# Poros

An island in the Saronic Gulf, 2 h 40 by ferry from Piraeus: a town beneath the clock tower, Askeli beach, the sanctuary of Poseidon and the boat to Galatas.

Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/greece/attica/poros · Revisado: 2026-11-12

Poros is two islands joined by a narrow isthmus, 200 or 300 metres from the Peloponnese: Sphairia, small, volcanic and covered by the town, and Kalaureia, large and full of pines. From the quay you see the houses of Galatas on the other side of the channel, as if it were a river. It works well with children: calm-water beaches on the south coast, a town of white steps beneath the clock tower and boats to the Peloponnese every few minutes. From Athens it is 2 h 40 by ferry: better with a night than as a day trip.

## How do you get there from Athens?

By boat from Piraeus. Saronic Ferries ferries run the Saronic Gulf line with stops at Aegina and Methana and take about 2 h 40 to Poros; they carry cars and tickets are bought online. Hellenic Seaways' fast boats take less time, cost more and don't carry cars. From the airport, the X96 bus goes direct to Piraeus; from the centre, metro line 1.

By car overland is also possible: via the Corinth motorway, Epidaurus and Methana to Galatas, about two and a half hours, and from there the small ferry crosses the strait in a few minutes. You don't need a car on the island.

From Spain, you fly to Athens with direct flights from Madrid, Barcelona and other cities, and carry on by boat. If you arrive in the morning, you can be on Poros by mid-afternoon.

## What is there to see on Poros?

The town, first: climb the steps from the quay to the clock tower, with the view of the strait. On Korizi Square, five minutes from the port, the Archaeological Museum shows the Mycenaean finds of the area; €5, Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 15:00.

On Kalaureia, among pines, are the remains of the sanctuary of Poseidon, where Demosthenes poisoned himself in 322 BC, and on the south coast, the Zoodochos Pigi monastery, above Monastiri bay. For swimming, Askeli beach, long and shelving gently, 2 km from the town.

And across the strait, on the Peloponnese, Galatas and the lemon forest: you cross by boat in a few minutes and walk among lemon trees, which blossom in spring.

## A day trip or with a night?

A day trip is possible, but it is more than five hours by boat. With a night, you see the town at sunset, when the excursion boats leave, and have the morning for the beach or for Galatas. You have a plan in the excursion to Poros from Athens. If you already know Aegina and Hydra, Poros is the one that needs the most boat time and gives the most beach.

## Where to sleep?

In Monastiri bay, 3.5 km from the town, Sirene Blue, with all rooms facing the sea, its own beach, two pools and a spa. On Askeli beach, New Aegli, a family hotel with pools, a Kids World, a rooftop bar and pets admitted. On the same harbour promenade, beneath the clock tower, Manessi, a family-run neoclassical house with balconies over the channel, 70 metres from the fast-boat quay: the option without a car or taxis.

## Where to eat?

On the harbour promenade, Poseidon, run by a family of fishermen since 1997, with fish from their own boats, raw dishes, seafood pasta and a children's menu; open seasonally. At the end of the promenade, in Punda, the old fishermen's quarter, Primasera grills the island's fish and makes lobster pasta and kakavia. And for a beach lunch, the Taverna Vassilis, in Megalo Neorio since 1939, with home-style stews of the day; you get there on the boat that leaves every hour from the old harbour, from April to October. Sirene Blue also has a beach taverna at Monastiri.

