Poros is a small island located in the heart of the Saronic Gulf and is considered one of the most popular island destinations in Greece. Situated only one hour from Piraeus by ferry, it serves as a great weekend getaway destination from the capital. Taking a ferry to Poros is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare companies and book ferry tickets.
Poros actually consists of two islands. Sphairia, the southern part, which is of volcanic origin, and where the main city is located. Then Kalaureia, the more northern and largest part. The two areas are connected by a narrow strait. Poros offers lush vegetation, beautiful little beaches, picturesque villages, and a vintage atmosphere. Its close proximity to islands such as Agistri, Aegina, and Spetses, makes it an ideal base for island hopping around Greece. This tourist-friendly island provides everything, from hotels and restaurants to shops and taverns. Don’t hesitate to book your tickets to majestic Poros for a day, a weekend, or even longer!
You can book your ferry tickets to Poros with Blue Star Ferries by using Ferryscanner. The ride is just one hour long. There is only one crossing to Poros every day starting at 17:00, so be sure to get to the port on time!
As Poros has no airport, the only option is to travel there by sea. If you are flying into Athens International Airport, you can either take the X96 shuttle bus to the port of Piraeus or catch the direct train from the terminal. Otherwise, take a taxi from the airport for a more relaxed journey.
There is one port in Poros, which is called Poros Port. It is accessible by private boat or by ferry, and it is a beautiful area that offers many shops, waterfront taverns, and flower-filled streets.
The harbor is filled with ships of different sizes, providing an ideal view, where you can also take a relaxing nighttime walk. You can also rent a small boat or hop on a ferry from here and easily get to Galata, situated right across the strait, in fewer than five minutes.
Poros Town is the capital and the main harbor of Poros. Located in the south, it is the residential, commercial, cultural, and economic center of the island. Here you will see beautiful, brightly colored Neoclassical buildings with terracotta-tilled roofs, balconies made of wood, and long windows. The blue clock tower stands at the highest point in the city is considered one of the island’s most famous landmarks.
Other interesting sights worth a visit are the Archaeological Museum, the Public Library, and the church of Agios Georgios. Here in Poros Town, you will also find many taverns, shops, and cafes which are great for passing time in the afternoon.
Askeli is a small village located at the joining point of Sferia and Kalavria. It is built around the Progymnastirio which was the first residence of Othon, the first King of Greece. A lovely location filled with neoclassical buildings, it is surrounded by two sandy beaches, offering many facilities, such as supermarkets, restaurants, beaches, bars, bike rentals, and water sports. Furthermore, a regular bus service provides a connection to Poros Town.
Galatas is truly a tourist delight. Located only a few hundred meters from the island of Poros, Galata is considered the sister-town of Poros Town. Equipped with numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars, it is a growing settlement characterized by its unique, yet traditional atmosphere. At the same time, it offers a magnificent view of Poros Town and it is connected with the island by small taxi boats.
Kalavria is a picturesque and eloquent fishing hamlet, built around a cove filled with pine trees. It is located on the eastern coast of Poros, near the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, and it offers rich taverns and beautiful pebble beaches with crystal clear waters.
Tourists arriving with ferry tickets to Poros, will find Neorio a relatively quiet village lying northwest of Poros Town. It is the largest residential area on the island after the town of Poros, and it offers a large number of hotels and apartments for rent, but also high-quality taverns where you can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine. A very graceful beach is located on one side of the village.
Love Bay Beach is considered one of the most popular beaches on Poros, offering white pebbles, soft sand, and transparent waters. Located on the western part of the island, it is surrounded by pine trees, which offer extra shade and a romantic atmosphere. You can reach the beach via buses that depart regularly from Poros Town. Be sure to get there early because the beach tends to be very busy during the summer!
Askeli Beach is located on one side of the village of Askeli, which is on the eastern part of the island. It offers golden sand, deep waters, beach-volley courts, sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports facilities. It is one of the busiest beaches in Poros during the summer, and you can get there by taking a 20-minute walk from the port.
This is a large beach located a few kilometers northwest of Neorio Beach. Megalo Neorio beach offers golden sands and clean, beautiful water. There you will also find hotels, taverns, and water sports facilities. You can reach this beach through a footpath from Neorio Beach. While it’s not as easy to find as some of the others on this list, it makes it more serene and calm.
This beach derives its name from the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, situated up in the hills. Located just 5km northeast of Poros Town, it is known for its quiet atmosphere, and for the great diving and snorkeling opportunities it offers. You can get there by car or by bike.
Reputably the best beach on the island, Russian Bay is also a historical site of great importance, as it is the place where the first Russian ships docked during the Greek Revolution against the Turks. Situated just 5km from Poros Town, it is a relatively large beach, with some impressive ruins. Here you will find a beach bar, which is great for having lunch or just a refreshing drink.
Public transportation is widely available on the island, offering an affordable and easy way to explore the whole region. You can take a bus from the central station, located at the port of Poros, or you can choose a taxi for a more relaxed and fast transfer. Alternatively, you can also rent a car or a motorbike for a more self-sufficient and exciting adventure! If you prefer to travel by sea, there are many water taxis and ferries available to help you ride the waves and visit other islands in the Saronic Gulf. Catching a ferry to Poros is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.