Poros Tourism (2024) - Greece > Top Places, Travel Guide

Poros Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1 - 2 days

Best Time: Mar - Dec Read More

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"The Charming Greek Island"

Poros Tourism

Located just 400 m away west from the mainland Greece, separated by a narrow channel, is the underrated island of Poros. The island is a known day trip or a weekend spot from Athens and is popular for its slow-paced life and sublime beaches with sky-high pine trees.

Poros has neo-classical buildings, tiny narrow alleys wrapped in bougainvillaea, a highly popular clocktower, tiled roofs, colourful window panes, quaint shops and the yacht marina. Additionally, Poros has a relatively low cost of staying compared to other Greek islands. The island is famous for its water sports, including snorkelling, banana rides, parasailing and much more. It is also perfect for leisurely strolls, jogging and hiking.

A well-maintained seafront promenade to see the yachts and small fishing boats, cafes, stone mansions, and small fish taverns while taking long walks is an unmatched experience in Poros. There are several kafenios (cafes) serving greek coffee and other sweets like baklava and galaktoboureko near beaches and all the major market spots. Poros comprises two islands - Spheria and Kalavria spread over an area of 33 square km. It is completely fine for a moderately fit person to walk up to the Monastery from Poros centre.

1. Askeli Beach

Askeli Beach is known for its crystal clear waters, fine sandy shore, and lively atmosphere. It's great for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing. Th (Read More)ere are amenities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, and restaurants.

The Archaeological Museum of Poros is located in Korizi Square, in the main town, and displays artifacts from the ancient city of Kalavria. Some of the major attractions include pottery, sculptures, a (Read More)nd other objects from the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods. The museum also has a unique collection of inscriptions and funerary stelae.

Built in 1828, The Clock Tower of Poros is a 10-minute walk from the port. Inside, a small exhibition provides information about the tower's history and its role in the community. It's also an excelle (Read More)nt spot for photography and is best experienced at sunrise and sunset.

Poros Island offers a wide range of water sports activities such as Jet skiing, Windsurfing, Parasailing, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Scuba-Diving, and Kite-Surfing. Popular locations for water sports activ (Read More)ities are Askeli and Megalo Neorio beaches. You can also visit local diving centers and marinas to rent equipment and enroll in lessons

The Sanctuary of Poseidon is an ancient temple complex dedicated to the god of the sea, Poseidon, and was a popular place of worship in ancient times. The complex includes several well-preserved ruins (Read More), including a temple, an altar, and other structures. It is also popular for its location, perched on a hilltop overlooking the sea, where you enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding area, including the nearby islands.

Vagionia Beach is a perfect spot for a relaxing day in the sun, a chilly dip in the waters, and snorkeling. The beach is clean and well-maintained with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a beach bar serving refr (Read More)eshing drinks and snacks. You can also rent a small boat from the beach and explore the area.

Pedestrian only town: During summer, cars are not allowed in Poros town, making it pedestrian-only for the season.
Walking Around: The best way to explore Poros is on foot.
Bus: A free municipal bus from Poros main square operates between 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The bus also operates at night from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM, only for passengers above 65 years, under 10 years, people with disabilities and their companions.
A private bus to Monastiri beach and other areas runs from the new western port and charges 1 euro.
Renting a car: One can also rent a car from Athens or Poros.
Bicycles are available for rent in Poros: Registration- 1 Euro, free for up to 3 hours and chargeable after 3 and 6 hours by 2 and 5 euros per hour.
Ferries & speedboats: Ferries, speedboats and tours operate from Piraeus port.
Shops and mini-markets are open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Most places deal in cash, especially watersport agencies.
Must try: Making time for ouzo and enjoying baklava with freshly squeezed lemonade is recommended.

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Top Hotels In Poros

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Nightlife in Poros

Poros has a cosmopolitan lifestyle and many tourists travel from Athens to the island for weekends to experience an amazing seaside nightlife. There are plenty of bars and taverns along the port town and Askeli beach that remain open till early hours. There are several clubs in Poros town for people who are more into loud music and dancing, that stay open till dawn. For more of a relaxed and peaceful night with slow music, there are plenty of taverns along the Poros port and other places that remain open for long dinners. One can try Cielo sea Lounge and Joy Bar for a wholesome experience of nightlife.

Shopping in Poros

There are several shops in Poros dealing in clothes, various textiles, accessories, shoes, leather belts and bags, painting home furniture, decor items, paintings, tapestry, traditional artifacts, pottery, costumes, souvenirs and much more. These shops are unevenly scattered throughout the coastal path in front of the port of Poros and in the town as well. There are several supermarkets and mini markets that sell local food, souvenirs, furniture for boats and beach accessories that operate within the capital and nearby villages as well.

History of Poros

During 1400-1100 BC in Mycenaean times, an area on the eastern coast of Poros was made a powerful nautical station. During the Archaic period in 700-380 BC, Troezen was highly dominant on the Northern part of the island. During the 4th century, Greece came under the Macedonian rule, so as a sign of retaliation, Troezen offered asylum to Athinogenis, anti-macedonians who later became tyrants in Poros. During 273 BC, the morphology of Poros transformed dramatically due to volcanic eruption in Methana. From 86 BC to 1821, Poros was ruled by Romans, Byzantinians, Ottoman, Venetian and Turkish. During the Greek war of Independence, Poros played an important part where it became a passage and a place where important revolutionary meetings took place.

Suggested Itinerary for Poros

Start the day with a stroll through Russian bay and explore Poros beach and Askeli beach. Head towards the Fallen Heroes monument, Temple of Poseidon and Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. Visit the clock tower for its panoramic vistas before returning to the port.