## Dónde está
- Cerca: Hydra (a 16.5 km), Aegina (a 27.6 km), Cape Sounion (a 53.1 km), Nafplio (a 58.1 km)

## Qué hacer
- **The clock tower and the upper streets of Poros** (1 h · All ages; with a pushchair, only the quay · Free): What it is
The town of Poros is piled on a hill facing the strait that separates it from the Peloponnese, so narrow that from the quay you see the houses of Galatas on the other side. The highest point is marked by the clock tower, the symbol of the island. Climb from the seafront by whitewashed alleys and stairways with bougainvillea to its base: from above you see the town, the channel full of boats and the mountains opposite.
How to get there
On foot from the quay where the Piraeus boats dock, a ten-minute climb. Return another way to lose yourself in the upper quarter.
- **Poros Archaeological Museum** (45 min · All ages · €5; reduced €3): What it is
A small museum in the house that belonged to the Greek prime minister Alexandros Koryzis, on the square bearing his name. It brings together pieces from Troezenia, the Peloponnese district opposite, and from Hermione, from the Early Helladic period to Byzantium. The most important are the Mycenaean ones: grave goods from tholos and chamber tombs, objects from local sanctuaries and finds from the islet of Modi.
Entry and hours
€5 (reduced €3). Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 to 15:00, all year; closed on Monday and Tuesday. Free on the first and third Sunday from November to March and on the Ministry of Culture's open days. It is at Christou Fourniadi Street 1, five minutes' walk from the harbour.
- **Sanctuary of Poseidon at Kalaureia** (1 h · All ages): What it is
Poros has two islands joined by an isthmus: Sphairia, where the town is, and Kalaureia, the large green one. In the upper part of Kalaureia, among pines, stood the sanctuary of Poseidon, the centre of a league of cities of antiquity. The Athenian orator Demosthenes took refuge here fleeing the Macedonians, and here he poisoned himself in 322 BC. The foundations of the temple and the surrounding buildings remain; the site is worth as much for its history as for the view over the Saronic Gulf.
How to get there
About 6 km from the town along the inland road: by car, motorbike or hire bike, or by taxi. For the site's hours, ask the Ephorate of Antiquities of Piraeus and the Islands, on +30 210 459 0700.
- **Zoodochos Pigi Monastery** (45 min · All ages · Free): What it is
The monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, the Life-Giving Spring, is on the south slope of Kalaureia, among pines, above Monastiri bay, which takes its name from it. It is a white complex with its church and courtyard, about 4 km from the town along the coast road.
How to get there
By car, motorbike or local bus along the coast road to the east. Dress with shoulders and knees covered. Below, in the bay, there is a beach to carry on the morning.
- **Askeli beach** (4 h · All ages · Free): What it is
Askeli is a long beach on the south coast of Kalaureia, about 2 km from the town. Clear, calm water, a bottom that shelves gradually and pines behind: good for going with children. There are hotels on the shore, some with sunbeds for their guests.
How to get there
On foot from the town, half an hour along the coast road; by local bus or taxi in summer, a few minutes. Out of season, the beach is almost empty.
- **Crossing to Galatas and the lemon forest** (2 h · All ages): What it is
Galatas is the Peloponnese village you face from the Poros quay, across a strait a few hundred metres wide. You cross in a few minutes on the boats that run to and fro all day. On the outskirts, at the foot of the mountain, the Lemonodasos, the lemon forest, is a huge expanse of lemon and orange trees between irrigation channels and dirt tracks: in spring, when they bloom, you can smell it from afar.
How to get there
Take the boat from the Poros quay to Galatas; from the village, the lemon forest is about 3 km north-west, on foot, by bike or by taxi. Bring water and a hat: the tracks have little shade.

## Dónde comer
- **Primasera** (Restaurant, Poros, €€€). Qué pedir: swordfish or tuna carpaccio to start, an island fish grilled with oil and lemon, and the kakavia if there is any left
- **Poseidon Restaurant** (Restaurant, Poros, €€€). Qué pedir: the house seafood dolma, a raw dish of the day and the fisherman's pasta with mussels, octopus, prawns and squid
- **Vassilis Taverna** (Restaurant, Poros, €€). Qué pedir: choose from the trays of the day's stews, with some oven-baked giant beans, and ask about the house kalogeraki

