Greece is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. But very few people know the Greek volcanic island of Poros. Located in the Saronic Gulf, the 23 square kilometre island with its 4000 inhabitants is a real insider tip. Here, densely overgrown hills with pine and pine trees rise out of the deep blue water. Just a few kilometers from Athens , Poros is particularly suitable for day trips or short trips from the Greek capital. The hilly island consists of two parts. While most of the cultural and culinary events in Poros Town take place on the Sferia island, the Kalavria island offers unspoiled Mediterranean nature with pine forests and tall pines as far as the eye can see.

Explore Poros Town

Poros Town in particular offers visitors a lot to discover without having to push through the picturesque Greek towns in masses, as you know it from Heraklion or Rhodes Town. Located on the slope towards the water, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the small Greek town in peace and quiet between colourful neoclassical buildings and traditional fishermen’s cottages. A tower clock built in 1927 watches over the town, which is worth visiting especially in the evening hours when the sun sets over Poros. In addition, a visit to the Greek island should not be complete without a walk along the coastal promenade. Quaint taverns, pretty cafés and small shops are lined up here. The masts of the sailboats are reflected on the water of the harbour during the day and the colourful lights of the numerous bars and clubs in the evening. Those interested in history can learn more about excavations on the island and in its surrounding region at the city’s archaeological museum.

Nature experiences on Poros

In addition to Poros Town, the little-known Greek island offers an unspoiled scenery of pine and pine forests as well as a crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea. Since the island is very green and wooded, you can at least take short hikes in the shade of the trees even in warm temperatures typical for Greece . If you are looking for relaxation on the beach and in the water, Poros will not disappoint either. Especially on the south coast of the Kalavria part of the island, there are a large number of stony and fine sandy beaches. Due to the sheltered location and the proximity to the Peloponnese peninsula opposite, which is part of the Greek mainland, the sea here is mostly calm and you can relax in the water. Those looking for more thrills can try paragliding, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking or windsurfing on Poros water. In addition, the fish-rich sea invites you to snorkel expeditions.

Sights in Poros

But Poros does not only offer a cozy city experience as well as distinctive excursions into nature. The Greek island does not have to hide its diverse sights.

The Temple of Poseidon

A visit to Poros should not be complete without a detour to the Temple of Poseidon. In the interior of the island, framed by pine trees, stands the Doric Temple of Poseidon, which dates back to the 6th century BC. In the past, the inhabitants of Poros revered the Greek god of the sea and dedicated this impressive building to him. Here you can also walk in the footsteps of the ancient orator Demosthenes, who fled from the mainland to the island and committed suicide here to escape arrest.

The Monastery of Zoodochos Pigis

In the middle of the green overgrown slopes stands the monastery of Zoodochos Pigis, built in the 18th century. It is a prime example of the construction of monasteries common on Greek islands , but not only fascinates architecture enthusiasts. The name of the monastery comes from a spring located there, which is said to have healing powers.

The Russian naval base

Yes, that’s right. On the manageable and quiet island of Poros there used to be a Russian naval base. Built in 1834, the base was abandoned by the Russians in 1917. Today it is a listed building and its remains can be explored by visitors.

Die Villa Galini

The Greek Nobel Prize winner Giorgos Seferis, the Swedish actress Greta Garbo and the American writer and painter Henry Miller were able to call these magnificent villas on Poros their home. Although visitors are not allowed to visit the villa from the inside, it is still worth taking a short detour there when exploring the island.

The Lemon Tree Forest

If you visit Poros, you should definitely plan some time for the lemon tree forest. The large untouched area is densely overgrown with wonderfully fragrant orange and lemon trees. There are also some watermills along the numerous watercourses that flow through the area. Many of them originate from a picturesque waterfall on the highest point of the hill, which can be reached via a walking path.

