Porto HeliPeloponnese · Greece

All About Porto Heli

An untarnished jewel set within the eastern Peloponnese, Porto Heli is often referred to as one of the best-kept secrets in Greece. This lively little coastal town was once a sleepy fishing village until wealthy families began to buy land in the area from the 1970s onward, turning it into a very chic getaway. Only a three-hour ferry ride from Athens, Porto Heli became a weekend escape ideal for family vacations.

Its proximity to the cosmopolitan islands of Hydra and Spetses made it even more appealing, adding to its reputation as an exclusive spot for swimming, yachting, and relaxing in style. You won’t find many backpackers here, but you will discover a few very select retreats and high-end hotels where travelers go to disconnect, enjoy luxurious amenities, and savor the beautiful scenery.

While ‘Porto’ means harbor, the name ‘Heli’ may come from the ‘Arvanite’ dialect of the Peloponnese, or originate from the corrupted name of the nearby ancient city of Allieis (fishery), becoming Halieis, and finally Heli. The ancient city discovered in the area dates back to around 468 BCE when Tiryns founded Allieis, which was an important commercial port. Fishing has been the main occupation of the inhabitants ever since, and it even had its own currency in the late 4th century BCE.

The Venetians used Porto Heli, or Porto Bizato as they called it, for the Ermionidas navy and it is one of the six Peloponnesian ports included in Venetian maps of the 18th-century. Porto Heli sits within the rich agricultural region of Argolida, making it a foodie paradise and locavore’s dream. Most of what you eat and drink is produced here, from the excellent wine and cheese to the wild honey, fleshy olives, and amber olive oil. Simply enjoy!
 

Routes and Ferries to Porto Heli

You can book your ferry tickets to Porto Heli using Ferryscanner and sail there from the port of Piraeus in Athens in 3 hours, 30 minutes with Hellenic Seaways and Blue Star Ferries. If you are on the island of Hydra, you can arrange ferry tickets to Porto Heli and enjoy a 1.30-hour trip, while it’s only a 2-hour crossing from Poros and just 10 minutes away from Spetses. You can also book ferry tickets to Porto Heli from the nearby town of Ermioni and enjoy the picturesque coastal route for 45 minutes before arriving at your destination.

You can catch a KTEL bus to Porto Heli from Athens, with transfers at Kranidi or Nafplion. The journey takes about 3.30 hours in total, and buses leave from the central Kifissos KTEL Bus Station in Athens. Alternatively, you can drive there in just under 3 hours, enjoying some of the sights along the way, such as the Corinth Canal and Ancient Epidavros.
 

Port of Porto Heli

The little port of Porto Heli comes to life during the summer months, with passenger ferries making regular crossings to and from the nearby islands, as well as from Athens. It is a small harbor, built around a natural cove, and also offers safe shelter for leisure yachts, with a modern marina offering a lovely mooring spot.

It’s a hub for the many local fishing boats that bring in the daily catch, supplying a wealth of fresh fish to the local restaurants. Apart from that, this tiny port town sits quietly for the rest of the year, and has retained a lot of old-world charm as well as offering all amenities you could ask for during your visit.
 

Best Beaches

There are many beautiful beaches in the area of Porto Heli, some of which are very secluded and ideal for a quiet swim. Wherever you go, you will find pristine waters and a tranquil ambiance.

Town Beach

The beach at Porto Heli itself is very pleasant and as you sit there, you will feel as if you are on an island, rather than on mainland Greece. It is a small sandy beach with azure waters, offering a delightful spot to while away your day as you watch the local fishing boats coming and going. Facilities include umbrellas, sun loungers, cafés, and the chance to try out some water sports.

Costa Beach

Costa itself serves daily crossings to and from Spetses, but its beach is a nice spot to unwind before or after your island hopping. It has clear shallow waters and fine sand, making it an ideal playground for young children. You will find all the necessary amenities, such as umbrellas and sun loungers, as well as a nice choice of waterfront taverns and coffee shops.