## Car-free: To Poros by boat from Piraeus, without a car
Poros is an island to visit without a car: boat from Piraeus, the town on foot, beaches a few minutes away by bus or taxi and a boat to Galatas for the lemon forest. From the airport, the X96 bus goes straight to Piraeus.
Presupuesto orientativo: 80–160 € por persona y día.
### Dónde dormir without a car
- **Sirene Blue Luxury Beach Resort** (Hotel): The hotel
Sirene Blue is on Monastiri bay, on the south coast of Poros, 3.5 km from the harbour, on a green cliff that runs down to the water. The common areas and rooms were renovated in a sober design and all face the sea. It has a private beach with sunbeds and a floating platform, two pools, one of them for children, with a lifeguard, a playground and courts, a spa with treatments and a boutique.
The rooms
Deluxe and Executive with a sea view, suites and a villa. Air conditioning, a 43-inch television, minibar, safe, balcony and a bathroom with shower; some suites have a freestanding bath beside the large window.
Eating
Three places: a taverna beside the sea, with traditional Mediterranean cooking; the rooftop bar-restaurant, with more elaborate cooking, and the lobby bar terrace for coffee. Breakfast is served from 7:15 to 10:30, also in your room.
Getting there
Boat from Piraeus to Poros and, from the quay, a taxi or local bus along the coast road to the east. You do not need a car.
- **New Aegli Resort Hotel** (Hotel): The hotel
New Aegli is on Askeli beach, on the south coast of Poros, about 2 km from the town. It is a large traditional hotel, with pools, a gym, sauna and massage, a Kids World for the little ones and its bar on the fourth-floor roof, one of the places to watch the night over the sea. Guests have free sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach. It accepts pets.
The rooms
Many types: doubles with a sea view and private garden, doubles with a forest view, triples, two-bedroom family rooms, suites with a jacuzzi and an apartment. In 2026 they renovated some of them; ask for one of the new ones when booking.
Eating
A restaurant with half board or full board, and bars. Ask also about beach meals.
Getting there
Boat from Piraeus and, from the quay, a taxi or local bus to Askeli, a few minutes. The hotel offers transfer bookings through its website.
- **Manessi Boutique Hotel** (Small hotel, desde 61 € / night): The house
Manessi is a neoclassical house, run by a family, on the Poros harbour promenade, right below the clock tower. In front you have the channel, the moored sailing boats and, on the other side, the beach and houses of Galatas. From most balconies you can watch the sun set behind the mountain opposite and the comings and goings of the boats. Around it are cafés and fish tavernas: you need nothing but your feet. It is the sister hotel of New Aegli, in Askeli.
If you arrive by fast boat, you step off, turn left and about 70 metres along the main street you see the entrance on the right, up 15 steps. If you arrive on the big ferry, you turn right and it is about 12 minutes' walk. The hotel has no parking: the public car park is next to the ferry quay, ten minutes away.
The rooms
Each room is different. The doubles or twins with a sea view have a balcony at the front and 13 m²; the doubles or twins without a balcony, 10 m² with a window; there are doubles with a side balcony and partial sea view, and a room with two large windows. The best is the executive suite, of 30 m², on the third floor, with two balconies over the sea. All have air conditioning, a safe, television, Coco-Mat mattresses and a small fridge. They are small rooms, from an old house: think of them for sleeping and going out.
There is no lift. If stairs are hard for you, ask for a first-floor room, where reception is.
Breakfast and roof terrace
Breakfast is continental and served in the hotel dining room; the house's photos also show it on the balconies, over the channel. On the third floor there is a roof terrace with a view of the clock tower and the little naval base, which can be hired for meetings of up to 25 people. The staff help with car hire or organising excursions.
Price and booking
On its website, doubles start at €61 a night on direct booking. Check-in is at 14:00; if the room is ready earlier, they give it to you, and if not, you can leave your bags and take a stroll around the harbour. Book through its booking engine or on +30 22980 22273.
### Servicios
- **Saronic Ferries ferry from Piraeus to Poros**: Passenger and car ferries with stops at Aegina and Methana · 2 h 40 to Poros · e-ticket online

