A small island in the Saronic Gulf, with pine forests, serenity and old-world charm

One upon a time, two small islands – Spheria and Kalavria – came together to produce a little jewel in the Saronic Gulf, the island of Poros. A short hydrofoil ride from Athens will bring you to a place beloved of Seferis, the Greek Nobel laureate, and Henry Miller. A stone’s throw from Galata, on the mainland, Poros resembles a puzzle piece gone missing from the Peloponnese opposite.

Small boats bearing visitors come and go across the channel. When you land you encounter quaint tavernas, yacht marinas, neoclassical buildings, a clock tower, pine forests reaching the sea, serenity and relaxation. On foot, by bike or by boat, Poros invites you to discover its charming simplicity.

What to do in Poros?

Poros’ neoclassical buildings ascend the town’s hill like seats in an amphitheatre. Walking through the narrow alleyways, among whitewashed houses wrapped in bougainvilleas, you’ll travel back in time. Want to dig deeper? Visit the Archaeological Museum in Koryzi Square to take in exhibits from the Temple of Poseidon, ancient Troezen and Methana.

Across the straits, east of Galata, and seemingly plucked right out of a fairytale, stands the lemon forest. Tens of thousands of lemon trees come right down to the shore. In between small streams trickle contentedly by and the occasional watermill and the chapel of Agios Seraphim, built-in 1900, make a delightful addition to the scene. If you visit when the trees are in blossom, you are in for an olfactory delight.

In the town of Poros, from Stavros to the western jetty of the new harbour, the waterfront awaits with offers of coffee, food and souvenirs. Fishing boats and sailing yachts line the shore. At night, the calm waters reflect the lights from numerous bars and clubs, creating a lovely atmosphere. Hard to resist, it will always be the case of ‘just one more nightcap’ in this idyllic holiday setting, on an island close to Athens.

The historic clock tower in the middle of town is visible from everywhere. It’s been counting every moment since 1927, but the best time to visit is at the day’s end when you’ll be rewarded with an amazing sunset.

Among the pine trees in the middle of the island, you’ll come across the ruins of a Doric temple dedicated to Poseidon, built in the 6th century BC out of blue limestone. Demosthenes, the orator, arrived here as a fugitive and ended his life by drinking hemlock.

Hidden gems of Poros!

Among the people who stayed here were Seferis, Greta Garbo and Henry Miller. These days you will only be able to admire the exterior of the red neoclassical villa as it is a private residence.

Admire the buildings that have been listed as historical landmarks and then take a dip right in front of them.

Swim to the islet east of the port and conquer its small castle, there since 1827. Back then the locals used it to keep a check on ships coming from Hydra.