Poros holidays

How to reach Poros

Flight time: Flights to Athens take approximately 3 hours 40 minutes from London and other major UK airports.

Transfer time: From Athens International Airport, the most straightforward way to Poros is via Piraeus Port (40 minutes away by taxi, 1 hour by metro and 1 hour 30 minutes by bus). The ferry crossing to Poros averages 1 hour 30 minutes.

Price:

• Taxiing directly from the airport to Piraeus Port costs around €60

• A single metro ticket €9

• A bus ticket €6

• A one-way ferry ticket will likely come in around €34, but there are a lot of variables.

Best time to visit Poros

The best time for your Poros holidays depends on your preference for weather and crowds and what activities you have in mind.

April to June experiences highs ranging from 19 to 28°C, minimal rainfall and 8 to 12 hours of daily sunshine – next to ideal conditions to explore the island.

July to August sends the mercury into the 30s, so it's no wonder the island’s pristine beaches are like catnip to sun lovers.

September to October sees tourist numbers damp down, making for a more relaxed holiday experience. Temperatures dip, too, to a more comfortable 27–24°C range. Poros’ waters are slow to lose their summer heat, so you’ve got some lovely swimming months. The only fly in the ointment is a little light rain.

November to March is no good for swimming, but with highs reaching 15°C even in January and February, it can be a lovely time for scenic walks and cosy tavernas on cloudy, rainy days.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language. While attempts to use some Greek, for instance, “Yia sou” (hello) or “Efharistó” (thank you), will always be appreciated, English is widely spoken in Poros’ tourist areas.

• Currency: Greece uses the Euro.

• Getting around: Poros is compact and easy to explore on foot or by bike. Local buses connect Poros Town with beaches like Askeli for around €2 per journey. Taxi boats provide quick trips to nearby beaches or Galatas for €5–€10.

• Electricity and plug types: Greece uses the standard European 220–240V supply voltage and 50Hz. You’ll need a travel adaptor for two-pin type C and F plugs.

• Time zone: Greece is 2 hours ahead of GMT (3 hours during Daylight Saving Time).

Best things to do in Poros

If you’re a nature-loving, history buff or a beach-going watersport enthusiast, holidays to Poros will tick a lot of boxes.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Clock Tower of Poros: The island’s most prominent landmark. Set atop Sferia Hill, this is the best vantage point in Poros Town, with panoramic views over the port and across the strait to Galatas and the Peloponnese.

• Love Bay: Nestled in a lush pine forest a couple of kilometres from Poros Town, with a teensy stone-built chapel, this sandy cove is one of the most picturesque spots on the island.

The best districts

• Poros Town: Built on the slope of two hills, all stepped alleyways and bougainvillea-draped terracotta-roofed houses, Poros’ port town capital has more than good looks going for it, from quaint tavernas, bars and boutiques to museums and churches.

• Askeli: A little northeast of Poros Town, Askeli’s biggest draw is its sweep of golden sand and crystal-clear waters.

Museums

• Archaeological Museum of Poros: Located in Poros Town, the museum holds a small but notable collection of artefacts dating from the Mycenaean to the early Christian period.

• Hatzopoulios Municipal Library of Poros: Pulling double duty as a shell museum, the town library has more to offer than books.

Historical monuments

• Sanctuary of Poseidon: Commandingly sited 200m above sea level near the Vigla hills, the views are fantastic. However, stripped back to its 6th-century BC foundations, the archeological site requires a lot of imagination

• Monastery of the Life-giving Spring (Moni Zoödohou Pigis): Situated a couple of kilometres east of Poros Town, the main reason to visit is to see the iconography.

• Russian Dockyard: Built in the 19th century to supply the Russian fleet in the Aegean, today, little remains beyond the facade of the main building, but it's an interesting site. Its picturesque setting on Russian Bay doesn’t hurt either.

Day trips in the area

• Galatas: A ferry hop from Poros, traditional Galatas’ calling card is the Lemon Forest (Lemonodassos) and its hiking trails.

• Hydra: A half-hour ferry ride gets you to the go-slow Saronic island of Hydra, with its elegant mansions, donkeys and swimming spots.

Activities for families in Poros

Poros is a fantastic destination for families looking for a laid-back holiday.

• Family-friendly beaches: Bookending Askeli village, Askeli and Kanali beaches are family-friendly options with shallow waters, soft sand, sunbeds and umbrellas.

• Playgrounds: A basic but nice playground is tucked behind the ferry port.

• Glass-bottomed boats: The next best thing to a trip to an aquarium. Pan Saronic run 35- to 40-minute trips along the coast in a Nemo-styled semi-submarine.

• Inflatable rides: For a shot of adrenaline, Askeli Water Sports Centre offers thrilling inflatable rides, including banana boats and crazy sofas, at Askeli Beach.

• Boat trips: With stops for swimming and snorkelling, boat tours tend to be family pleasers.

Free things to do in Poros

You don’t need to break the bank to get the most out of your Poros holidays. Many of the island’s best experiences are completely free.

