Poros island is a small island in the Saronic Gulf in Greece. It is known for having pine forests, peace and quiet, and an old charm that only a Poros vacation can give you. Other islands in this area include Hydra, Aegina, and Spetses. Poros should not be confused with Paros, an island in the Cyclades. Note that Poros Kefalonia is also a different destination — it is not an island but is a town on the island of Kefalonia.
The island of Poros is made up of two smaller islands: Sferia and Kalavria. If you look at a Poros Greece map, you will see that both sides are connected with a bridge. Kalavria was first dedicated to the god Apollo and the island is known for its fresh springs and streams. Sferia is smaller and has today’s Poros town.
Getting to Poros Island
To reach the Greek island of Poros, you can take a short ferry from Athens. Other ports that take you to Poros are in Hydra, Aegina, and Spetses. Alternatively, if you are in the Peloponnese, you can reach Poros from Ermioni.
Tour of Poros Town
When you land in Poros, you will find small tavernas, marinas with yachts, neoclassical buildings, and pine forests. Poros town and the harbor were built on the side of the hill, opposite from Troizinia. A good place to start in Poros town is at the Archaeological Museum at Koryzi Square. Here, you will see exhibits that go as far back as the Mycenaean Period. These artifacts were found at the site of the temple of Poseidon in Troezen. This is not to be confused with the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion.
Neorio and Bourtzi Islet are must-visit locations on the Greek island of Poros. Some of the buildings to look out for when you walk through Poros Town are the Deimzis building and Grivas’ shop, which has beautiful decorations. Villa Galini is another building in Poros town worth visiting.
The Galini Villa
One site on Poros island that is worth visiting is the Galini Villa. This historical villa on Poros was once a home for Seferis, Greta Garbo, and playwright Henry Miller. It is now a private residence, so you will only be able to see the outside of the neoclassical villa.
Historic Clock Tower
The clock tower in the middle of Poros town is a highlight of Poros island and can be seen everywhere. It was built in 1927, but the best time to visit the clock tower of Poros town is at sunset. The tower is surrounded by fruit and pine trees. You can see to the Peloponnese coast from here.
Beaches on Poros Island
The Greek island of Poros is fairly small, so you never need to go far to reach a beach. Many beaches on Poros have beach chairs, umbrellas, and restaurants. One of the most popular beaches is Kanali, a sandy beach that is found right after the bridge that connects Shpairia and Kalavria. Askeli Beach is the most popular beach on Poros island. It is 3 kilometers from the port, and you can find a water-ski school there. Finally, if you’re looking for a remote beach in Poros, you can go to the beach of Monastiri, which is on the east side of the island and is under the Monastery.
Sights Near Poros Island
When visiting Poros island, it’s also worth a day excursion to the isles of Modi and Daskaleio. Modi has a shipwreck from Mycenean times and Daskaleio is known for its pretty chapel in the countryside. Bourtzi is the third island near Poros island and was once the location of a Byzantine fort, which then became an Ottoman fortress. Bourtzi is in Moni Bay, just off the Peloponnese. If you want to read more about castles in the Peloponnese, check out our complete article here.
