Poros Island is in fact made up from two islands, joined by a small bridge over a canal where they meet. The largest is called Kalavria and the smaller is called Sferia.
Poros Town is the main shopping area and is located on the smaller island of Sferia which is 2.5 km away from Askeli. Here you will find many tavernas overlooking the small channel which separates Poros from the mainland town of Galatas. Small shops line narrow alleys climbing up into the residential areas. In town you will also find the banks, post office and a small local museum.
Askeli is located on the larger Island Kalavria. It offers one of the best beaches on Poros Island with water sports, beach volley ball court and the seafront offers several tavernas and coffee shops ready to offer you a cool drink or a complete feast. There is a well stocked supermarket and bakery. You can hire bicycles, mopeds and quad bikes to explore the rest of the Island.
Monastery situated 1.5 km from Askeli, is the home of the Zoodochos Pigi Monastery, well worth a trip to see this place of worship. Please note out of respect that clothing covering the body must be worn to enter the complex. The entrance to the Monastery provides wrap around cloth for those who are not adequately dressed. Close by there is also a nice beach and bar.
The interior of the island has ancient ruins the Poseidon Temple, although you have to have quite a good imagination to make sense of the site, a map is on display of the area. All the surrounding area is protected native pine forests and offers stunning views across to the mainland, Athens and the island of Aegina. Many of its artifacts are on display in the local museum.
Vagionia Bay nestles in the north of the island and offers a sheltered bay ideal for snorkeling. On a clear day to the north of the island it is easy to see the coastline of Attica.
Neorion is located on the larger Island Kalavria looking over the mainland Peloponnese, offers nice beaches with calm water. with water sports, and the seafront offers several tavernas and beach bars. It is 3km away from the centre of sferia island.
The Russian Bay is located at Sourth West of bigger island Kalavria. It got the name from Russian Shipyard built here in 1834. Opposite of the bay is the small island “Daskalio”, and further out you can see the mainland Peloponnese.
All around Poros you will find places where you can stop and rest with fine refreshments, small bays and beaches give you access to the calm safe waters, where you can enjoy a swim or paddle.
Our neighbour the village of Galatas
Nestled at the foot of the Anderes Mountain
A short crossing from Poros takes you to the mainland village of Galatas, a car ferry leaves every half hour and from the seafront in town several water taxis wait to take passengers, the crossing takes little over 3 minutes. Here in Galatas you will find a very different atmosphere than that of Poros, Galatas is a small traditional working village where tourism has yet to make an impact. tavernas and coffee shops are available all along the seafront. Along the coast takes you to Lemonodasos an area where lemon trees were first introduced into Greece, a walk through this area climbing slowly up the mountain is rewarded with beautiful views over the Saronic Gulf.
Behind Galatas the Aderes Mountain climbs to offer stunning views, on a clear day you can see the coast of Attica, the island's of Poros, Aegina, St George, Modi and Hydra. You will need to organize transport to make it up to the top.
The city of Trizina is a 20 minute drive from Galatas. There are ancient ruins here worth visiting, also a picturesque gorge where you can take a dip in the fresh cool spring waters. Several centuries ago Trizina was the second largest city in Greece, there is little evidence of this nowadays. It has a small civic square where two tavernas offer local food and drink. A small cathedral is also worth seeing. A large Monastery overlooks Trizina, this order has a strict dress code on women visiting the site, please check before entering the grounds.
Methana is the origin of Poros Island, it is an extinct volcano that created the Island you visit today. Here the town has a sulphur pool as you enter it, perhaps this is where it gets its name from. You can climb the volcano and see the lava tunnels, however the climb is arduous.
Transfers to Poros Island
Arrivals from Athens airport to Piraeus Port
Bus (E96) from the arrival’s terminal to Piraeus Port, travel time 1 hour, depart every 20 minutes. Fare is €6.00 per person one way. Tickets purchased from booth next to bus stop, tickets need to be validated on bus.
Train metro line 3 to Piraeus port. The train station is located opposite of arrival/departure premises, travel time 55 minutes depart every 20 minutes. Fare is €9.00 per person one way. Tickets purchased from ticket office on top platform of train station or from ticket machines.
Suburban Railway to Piraeus port. The train station is located opposite of arrival/departure premises, travel time 60 minutes depart every 30 minutes. Fare is €9.00 per person one way. Tickets purchased from ticket office on top platform of train station or from ticket machines.
Taxi to Piraeus from arrivals will cost €50-60 (negotiated prior to departure) travel time is 50 minutes.
Piraeus Port to Poros Island
High Speed Catamarans (travel time to Poros Island takes 60 minutes) cost €32-34 per person one way.
Car Ferries travel time to Poros Island 2 hours 15 minutes cost €17.00 per person one way.
For latest time table, please visit Hellenic Seaways web site for the latest timetables. Link: www.hellenicseaways.gr