Poros

Poros island in the Saronic & Argolic sailing area:

Poros is a small Greek island located in the Southern part of the Saronic Gulf, almost attached to the Peloponnese coast. Being near Athens (32NM South of Piraeus port), Poros is always part of a sailing itinerary when yacht holidays start from Athens (Alimos marina) and when the destination is the Saronic & Argolic gulf & Peloponnese East coast.
Poros is a verdant island with rich vegetation. The island is extensively wooded and bushy with large pine-tree forests, olive and citrus groves.
Poros town is the capital, the main port and the commercial and entertainment hub of the island. The beautiful capital, amphitheatrically built on a volcanic hill, is encircled by picturesque alleys and white washed houses. The particular thing about Poros is the beautiful setting of the narrow sea channel that separates the island from Galatas village on the Peloponnese coast. An all day & night taxi boat connection brings people to and from the Peloponnese coast. Needless to say that many cafes, clubs, restaurants, taverns, night clubs and souvenir shops are all gathered on Poros side and give much chance for shopping and entertaining. The wonderful villages of Perlia and Kalavria are the alternative choice beside Poros town offering privacy, peace, country life, seafood and the like.

Poros’ beaches, mostly in little bays on the South coast of the island, have calm and protected waters and many are well-organised providing a high standard of facilities and service such as watersports, tavernas, cafes, mini markets and beach-bars. Some of the -sandy or pebbly- beaches and coves of Poros are Askeli, Kalavria, Kanali, Neorio, Vayiona, Megalo Neorio and the Russian and lover’s bay.

Weather conditions / Climate in Poros island:

The prevailing wind in Poros island is the Meltemi which is not as strong as in the Cyclades and Dodecanese. It blows from NE at force 3-5 beaufort scale and very rarely stronger.
The climate in Poros is the classic Mediterranean: sunny and dry summers and mild winters with little rainfalls. During the summer period, the atmosphere is quite pleasant due to the constant breeze blowing in the area and the temperatures do not exceed 32 degrees celsius.

Moorings & Anchorages in Poros island/ Saronic and Argolic Gulf:

With the latest addition of the floating pier on the North side of Poros, the colourful Poros harbour accommodates lots of yachts during summertime and provides a safe shelter for yachtsmen. Yachts can moor to the quay on the old docks of the North side of the town as well as on the South in the narrow channel.
Anchorages in Poros: Ormos (bay) Vidhi, cape Dana, Russian bay, Neorion, Alyki, Monastery bay & Soupia islet.
Keep in mind: Alimos marina and Lavrion port both in Athens are our charter bases for the sailing area of the Saronic & Argolic Gulf and Peloponnese East coast.

History / Places of interest in Poros island:

According to mythology, Poros island was the birthplace of the well-known Athenian Theseus who killed the Minotaur of Crete (half man, half bull).
Ancient Poros (Kalavria) was the creator of an alliance called the Amphictyonic League which set up in the 7th Century BC by 6 states (Hermioni, Epidavros, Aegina, Athens, Prassia, Navplia, Orchomenos). The alliance was a maritime, religious and political confederation for their independence & trade protection against the Argives.
In Byzantine times, Poros and the so-called “Argosaronic” islands were often invaded by pirates who most of the times created big damages.
During the Ottoman occupation Poros remained independent participating in the Greek War of Independence. Due to Poros’ proximity to the Peloponnese many revolutionary meetings took place there and the role of Poros in the Greek revolution against the Turks was very significant.

One of the greatest places of interest in Poros is the Archaeological museum placed in the capital. The museum displays collections of finds from the excavations of the sanctuary of Poseidon at Kalavria and other very important exhibits as well.
There are also many monasteries, churches and chapels scattered around the island of Poros such as the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi (4km E of the town) and the church of Agios Georgios (in the heart of the town).

Activities in Poros island:

Poros is the ideal place for watersports enthusiasts and outgoing activities! It has three schools for watersports in Askeli, Neorio and Perlia as well as an ideal place for scuba diving near to promontory Axerdo. Also, most well-organised beaches offer various watersports and the specific equipment.
For those who like activities such as mountain biking and trekking, Poros offers some very good routes and footpaths mostly in Monastiri, Kanali and Neorio. There, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking view, the beautiful landscapes and discover historical regions of the island.
Car and motorbike rentals are available in the main town and port.