Poros is a small island in close proximity to the Peloponnesian coast, separated by a narrow channel.
View and book hotels in POROS. Click here.
A volcanic island, formed through the union of two smaller islands, Kalouria and Sphaeria.
Ancient Greeks considered Poros to be the favorite island of Poseidon, which explains the ruins of the 6th century BC temple dedicated to the sea god. Archaeology buffs will want to visit the scant remains of the
Sanctuary of Poseidon, 5 km. from he town of Poros on the road to the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi.
The sanctuary in situated, like so many ancient temples, amidst the most beautiful setting on the island. It dates to the 6th century B.C. and was the center of the Kalaurian League, a maritime confederation formed by Ermioni, Epidaurus, Nafplio, Aegina, Athens and Orchomenos. It was also a refuge for the shipwrecked and persecuted.
It was here that
Demosthenes is said to have drunk poison after having been cornered by his enemies in 322 B.C.
Built up the sides of a small hill, the town of Poros has the blue woodwork and white walls so typical of Greek island architecture.
Swimmers will find charming little
sandy bays all along the way to Neorio, rimmed with pine trees down to the sea.
The approach to Poros by ferry is especially picturesque.
Crossing to the mainland is made easy by dozens of small ferry boats constantly transporting people from coast to coast. A visit to the Lemon Forest (Lemonodassos) is a favorite excursion from Galatas.
Just like its sister Argosaronic islands, Poros also greatly contributed to the Greek War of Independence (1821-1829).
Henry Miller in his �Colossus of Marousi� provided the most famous description of Poros: �The island revolves in cubistic planes, one of walls and windows, one of rocks and goats� Yonder, where the mainland curves like a lip, lie the wild lemon groves and there in the spring young and old go mad from the fragrance of sap and blossom. You enter the harbor of Poros swaying and swirling, a gentle idiot tossed about amidst masts and nets in a world which only the painter knows.�
Poros has its share of churches and monasteries. At four kilometers out of the city of Poros, the 18th century monastery of Zoodohou Pigis is nestled among giant pine trees over a very scenic bay, abandoned by the monks who moved elsewhere fleeing the tourist invasion.
There are numerous hotels and restaurants on the island offering a wide array of delicious local and international dishes.
Its proximity to Piraeus, its small shaded, calm beaches and lush vegetation have made Poros a favorite base with travelers who want to enjoy Athens sightseeing without having to put up with the hustle and bustle of the busy Greek capital. Poros offers easy access also to many sites in the Peloponnese and has frequent hydrofoil and ferryboat connections with the Aegean islands.
Boats are leaving daily from Piraeus to Poros which can also be reached by driving to Galatas and then across on a ferry.
Public transportation to Galatas is also available.
