Poros Travel Guide: How to Get, Things to Do and Where to Stay
Poros is our go to island in Greece. Our friend Yiannis took us there 5 years ago and we loved it! It’s one of the less touristy islands in the country. In fact, most visitors come from Athens, like us.
The island has it all. The main town looks straight out of a movie.
It’s got lovely beaches with crystal blue waters, archaeological remains, and huge pine forests. We prepared this post to help you go and enjoy Poros to the max!
How to Get to Poros from Athens
Taking a Boat
The easiest and most fun way of going to Poros is with a boat from Athens. Actually, from Piraeus, the port next to the capital. There are boats all year round, with extra ones operating during the summer.
The earliest leaves at 8:30 AM, and arrives to Poros an hour later. The latest departs from Piraeus at 7:50 PM. Ferries arrive to the center of Poros Town. Check for prices and schedules here.
You can take the metro from Athens to Piraeus. What’s more, you can go directly from Athens Airport to Piraeus.
Taking a Bus
The cheapest way to go from Athens to Poros is with a 2 hours and 40 minutes bus. The journey takes you along the coast, through the Strait of Corinth, and into the Peloponnese. Longer than a boat, but with awesome views.
Buses leave from KTEL Kiffisou station, a 20 minute walk from Agios Antonios metro station. That’s the red line from Syntagma square in the center of Athens.
Buses arrive at Galatas station. Then you have to transfer to a 5 minute ferry that takes you to the island. You can buy your ticket here.
Driving
Driving yourself from Athens to Poros should take a bit less than the bus. The good thing is that you can stop along the way at the Strait of Corinth and at the UNESCO listed Epidaurus Theatre.
Once you exit Athens center all you have to do is follow the sings. Evidently, you can go directly from the airport.
You arrive at Galatas Port, hop on a ferry with your car, and arrive safely on the island 5 minutes later.
You can rent a car online here.
Joining an Organized Tour
If you are short on time or don’t want to go alone, you can go to Poros on an organized tour from Athens. When my sister in law visited us, she was desperate to visit a Greek island but had no time.
We sent her on this tour and she loved it! It’s an 11 hour tour that takes you to Hydra, Aegina and Poros.
It includes lunch onboard a pretty cool boat with ample decks to enjoy the views. There’s enough time to visit each island.
What to See and Do
Get Lost on the Streets of Poros Town
Every single street in Poros Old Town is beautiful. Cute little chapels and squares dot the area and pastel colored house line the streets. Ditch your phone and walk without a plan.
You don’t want to miss Poros’ famous Clock tower, on the top of Sferia Hill pretty close to the port. It’s the best place to catch the sunset.
Another must see is the Archaeological Museum, directly on the coast. A short walk north from the clock tower takes you to the Mermaid of Poros sculpture.
Trek or Bike through Breathtaking Scenery
Since pine forest cover most of the island, Poros is perfect for cycling and trekking. Our favorite walk is from the center of Poros town to the Dana Lighthouse, on the western tip of the island.
It’s a 2.5 hour trek along the coast. No need to exert yourself. Walk for as long as you want.
The easiest trek or bike ride is along Spheria Hill. From the center of Poros you can bike to Timios Stavros Church, to the south. Then loop around the tip, check the windmill, and go back to the Clock Tower.
Spend Some Time on the Beach
There are no beaches in the Old Town. The closest beach is Kanali, a 20 minute walk from the clock tower. However, walk 10 more minutes to Askeli Beach, wider and nicer.
That said, we believe the beaches to the west are nicer. Our favorite beach on that area is Anasa. It’s a narrow sandy beach with a super cool bar where you can chill and eat.
Now, if you like isolated beaches go to Vagionia, on the northern shore of Poros.
Visit the Monastery of the Life-Giving Spring
The Monastery of the Life Giving Spring is our favorite place in Poros because it combines superb architecture and splendid nature. The 1720 building is on a slope of a hill overlooking the sea. A pine forest surrounds it.
It holds a special place in every Greek heart because it helped during the war of independence. The frescoes and icons inside the temple are wonderful.
From the Monastery you can walk down 15 minutes to a tiny but cute beach.
Visit the Sanctuary of Poseidon
As anywhere in our beloved Greece, Poros has ancient archaeological remains. The Sanctuary of Poseidon is in the heart of the island, on top of a hill. The remains date back to the 5th Century BC.
We have to be honest, there isn’t much to see. Just some stones. However, the place is truly stunning. A lush green pine forest surrounds it.
The views from the Sanctuary are epic. Thus, when you are there, you travel back in time and understand how ancient Greeks worshiped their Gods.
Go on a Day Trip
If you have an extra day, we strongly recommend visiting Hydra. A direct ferry takes you there in half an hour.
Since there are several per day, you can come and go the same day. However, Hydra is so beautiful that should spend at least one night there.
Another great trip is from Poros to Epidaurus and then you can continue to Nafplio. The ride takes 1 hour 15 minutes. Trust us, once you see Nafplio you will want to stay for the night.
Where to Stay
We always stay at the Golden View Hotel. It’s got its own private beach with lounges! Plus you can walk to the Old Town. All of the rooms have balconies with views. You need to book at least 2 days.
If you have the money to splurge, do so at the Sirene Blue Luxury Beach Resort. It’s on the slope of a hill just 2 miles (3 km) from the Old Town. A massive pine forest surrounds it. The deck pool and private beach are spectacular.
Considering its class and location, the New Aegli Resort is great value for money. It’s just 1 mile (1.6 km) from the center. It has two pools and a sandy beach with lounges. Your kids will love the playground, you the sauna.
Where to Eat/Drink
You won’t go hungry or thirsty in Poros. The island is full of delicious restaurants. Our favorite restaurant in the old town is The Old Platanus. It’s on a tiny plaza, beneath a massive tree. The portions are huge!
Cocktails we have at the rooftop Oceanis Rooftop Garden Cocktails. It’s the best place to enjoy a killer sunset while enjoying your favorite beverage. The food is pretty good too.
If you have a sweet tooth go to Melistakto, where you can have homemade desserts and ouzo! It’s next to the Monastery.
Moving Around
The best way of moving around the Old Town is walking. It can be scorching hot during the day in summer, so avoid noon to 3 PM.
Walking about the Old Town at night is a magical experience. There is a public bus that goes around the area too.
You can arrange boats from Heroes Square in the center to Monastiri Beach, Askeli Beach, and Neorio. Since the island isn’t big, taxis are not that expensive.
When to Visit Poros
Since Poros has a permanent population, you can visit all year round. We’ve been in winter several times and had a blast.
It’s never that hot and the sun always shines. Plus we were almost on our own. Granted, we didn’t go into the sea, but we did spend a lot of time on the beach.
From May to June and from September to October are the best times to visit. You can bathe in the sea and there are fewer tourists. August can be packed. Mostly with Athenians though.
