There are islands that take several days to get to know, and others that win you over through simpler moments. Poros falls more into the second category. It’s small, distances are short, and daily life revolves around the town, the sea, and its pine-covered shores.
Its location, very close to the Peloponnese, makes it particularly accessible for those vacationing in the Ermionida region. From Ermioni, Porto Heli, or Kosta, you can drive to Galatas and cross over to Poros. Thus, a day on the island can easily be incorporated into the itinerary of a longer trip to the region.
An island you get to know by walking around
The town of Poros is perhaps the best place to get a sense of the island’s character. On the beach, you’ll find the hustle and bustle of the harbor, with cafes, taverns, and small boats coming and going through the narrow channel. A few meters further inland, however, the scene changes.
The narrow streets wind their way up between houses with tiled roofs, courtyards, and old neoclassical buildings. You don’t need to follow a specific route. You can simply leave the waterfront and take one of the narrow streets leading uphill.
That’s how you end up at the Clock Tower, the city’s most iconic landmark. It’s located at the top of Sphairia Hill and was built in 1927. From there, you can clearly see just how close the island is to Galata. If you go up in the late afternoon, you’ll also avoid the midday heat..
The ability to leave your car behind and spend much of the day walking is one of the most enjoyable aspects of Poros.
From the city’s narrow streets to the pine trees and the sea
Poros has a distinctive feature that becomes immediately apparent as soon as you leave the town. The largest part of the island, Kalavria, is lush and green, and in many places the pine trees extend almost all the way to the sea.
This is particularly evident on the Neorio side and at the Little Harbor of Love. The scenery here contrasts with the city’s livelier atmosphere and is ideal for those who want to spend a few hours by the water without venturing too far away.
Askeli has a different vibe. It’s larger, more organized, and there are more options for food and coffee nearby. For a family or someone who wants to spend several hours at the beach, it may be a more practical choice.
So, there isn’t just one beach that’s right for everyone. The advantage is that the distances make it easy to change your plans within the same day.
The other side of Poros
If you stick only to the harbor and the beaches, you’ll only see part of the island. On the west coast, for example, are the ruins of the Russian Naval Base, a complex linked to the presence of the Russian fleet in the area during the 19th century.
Today, the old facilities stand right by the sea and give the area a completely different feel from that of the city center. It’s one of those stops that’s worth visiting more for the combination of scenery and history than for a quick photo.
The Sanctuary of Poseidon is also located in Kalavria. Although no impressive structure remains of the ancient temple, the site is of historical interest. Demosthenes took refuge there in 322 B.C., before taking his own life rather than surrender to the Macedonians.
These points give you yet another reason not to view Poros solely as a beach destination.
A great excuse for a day trip from Ermionida
If you’re based in Porto Heli, Ermioni, or Costa, traveling to Poros via the Peloponnese allows you to combine two different aspects of the region in a single trip.
With a rental car, you can take the route to Galatas and continue from there to the island. For a day trip, it’s not necessary to take the car across. You can leave it in Galatas and take one of the ferries to Poros, after checking the day’s schedules in advance.
This also gives you more flexibility in planning your itinerary. You don’t have to organize an entire vacation around the island. You can leave from Ermionida in the morning, spend the day on Poros, and return in the evening.
If your trip starts in Athens or Piraeus, there are other options for getting to the area. The company offers one-way car rental, with the option of pickup and delivery at different locations, as well as private transportation with a driver. The service is particularly useful for those arriving at Athens Airport or the port of Piraeus and continuing their journey to Ermionida.
Poros without a plan
Maybe that’s the best way to spend a day here without a long list of sights you have to see.
A stroll through the narrow streets in the morning, a few hours by the sea, a meal near the harbor, and a coffee before heading back to Galata are enough to get a good sense of the island. If you have more time, you can add the Russian Naval Base, the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, or a second beach to your itinerary.
And perhaps that’s where Poros’s charm lies. You don’t have to rush from one place to another to make the most of your day. The town is made for walking, the sea is always nearby, and the pine-lined paths quickly change the scenery as soon as you leave the harbor behind.
For someone already in Ermionida, this makes Poros an easy change of scenery: a short drive to Galatas, a quick ferry ride across, and a whole day spent at a truly island pace.
We are here to help you work out the details of your reservation. You can contact us through phone or email for any questions you may have regarding drop-off and pick-up locations. Our goal at Pop’s Car is to ensure a smooth and reliable ride, tailored to your specific needs.
