5 Places to Visit and 5 Things to Do in Poros

31/3/2023

This week’s Island of the Week is the Argo-Saronic island of Poros. Actually made up of two islands joined by a bridge. Spheria, which was created by volcanic activity, is taken up mostly by Poros Town and is the closest to the Peloponnese (just 200m at its shortest). Kalavria is the far larger of the two islands and is covered in dense pine forest.

How to get there
Poros doesn’t have a domestic airport and can be reached by ferry from Piraeus, either by high-speed (approx. 1 hour) or slow ferry (approx. 2 ½ hours) run by either Saronic Ferries or Blue Star Ferries . There are several of these ferries a day which stop at the other Saronic islands such as Aegina and Agistri.

5 Places to Visit on Poros

There are many places to see in Poros Town although many of the more popular ones are dotted around on Kalavria. These included all of the more scenic ones. We’ve picked these 5 places for their interest and as they give you a feel of the history and culture of the Poros.

1 – Monastery Beach

Located in the south of Kalavria beneath the Zoodohos Pighi Monastery (which is also a must see by the way) this quiet beach has sparkling clear waters which stretch out towards the mainland. With pine forests coming down from the hills and the Monastery overlooking it, you are sure of a beautiful backdrop whilst swimming around or lounging on a sunbed. There are some amenities at the beach and water sports and underwater diving are available there as well. The beach is 5km from Poros town and can be reached by foot, car, bus, taxi or even water taxi from Poros town.

Monastery Beach

2 – The Russian Dockyard

Located on the south west of Kalavria, this building stands as a reminder of the history of the island and of Greece itself. It was built after the end of the Russo-Turkish war by the Russian Navy in the early 19th century to supply its fleet in the Aegean, today however only of the warehouses remain. There is also a sandy beach in the bay adjacent to the dockyard with beautifully blue water and an island you can swim out to that is just out of the bay. The dockyard can be reached by foot but as it is further from Poros Town, car, bus or taxi is probably best.

The Russian Dockyard

3 – The Temple of Poseidon

Right in the centre of Kalavria, stands the Temple of Poseidon. There isn’t much left of the temple these days except the foundations and the bases of some columns. Although that’s not to understate its importance as there is lots of studies and research being conducted about this 6th century BC building at the moment. It was also where the famous ancient orator Demosthenses committed suicide in 322BC. Some remains from the temple can also be found in the Poros Archeological Museum.

4 – The Clocktower

A main feature of Poros Town, the clocktower stands over the ferry port and offers stunning views across the strait to Galatas and up and down much of the Peloponnese coast to all who climb to the top. The tower was built in 1927, the original clock mechanism which was built in 1915 was repaired in 2015 and now can be seen in a display case as you enter the clocktower.

The Clocktower

5- Poros Archeological Museum

Located in Koryzis Square and looking out to sea, the archaeological museum houses and gives you an insight into the history of the island. The museum displays artefacts excavated on the island as well as from neighbouring sites at Methana and Troezen. Most of the artefacts displayed there range from the Mycenaean to the Roman times.

Poros Archaeological Museum

5 Things to do on Poros

Due its many beaches that make safe natural harbours, Poros is perfect for water sports. However, it also boasts many walking trails and beautiful views. Here are our top 5 things to do in Poros

1 - Take a water taxi

Starting off with the water theme, Poros can be reached from Galatas by water taxi. These small boats with roofs are also a great way to get to some spots on Kalavria, making it a quicker journey that also provides a very different view than that of the road.

2 – Visit Love Bay

This pretty pine-shaded cove is one of Poros’ best loved beaches. It’s perfect for chilling as you can sit in the sun or move into a bit of shade whilst visiting any number of the food places and bars in the cove. Further up the road from Megalo Neorio and Mikro Neorio, its around 3.5km from Poros Town so can be got to by any mode of transport.

Love Bay

3 – Walk the Anargiron Trail

Starting at either Saint Anargiri Church or near the old windmill in Poros Town, this is one of many trials and walks you can do in Poros. Provided you’ve come prepared, Poros is a place you should explore by foot and this trail gives you some of the most spectacular views on the island. Walking over the spine of the hills which take up most of the south of the smaller Spheria, it gives you panoramic views of the Peloponnesian coastline across to Galatas and on the other side across to Kalavria. You’ll also have an excellent view of Poros Town as you walk down into it.

4 – Go Snorkeling and See The Ruins of an Ancient Sunken City at Vagionia Beach

Up on the northern and much quieter coast of the larger island Kalavria is Vagionia Beach. Vagionia bay once used to be the main port of Poros and by snorkeling you can see the ruins of the ancient city under the water. This along with the fact it is one of the quieter beaches on Poros make it a must go to.

5 – Water Ski and Play at Askeli Beach

Askeli Beach is probably the largest and most well known of the beaches on Poros. But this does mean that there’s a lot to do there. The water sports options at Askeli are various and the beautiful blue water only makes it more inviting.

We hope that this has helped give you a bit more of idea about what you can do on Poros, whether you’re just there for a short period or an extended stay. Check out the rest of the website for more information on over 80 of the Greek islands. If you’re looking for holidays to Greece and her islands or just want to ask a question don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01156547795 or email [email protected]. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek holiday needs. If you've been to Poros, where was your favourite place, thing to do or if there's anything we missed? Let us know in the comments or on social media

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