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Latest Posts

RSS

  1. Storm Elias continues, bringing heavy showers and thunderstorms until Thursday

    The Elias weather system was affecting several parts of the country on Tuesday, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail and lightning.

    Read More

  2. EasyJet Launches New Route and Package Holidays to Skiathos

    British low-cost carrier EasyJet and tour operator easyJet holidays have announced the launch of flights and holidays to Skiathos from London Gatwick, Bristol and Manchester for next summer.

    Read More

  3. Highway to Athens from Eleonas Toll re-opened to traffic

    The highway to Athens from the Eleonas Toll Station was opened to traffic by opening a lane on the opposite side of the road following its closure due to mudslides.

    Read More

  4. This Less-Visited Region In Southern Greece Has Stunning Beaches & Almost No Crowds

    On my first visit to the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece, I don’t remember what exactly prompted me to jump in a rental car and start exploring. I do remember the route: it was a narrow road…

    Read More

  5. Best Restaurants on Mykonos

    evas-garden-restaurant-mykonos-2.jpg
    Greece Travel Secrets picks its best restaurants on Mykonos, choosing those gourmet restaurants known for their fine dining, and some with tasting menus.

    Read More

  6. Things to Do on Mykonos

    mykonos-pixabay-2.jpg
    There are plenty of things to do on Mykonos, one of the most popular Greek islands, such as nightlife, beaches, churches and visiting the ancient site of Delos.

    Read More

  7. Mykonos

    Mykonos_Greek_food_drink_cruises.jpg
    Mykonos in the Cyclades islands in Greece has cheap and luxury hotel accommodation, car rental, ferries from Athens, Santorini, Crete and other Greek islands.

    Read More

  8. Tsikoudia: Cretan Raki and the Taste of Tradition

    With its distinctive fruity aromas, tsikoudia is more than just a drink - it is a symbol of conviviality, hospitality, and the rich heritage of Crete.

    Read More

  9. New Maria Callas Museum to Open Soon

    A museum dedicated to the legendary Greek opera singer Maria Callas, located in the heart of Athens, will open its doors to the public later this year.

    Read More

  10. European Heritage Days 2023 at the Acropolis Museum

    In celebration of this year's European Heritage Days, the Acropolis Museum in Athens will offer free entry and host a special guided tour for children.

    Read More