Infrastructure on Poros

Since the island is one of the insider tips for relaxing holidays in Greece, no hotel chains have settled here so far. Nevertheless, the offer does not have to hide: The island offers something for everyone, from spa hotels to family guesthouses to medium-priced hotels. And as you are used to from Greece: Everywhere cheap taverns invite you to dine and linger. What you should keep in mind, however, is that almost all parts of the island can only be reached by car, and there is no well-developed network of public transport.
Accessibility of the Greek island

Poros can only be reached by water. From Athens via Peloponnese, the journey takes about three hours. From Galatas, the last few meters have to be covered by ferry or water taxi. It is much faster to take a fast ferry from Piraeus. This route only takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Faliraki is one of the most famous seaside resorts on the Greek island of Rhodes, and not without reason. The town of about 2,000 inhabitants is located in the east of Rhodes, where there are the most beautiful beaches on the whole island. Sun worshippers, water sports enthusiasts and party friends who like to turn night into day on holiday cavort here. In addition to fantastic beaches with the best infrastructure, Faliraki has a vibrant nightlife in bars and discos as well as beach parties during the season.

This is the best way for holidaymakers to get to Faliraki

Faliraki can be reached without much effort. The island’s capital, Rhodes Town, with its international airport, which is served directly by numerous German airports, is only 15 kilometres away. The journey by taxi or bus takes only about 20 to 30 minutes. And the ferry connections to the neighboring Greek islands, such as Lindos, are also excellent.

The most beautiful beaches of Faliraki

In front of the former fishing village of Faliraki, which is located in the bay of the same name, there are no less than four kilometres of beach. Many stretches of beach are covered by fine sandy beaches, but there are also some pebble beaches. Between June and September, temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees are to be expected almost continuously. The sun shines around 13 hours a day. In October and November, the thermometer still climbs to at least 23 degrees and it is still bathing season. The beaches just outside the town all offer plenty of water sports.

You can rent pedal boats, jet skis and banana boats. Parasailing is also possible at Faliraki Beach. Faliraki Beach is considered the beach with the best infrastructure on site. There are numerous taverns, restaurants and cafes here. There are also sanitary facilities, changing rooms and kiosks for small beach needs on every corner. During the day, you can relax in the sun, guarded in some sections by trained lifeguards. The shallow access to the sea attracts mainly families with small children. In the evening hours, the bars and discos open directly behind Faliraki Beach, making the area the hippest nightlife mile in the city. A little off the beaten track, a few kilometers south of the seaside resort, is Anthony Quinn Bay.

The pebble beach there is especially popular in the midday heat, as the small bay in which it is located provides shade. Behind the pebble beach, wildly overgrown hills and rugged rocks rise into the air. All this seems more than picturesque. Anthony Quinn Bay is ideal for diving and snorkeling, as it is said to have the most colorful underwater world in all of Rhodes. If you are not yet familiar with diving, you will find a diving school on site. Canoes and pedal boats can also be rented. And if you have relaxed enough on one of the beach loungers, which can also be rented, you can climb the rocks behind the bay via one of the narrow hiking trails that lead up from the beach. From there, a breathtaking view stretches over the turquoise blue sea in front of the bay.

On the road with the whole family

Faliraki is a popular holiday destination, especially for families with children. No wonder, because there are a lot of exciting leisure activities for families here. The Faliraki water park, for example, is the largest water park in all of Europe. The little ones splash around in various themed pools and have fun whizzing down spectacularly guided water slides. The Luna amusement park also has several water slides. In addition, there are also a wide variety of rides to discover. Roller coasters, carousels and the Apple Coaster invite older children and teenagers. In the Bowling Skypark you can also have a good time in rainy weather, or if you want to escape the great heat. Here you will find air-conditioned bowling alleys next to restaurants and snack bars. In the outdoor area of the bowling alley there is also a mini golf course.

Excursion to the Thermal Baths of Kallithea

Just two kilometers from Faliraki are the thermal baths of Kallithea. Hippocrates and the Roman Emperor Augustus are said to have already whipped their health into shape here. There used to be sulphur springs here, but they have dried up in the meantime. But the thermal baths are still bubbling today. They look enchanted and enchant with a fairytale architecture. Inside there is pure relaxation. The historic thermal baths are surrounded by skilfully laid out rose avenues that lead to the nearby Kallithea Beach, which is very romantic, especially in the evening hours.