• Annual festivals and free events: For a small island, Poros has a packed social calendar, with celebrations ranging from religious feast days (the first Friday after Easter at the Monastery of the Life-giving Spring is one of the big ones) to visual and performing art festivals like the Poros Art Festival (staged for three weeks in July and September).

• Explore Poros by public transport: A free minibus makes regular circuits around Polis Town.

• Historical monuments: Blending architecture with art, the island’s many churches are well worth checking out, especially Agios Georgios in Poros Town for its hagiography artworks.

• Beaches: Poros has some impressive coastline, particularly the lengthy stretch between Gerolimani and Monastiri beaches. Better yet, Greece introduced laws in 2024 stipulating that 70 percent of all Greek beaches must be sunbed-free, so you’ll only have to pay for one if you can’t live without your creature comforts.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: The municipality has put together a handful of official “Poros Trails” to help you explore the coastline, pine-clad hills and the Lemon Forest across the water. To get you started, Trail 3 from Gerolimani Beach to Dana Lighthouse is a particularly scenic option.

• Cycling: Whether it’s looping around Poros Town or dirt-roading through the forest, quiet roads and paths around the island make cycling a popular way to explore Poros’ natural beauty.

• Scuba diving: Poros has a couple of dive centres that offer courses, dive packages and equipment rental.

• Snorkelling: One of the island’s quieter beaches, Vagionia Beach on the northern coast is a top spot for snorkelling. Swim a few metres from the shoreline, and you’ll spot the paved streets and building foundations of a sunken ancient city.

• SUP and kayaking: The calm waters around Poros are ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Equipment rentals are available at popular beaches like Askeli and Kanali, where you can also take lessons if you’re new to the sport.

Beaches to enjoy on Poros holidays

Poros holidays are all about soaking up the sun on pristine beaches surrounded by stunning natural beauty. From tranquil coves to lively shores, Poros offers a variety of beaches to suit every type of traveller.

• Askeli Beach

  Askeli is one of the most popular beaches on Poros, known for its golden sands and clear, shallow waters. It’s ideal for families and those who enjoy water sports, with plenty of facilities like sun loungers, cafes, and water equipment rentals.

• Love Bay (Philoxenia Beach)

  A picturesque cove surrounded by lush greenery, Love Bay is a romantic and serene spot perfect for couples. The calm, turquoise waters make it great for swimming and snorkelling, while its peaceful vibe is perfect for relaxation.

• Kanali Beach

  Located close to Poros Town, Kanali Beach offers a mix of convenience and charm. With its sandy shore, clear waters, and nearby tavernas, it’s a great choice for a laid-back beach day without venturing far.

• Vayionia Beach

  For a more secluded and natural experience, Vayionia Beach is a quiet spot surrounded by rugged beauty. It’s perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy unspoiled scenery.

• Neorio Beach

  This beach is lined with pine trees that provide natural shade, offering a relaxing atmosphere. It’s popular among families and offers calm waters, making it great for swimming and enjoying a peaceful day by the sea.

Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun, romantic hideaways, or tranquil escapes, the beaches of Poros offer something special for every holidaymaker.

Local dishes in Poros

The island doesn’t have any signature dishes as such, but you'll have plenty of opportunities to sample traditional Greek fare and fresh fish on your Poros holidays.

Some typical dishes

• Horiatiki Salata This classic Greek salad mixes ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives and feta cheese with olive oil and oregano.

• Gemista: Perfect summer food – oven-baked veggies such as tomatoes or peppers stuffed with herby rice.

Meze dishes

• Garides Saganaki: Typically served with warm pitta bread, sautéed shrimp in a tomato sauce topped with feta.

• Marides Tiganites: Another meze classic, whole whitebait dredged with flour, crispy fried and finished with lemon and olive oil.

Meat dishes

• Kleftiko: Lamb infused with garlic, lemon and herbs, wrapped in parchment or foil and slow-cooked for ultimate tenderness.

• Moussaka: This layered bechamel-topped aubergine and minced lamb casserole is a menu mainstay throughout Greece.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Chtapodi Sti Schara: Tender and smoky, marinated octopus roasted over charcoal is a classic Greek dish.

• Catch of the day: Many tavernas serve fresh fish, simply grilled and paired with wild greens or vegetables.

Street food

• Crêpes: Greek-style crêpes tend to be slightly heavier than their French cousins but no less delicious.

• Souvlaki: Skewers of marinated pork or chicken grilled to perfection and served with pitta bread and Tzatziki.

Sweets and desserts

• Amygdalota: Made with ground almonds, egg whites, sugar and flavourings like orange blossom water, these traditional biscuits are crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside.

• Pastelia: A concoction of honey, sesame seeds and sometimes nuts, this candy bar makes a nutritious snack.

Local drinks

• Ouzo: Greece’s signature anise-flavoured spirit pairs beautifully with meze.

• Peloponnese wines: Poros’ proximity to the Peloponnese ensures access to excellent wines, from robust Nemea reds to dry Patras whites.