The ferry approach alone is unforgettable: whitewashed houses climb a green hillside, their blue shutters catching the morning sunlight over the Saronic Gulf. Poros is not one island but two, joined by a narrow bridge that separates the lively town from the pine-covered heights of Sferia. Lemon and olive trees scent the air as you wander past tiny coves, while tavernas serve octopus drying in the sea breeze.
Poros is considered one of the most beautiful islands in Greece and probably the most beautiful one of the Saronic islands. weather you agree with this or not, in any case, it is certainly one of the quietest places where you can happily relax and enjoy the pleasant moments of your vacation by the sea.
Poros is, like the most Greek islands, of volcanic origin. It consists of two parts – a small rocky island Sphairia and much bigger and busier Kalaureia, where is also a vast majority of hotel complexes and beaches. Both sites are connected by a bridge. The first building, which you see when you arrive on Poros, is the white clock tower overlooking the island Sphairia. From its summit, where you can get after overcoming incredible amount of stairs you have a wonderful view over the harbor and the picturesque local countryside.
On the Kalaureia you can then do a little trip to the remains of the Temple of Poseidon. This was built five hundred years before Christ in honor of the ruler of the seas, made of the granite stone, which was imported from the neighboring island of Aegina. In the fourth century, the temple was destroyed by the earthquake, so that today you can see mostly the foundations of that massive structures. Among them is also located Bust of Demosthenes, who was a prominent Greek orator, killed at Poros with a poison. If you are passionate lover of the ancient monuments, visit the small archaeological museum with the exhibition related to the Temple of Poseidon.
But to the Greek islands you mainly travel because of the sea and beautiful beaches, right? They can be found on the southern part of Poros, while the north is dominated by olive and citrus groves. The beaches here are rocky as well as sandy and you can rent a lounger with a parasol on all of them. To achieve perfection, do a short stay in a nice local tavern to taste a delicious moussaka and souvlaki.
Poros Island is located in the Saronic Gulf, not far from Athens. The journey from Piraeus port takes approximately 1 hour and costs around €18.
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The Temple of Poseidon and the Russian Bay
The Temple of Poseidon on Kalaureia dates to 520 BC, built from local poros limestone and Aeginetan granite shipped from the neighbouring island. Sixteen Doric columns originally surrounded the cella, though only the foundations and a handful of column drums remain after a 4th-century BC earthquake levelled the structure. Archaeologists uncovered the site in 1894 and found votive offerings including bronze tripods, clay figurines, and an inscription recording the temple’s role as a sanctuary of asylum. The orator Demosthenes fled here in 322 BC when Macedonian forces pursued him after the Lamian War. Rather than face capture, he took poison in the temple precinct, a death commemorated by a modern bust of the orator placed among the ruins. On the island’s western coast, Russian Bay offers a sheltered cove with a pebble beach and excellent snorkelling. The Russian naval fleet used this bay as a supply base during the 1770 Orlov Revolt against the Ottomans, and the shallow, clear water reveals scattered pottery shards from that era. A waterfront taverna serves grilled octopus and local wine at €18 per meal.
Beaches and Swimming Coves Around the Island
Poros island offers more than a dozen beaches accessible by road, footpath, or water taxi. Love Bay, on the eastern coast, forms a heart-shaped sandy cove protected by pine-clad headlands, with shallow water ideal for children. Askeli Beach, the longest stretch of sand on the island, runs for 800 metres along the south coast and offers sunbeds at €8 per pair, plus two beach bars serving cocktails until sunset. For solitude, walk 20 minutes north from Askeli to Megalo Neorio, a secluded pebble beach shaded by tamarisk trees where the water deepens quickly for proper swimming. A water taxi from Poros town harbour to any beach costs €5 to €10 per person, with boats running on demand from 9am to 7pm June through September.
Which Greek island experience calls to you: harbour views or forest trails? 🏝️
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