Hinitsa Beach

This beach sits in a small bay of the same name and lies between Porto Heli and Costa. It can get busy during the summer months due to a large hotel sitting along the waterfront, but it is a nice place to swim and enjoy the shade of the pines. The beach is very popular with both the locals and passing yachts, yet has retained its natural beauty.

Chrissi Akti (Golden Beach)

You can find this beach in the nearby settlement of Agios Emilianos, just opposite the island of Spetses. You will need your own transport to get there and, as there are no facilities, make sure you take all the necessities with you. Most people arrive on the beach by private boat to soak up the beauty of its turquoise waters and serene setting.

Kyparissia Beach

This is another lovely beach with a pebbled shoreline and translucent waters located northwest of Porto Heli. The beach is lined by verdant cypress trees, offering a welcome shade from the summer sun. After basking in its tranquil waters, make your way to Agios Nikolaos for some ouzo and octopus as you gaze over the mesmerizing bay.

Korakia Beach

If you can get to this beach, you will enjoy its wonderful setting amidst a pine forest with a handful of islets scattered offshore. It is quite difficult to access via a dirt road, which makes it almost empty, apart from the yachts anchored nearby. The emerald waters will beckon you to enjoy a refreshing swim and you can wade across to the island opposite to collect seashells. There are no amenities, so bring what you need to enjoy one of Porto Heli’s secret charms.
 

Things to Do

Explore the Town

Wander along the promenade and take in the quintessential appeal of this perfectly situated fishing hamlet. You will notice the red-roofed houses and villas overlooking the gulf and get a sense of the investment that has gone into the area. Sit in one of the local taverns and watch the luxury yachts coming and going, while sipping on some local wine, and enjoy the vibes of what is often called the St.Tropez of the Peloponnese.

Visit the Ruins of the Ancient City of Allieis

Take some time to visit this important attraction, located on the south side of the bay. The archaeological excavations that began in the early 20th-century unearthed intriguing findings, such as ancient temples, a stadium, and many utensils of brick and clay. You can still see the remains of the ancient walled port and sunken colonnade of the temple of Apollo in the shallows beneath your feet.

Take a Walk Around Ververondas Lake

Ververondas Lake is a popular beauty spot just 5 km from the center of Porto Heli. Once known as a pirate’s hideaway, the waters are said to have therapeutic properties for conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism. You may see water skiers practicing their skills on the lake, which hosts the Senior World Water-Skiing Competition every year. If you are still there in the evening, you can enjoy spectacular sunset views as the lake transforms into liquid gold.

Discover the Local Churches and Monasteries

There are many traditional churches and chapels scattered around the area, with the little church of Agios Emilianos sitting on the hilltop about 4 km from Porto Heli. You can visit the famous Byzantine monastery of Panagia Pantanassa close to Kranidi village, as well as the monastery of Agia Anna and the 13th-century chapel of Holy Trinity. At Costa, which is a tiny harbor just 12 km from Porto Heli, you will find the pretty chapel of Agios Demetrius, set amongst lush scenery and affording picturesque sea views.

Go Island Hopping

You can easily visit some of the surrounding islands from Porto Heli, with romantic Hydra and pine-clad Poros only a couple of hours away. If you wish to spend the day on Spetses, you can take a water taxi from Costa for the 10-minute crossing and enjoy soaking up the cosmopolitan energy of this much-loved island.

Rent a Yacht

Set sail for a day of swimming, diving, and dining on a rental yacht, with a skipper on board to take you from one emerald cove to another. Porto Heli can be really enjoyed by sea as you experience its natural beauty and bathe in its crystalline waters. Feel the sea breeze as you chill out onboard, try your hand at some water sports, and enjoy a day of cruising like no other.
 

Transportation Around Porto Heli

Porto Heli is so small that it won’t take you long to get around on foot, so you don’t need any transport for that. There are local bus services connecting the town with Ermioni and you can also hire a car or motorbike if you wish to do your own exploring. There are plenty of taxis available to take you to and from your selected destination and cycling is also a good option if you like to sightsee using pedal power.