Practical information to enjoy your trip to Poros Island

Poros, a Greek island near Athens - island in the Saronic Gulf, next to Hydra
The island of Poros © Laure M.

Very close to the Peloponnese coast and accessible from Athens in just one hour by hydrofoil, Poros is a choice destination for a weekend or day trip. It allows you to enjoy the pleasures of the islands in a very short time. It may not be spectacular, but it’s full of charm and very pleasant for a short stay.

What’s the best time of year to visit Poros?

  • Spring (April-May) is one of the best times to visit Poros. The island is slowly waking up, with lots of flowers and few tourists (except at Orthodox Easter). This is the season of choice for hikers.
  • June is a pleasant month, with bathing and mild weather.
  • July-August: if possible, avoid Poros during these two months. The island is not very large, and the number of tourists can spoil the fun.
  • September is the ideal time: the sky is blue, the sea still warm after the summer months, and the tourists have left the island. A real pleasure!

Poros, a Greek island near Athens
© Laure M.

How to get to Poros?

  • By road from Athens or the Peloponnese. The island of Poros is very close to the Peloponnese coast. It is located just opposite the town of Galatas. Caiques shuttle back and forth regularly. It only takes 5 minutes to cross, a real hop, skip and a jump. There are also car ferries from Galatas (10-minute crossing – €1/adult, €0.50/child and €6/vehicle).
  • By boat from Athens: Poros can also be reached by ferry or hydrofoil from the port of Piraeus. There are daily connections. The crossing takes between 1h and 2h30, depending on the type of boat (hydrofoil or ferry). We then arrive at the very heart of Hora, the town of Poros. We recommend that you book your tickets on Ferry Hopper website.
  • From other islands in the Saronic Gulf: you can also get to Poros by hydrofoil from Hydra (30-minute crossing) or Spetses (1h30 crossing). There are also ferry crossings to/from the island of Aegina (1h15 crossing).

How long can I stay in Poros?

You can easily make the round trip in a day from the Peloponnese or even from Athens. Allow half a day for a tour of the port, a stroll through the narrow streets of Hora and a climb to the clock tower. One day is enough to visit the island.

However, to fully enjoy the atmosphere of Poros, we recommend staying at least one night. It’s a great way to soak up the island’s atmosphere and wake up to the beauty of nature. And this option has the added advantage of leaving plenty of time to enjoy the beaches and/or go hiking.

Where to stay in Poros?

If you don’t have a car, it’s best to sleep in Hora. You’ll find a vast choice of accommodation on the Booking website. Beware, however, that accommodations overlooking the harbor can be noisy.

There are also several hotels and resorts on the sea front.

If you want to treat yourself, the Sirene Blue Resort, just a few kilometers from the port, is a pleasant place to stay. It is located on the seafront and surrounded by a pine forest. An idyllic location with exceptional sea views, ideal for recharging your batteries. The establishment boasts a private beach and two swimming pools.

House for rent in Poros
© Gilles

Getting around Poros

If you want to take full advantage of the island and venture off the beaten track, we highly recommend renting a vehicle.

You can also rent a scooter or bicycle.

Poros’ beaches are served by small boats from the port.

There is a bus service on the island which operates from 7am to midnight and serves Poros town (Iroön Square), Kalavria, the south coast, the monastery of Zoodochos Pigis and the western part of the island.

Cabs are available at the island’s port.

Poros, a Greek island near Athens
© Laure M.

Enjoy your stay in Poros! If you’d like to find out more about this island, read our article Poros, a Greek island near Athens.

Laure M.

Updated February 27, 2024

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