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.
