Saronic
Poros
An Athenian weekend island with a beautiful clock tower and a pine-covered twin.
Getting around
Scooter friendly
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Moderate
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
2.5h ferry
In pictures
Poros
Poros has a particularly distinctive geography: the main town island of Sferia, with its famous clock tower, is separated from the larger forested island of Kalavria by a causeway, and the narrow channel between Poros and the Peloponnese mainland is one of the most dramatic harbour settings in Greece — close enough to the opposite shore that you can make out conversations at the waterfront kafeneion across the water. Kalavria holds the Temple of Poseidon where the Athenian orator Demosthenes famously poisoned himself rather than submit to Macedonian capture in 322 BC. The Lemon Forest (now more accurately an orange grove) and the Naval Cadet School add further layers to the island's character. Poros works best as a 2-night stop — long enough to enjoy the atmosphere and scenery, short enough that the relatively modest beaches don't become a constraint.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Very close to the mainland — lacks the sense of true island escape. Touristy waterfront can feel formulaic.
Where it sits
Saronic, Greece
Poros — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Poros? +
- The best months to visit Poros are May to October. It's busy but manageable in peak season, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Poros from Athens? +
- Poros has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, which takes about 2.5 hours. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
- Is Poros good for couples? +
- Poros is a charming pick for couples, especially shoulder season.
- Is Poros good for families with kids? +
- Poros is a great choice for families — calm swims, walkable towns, and short transfers.
- Is Poros expensive? +
- Poros is affordable by Greek-island standards.
- Do you need a car on Poros? +
- A scooter or ATV is the easiest way to get around Poros. Buses cover the main routes but a scooter unlocks the quiet beaches.
- What's the catch with Poros? +
- Very close to the mainland — lacks the sense of true island escape. Touristy waterfront can feel formulaic.