Poros stands out as one of the Greek islands nearest to the mainland, with just a narrow inlet separating it from the Peloponnese. Despite its small size, approximately 30 km², Poros boasts remarkable beauty and a distinct atmosphere. Often associated with romance, the island also offers a welcoming environment for families and hikers alike. In short, Poros is the ideal destination to experience the joys of island life in a short amount of time.
Let’s start with Poros town, also known as Hora
Poros is actually two islands linked by a bridge:
- Sferia, occupied mainly by Hora (the town of Poros)
- Kalavria on the other hand, more extensive and very green. It’s on this part of the island that you’ll find the beaches.
We recommend that you start your tour of the island in Hora. Built in the shape of an amphitheatre, this small town is full of charm, with its pastel and Cycladic (blue and white) houses, neoclassical buildings, small squares lined with tavernas, winding alleys and numerous stone staircases.
The harbor is lined with fishermen’s boats and pleasure craft on one side, and cafés, traditional Greek tavernas and souvenir stores on the other. Poros harbor exudes a cheerful, old-fashioned atmosphere.
A must-do on your visit to Poros is to climb to the top of the cliff where the clock tower, built in 1927, stands. The view from here is magnificent!
Don’t leave the island without visiting the Daglis patisserie, a family-run business since 1976, to sample the island’s specialty, the Poros macaroon, a small almond-based cake sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Continuing inland: Poros and its forests
After wandering around Hora, we recommend exploring the interior of Poros. Firstly, because there are far fewer people than in Hora. Secondly, because this part of the island is surprisingly green and wooded. It’s covered in forests of olive, cypress, lemon and pine trees. The smells are intoxicating. It’s a far cry from the image of certain arid Greek islands devoid of vegetation.
Inland, we recommend you see :
- The Temple of Poseidon: set in enchanting natural surroundings atop Mount Prophet Elias, in the center of the island. The site itself is small and of little interest. It’s well worth a visit, however, for from here you can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea as far as the island of Aegina. What’s more, admission is free and the site is open 24 hours a day.
- The monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, surrounded by pine trees, with its two enormous cypress trees (please note that the monastery is closed from 1pm to 5pm). On arrival, you’ll be lent an outfit to cover your legs, and some Turkish delight will be offered to welcome visitors. The monastery is still active. Step inside the richly decorated church. From outside the monastery, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea.
- Poros is also a great place for hiking, making it a pleasant destination in spring and autumn.
Resting on the beaches of Poros
Poros has a number of small but pleasant beaches (unfortunately overcrowded in summer). If you don’t have a car, you can get there by taking the small caiques from the port.
Our favorite beaches:
- Love Bay: a pretty cove with emerald waters and a small stone chapel. A postcard setting! Unfortunately, in summer, the beach is covered with deckchairs… which somewhat detracts from the charm of the place.
- Russian Bay : a pretty beach on the west side of the island, with a tavern. It is bordered by the ruins of a former Russian naval base, listed as a protected architectural monument. Hence the name of the beach.
- The monastery beach and its transparent waters
- The small coves along the road past the beaches of Neorio and Love Bay (reached on foot via stony paths). Quiet and undeveloped (remember to take water with you).
Other highlights include:
- The pleasant pebble beach of Kanali
- Askeli beach, unfortunately very busy in summer. It boasts a number of good taverns
- Neorion beach for water sports enthusiasts
Our favourite places to eat in Poros
You can choose between two moods. On the port to enjoy the entertainment. Or more quietly in the narrow streets of Hora.
1/ On the port
- Our favorite: APAGIO, a tavern just past the archaeological museum that we love for the smile and warm welcome of the owner, the Greek music in the background and, above all, the tasty traditional dishes. Special mention for the shrimp pasta and lamb en papillote. An excellent address! In summer, remember to book in advance.
- Restaurant Primasera, a Mediterranean restaurant. The food is delicious, the products are fresh and well cooked, the dishes very well presented and the welcome warm!
- And don’t forget the Oasis and Poseidon tavernas for Greek specialties.
- And to finish your meal on a sweet note, we recommend a visit to the Vessala patisserie. Everything is homemade, the owner’s daughter studied at the Lenôtre school in Paris.
In addition to pastries, you can also sample delicious artisanal ice creams, including avocado ice cream…
2/ In the narrow streets of Hora
- Platanos: our favorite tavern in the back streets of Poros. It is located in a pleasant little square and serves good Greek specialties. We eat in the cool shade of the trees.
- Meat lovers will prefer Dimitris Family Taverna, whose owner is also a butcher. The meats are excellent!
There are also numerous cafes and tavernas by the sea and on the island’s various beaches.
How about extending the trip?
Once you’ve explored Poros, we recommend a visit to the neighboring islands. And especially theisland of Hydra, the jewel of the Saronic Islands. But why not Spetses or Aegina ?
Poros is also a good starting point for visiting the Peloponnese and its treasures. The island is located just opposite the town of Galatas. From here, be sure to visit Epidaurus and then Nafplio.
And if a cruise appeals to you, you can choose with Click&Boat agency that manages sailboat and catamaran rentals. With a weekly cruise, with or without a skipper, you can enjoy the Saronic Gulf, its coasts and islands from the port of Alimos in Athens.
*****
You’ll find all the practical information you need (how to get to Poros, where to stay, how to get around, how long to stay, etc.) in our article Practical information to make the most of your trip to Poros.
And if you’re looking for accommodation in Poros, take a look at the following websites Booking.
And finally, visit Ferry Hopper website to buy your ferry tickets to Poros.
Laure M.
Updated February 27, 2024