## By plane: Fly to Athens and a boat to Poros
Poros is reached by flying to Athens, with direct flights from Madrid, Barcelona and other Spanish cities, and continuing by boat from Piraeus. From the airport to the port, the X96 bus goes direct; the Saronic Ferries ferry takes about 2 h 40 and the fast boats, less.
### Dónde dormir if you're flying
- **Sirene Blue Luxury Beach Resort** (Hotel): The hotel
Sirene Blue is on Monastiri bay, on the south coast of Poros, 3.5 km from the harbour, on a green cliff that runs down to the water. The common areas and rooms were renovated in a sober design and all face the sea. It has a private beach with sunbeds and a floating platform, two pools, one of them for children, with a lifeguard, a playground and courts, a spa with treatments and a boutique.
The rooms
Deluxe and Executive with a sea view, suites and a villa. Air conditioning, a 43-inch television, minibar, safe, balcony and a bathroom with shower; some suites have a freestanding bath beside the large window.
Eating
Three places: a taverna beside the sea, with traditional Mediterranean cooking; the rooftop bar-restaurant, with more elaborate cooking, and the lobby bar terrace for coffee. Breakfast is served from 7:15 to 10:30, also in your room.
Getting there
Boat from Piraeus to Poros and, from the quay, a taxi or local bus along the coast road to the east. You do not need a car.
- **New Aegli Resort Hotel** (Hotel): The hotel
New Aegli is on Askeli beach, on the south coast of Poros, about 2 km from the town. It is a large traditional hotel, with pools, a gym, sauna and massage, a Kids World for the little ones and its bar on the fourth-floor roof, one of the places to watch the night over the sea. Guests have free sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach. It accepts pets.
The rooms
Many types: doubles with a sea view and private garden, doubles with a forest view, triples, two-bedroom family rooms, suites with a jacuzzi and an apartment. In 2026 they renovated some of them; ask for one of the new ones when booking.
Eating
A restaurant with half board or full board, and bars. Ask also about beach meals.
Getting there
Boat from Piraeus and, from the quay, a taxi or local bus to Askeli, a few minutes. The hotel offers transfer bookings through its website.
- **Manessi Boutique Hotel** (Small hotel, desde 61 € / night): The house
Manessi is a neoclassical house, run by a family, on the Poros harbour promenade, right below the clock tower. In front you have the channel, the moored sailing boats and, on the other side, the beach and houses of Galatas. From most balconies you can watch the sun set behind the mountain opposite and the comings and goings of the boats. Around it are cafés and fish tavernas: you need nothing but your feet. It is the sister hotel of New Aegli, in Askeli.
If you arrive by fast boat, you step off, turn left and about 70 metres along the main street you see the entrance on the right, up 15 steps. If you arrive on the big ferry, you turn right and it is about 12 minutes' walk. The hotel has no parking: the public car park is next to the ferry quay, ten minutes away.
The rooms
Each room is different. The doubles or twins with a sea view have a balcony at the front and 13 m²; the doubles or twins without a balcony, 10 m² with a window; there are doubles with a side balcony and partial sea view, and a room with two large windows. The best is the executive suite, of 30 m², on the third floor, with two balconies over the sea. All have air conditioning, a safe, television, Coco-Mat mattresses and a small fridge. They are small rooms, from an old house: think of them for sleeping and going out.
There is no lift. If stairs are hard for you, ask for a first-floor room, where reception is.
Breakfast and roof terrace
Breakfast is continental and served in the hotel dining room; the house's photos also show it on the balconies, over the channel. On the third floor there is a roof terrace with a view of the clock tower and the little naval base, which can be hired for meetings of up to 25 people. The staff help with car hire or organising excursions.
Price and booking
On its website, doubles start at €61 a night on direct booking. Check-in is at 14:00; if the room is ready earlier, they give it to you, and if not, you can leave your bags and take a stroll around the harbour. Book through its booking engine or on +30 22980 22273.
### Servicios
- **Saronic Ferries ferry from Piraeus to Poros**: Passenger and car ferries with stops at Aegina and Methana · 2 h 40 to Poros · e-ticket online

## As a family: Boats, a calm beach and an island with no distances

Poros works with children because everything is close: the boat is already part of the trip, the town is covered on foot, the south-coast beaches have calm water and you cross by boat to the Peloponnese in five minutes.

### What works best
Watching the boats from the quay and climbing to the clock tower

Askeli beach, with its gently shelving bottom

Crossing to Galatas by boat and the lemon forest

### Where to sleep
New Aegli, with Kids World and a beach

Sirene Blue, with a children's pool with a lifeguard

### Eating
The tavernas on the harbour promenade

### Keep in mind
The ferry from Piraeus takes about 2 h 40: bring entertainment

The upper streets of the town are stairs: better without a pushchair

### Qué hacer as a family
- The clock tower and the upper streets of Poros
- Poros Archaeological Museum
- Zoodochos Pigi Monastery
- Askeli beach
- Crossing to Galatas and the lemon forest

## Consejos

### Buy the ferry online
The ticket arrives by email and check-in opens 48 hours before.

### Sleep one night
The town changes when the excursion boats leave.

### Bring shoes for steps
The upper quarter is all steps.

### Check the return timetable
In winter there are fewer boats.

## Preguntas frecuentes

### How long does it take from Athens to Poros?
About 2 h 40 on the Saronic Ferries ferry from Piraeus; fast boats, less. By car via Methana and Galatas, about two and a half hours plus the crossing.

### Do you need a car on Poros?
No. The town is covered on foot and the beaches are a few minutes away by local bus or taxi.

### Which beach should I choose on Poros?
Askeli, 2 km from the town, long and shelving gently, or Monastiri bay, further east.

### Can you go from the Peloponnese to Poros?
Yes: from Galatas boats and a small ferry cross in a few minutes.

### Aegina, Hydra or Poros?
Aegina for the Temple of Aphaia and the pistachios, Hydra for the car-free town, Poros for quiet beaches and being a stone's throw from the Peloponnese.