Poros Island, Greece: 10 Incredible Things To Do

Planning a trip to Poros Island, Greece?

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 10 amazing things to do in Poros, Greece, for an adventure you won’t forget.

With pine-covered hills, serene beaches, and a charming waterfront town, Poros feels like Greece’s best-kept secret.

After spending 4 days exploring this island and personally checking out its top spots, I’ve put together this guide to help you decide what to do on Poros Island.

Whether you’re a history lover, beach bum, or adrenaline junkie, I’ve got you covered.

Keep reading as I reveal the 10 best things to do in Poros, Greece.

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Where is Poros Island?

Poros is a small island in the Saronic Gulf, roughly a 1-hour ferry from Athens.

Poros is actually made up of two islands.

Sphairia is where Poros Town sits and your ferry will dock, and Kalaureia, the larger and greener island, is where you will find most of the beaches & accommodation.

From Poros Island, you can also reach neighboring islands like Hydra, Spetses, and Aegina, or cross the short strait to the mainland town of Galatas.

➡️ Recommend: How To Get From Athens To Poros: Ultimate Ferry Schedule

10 Incredible Things To Do in Poros

If you’re dreaming of a laid-back Greek island escape that blends history, beaches, and authentic charm, Poros should be high on your list.

Just an hour’s ferry from Athens, this hidden gem offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure – without the crowds of tourists.

From pine-covered hills to turquoise bays, here are 10 incredible things to do in Poros, Greece.

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Poros Clock Tower

Perched high above the Old Town, the pale blue Poros Clock Tower is perhaps the island’s most iconic landmark.

The short uphill walk takes you through charming backstreets before opening up to sweeping views of the harbor, the tiled rooftops of Poros Town, and the rugged Peloponnese beyond.

Admiring the view from the Poros Clock Tower, especially when the sun is setting, is one of the best things to do in Poros.

➡️ Further reading: Poros Travel Guide: Discover Greece’s Hidden Gem

Love Bay

Surrounded by lush pine trees and set back into a secluded cove, Love Bay might be the most picturesque spot on Poros Island.

About an hour walk from Poros Town, Love Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in Poros, and perfectly combines natural beauty with convenience.

➡️ Recommend: 7 Best Beaches in Poros, Greece

Think sunbeds, changing facilities, a restaurant, and a range of watersports on offer.

As one of the most popular things to do on Poros Island, it can get busy in peak season, so arriving early lets you soak up its tranquil charm before the crowds roll in.

Archaeological Museum of Poros

For history lovers, visiting the Archaeological Museum of Poros is an absolute must.

Inside, you’ll find fascinating artifacts unearthed from the island and nearby sites, including treasures from the Sanctuary of Poseidon.

Even if it’s a quick stop, it’s a great way to connect with the island’s ancient past before heading out to explore the ruins themselves.

Check out these highly rated Poros Island tours –

Watersports & relaxing at Askeli Beach

Askeli is the island’s most popular and liveliest beach.

➡️ Recommend: 7 Best Beaches in Poros, Greece

It’s the go-to spot for watersports, with everything from jet skiing and parasailing to wakeboarding and tubing on offer.

But it’s not all about adrenaline – Askeli is just as perfect for a laid-back beach day, with plenty of umbrellas and sunbeds to rent.

Plus, be sure to swing by the delicious Askeli Restaurant on the seafront when you need a refreshing break.

Sanctuary of Poseidon

Another one of the best things to do on Poros Island is to explore the ruins of the Sanctuary of Poseidon.

Dating back to ancient times, this sacred site was dedicated to Poseidon, the god of the sea, and played an important role in local religious life.

These fascinating ancient ruins atop a hill offer not only a fascinating glimpse into Poros’ past but also panoramic views of the town, harbor, and surrounding islands.

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Explore the Old Town

Exploring the winding, colorful streets of Poros Old Town was my favorite part of my trip.

Lose yourself down the narrow alleys, where charming neoclassical houses, bursts of colorful flowers, and tucked-away shops await at every turn.

It’s the perfect way to soak up local life on Poros, discover unique souvenirs, and stumble upon cozy cafes and tavernas along the way.

Russian Bay

Russian Bay is another one of the most beautiful beaches in Poros, and it boasts a fascinating history too.

➡️ Recommend: 7 Best Beaches in Poros, Greece

Russian Bay is home to the fascinating ruins of an 1820 Russian naval station, built when troops arrived to aid Greece in its fight against Ottoman rule.

Relaxing on the beach or swimming in the turquoise waters is wonderful, but the rich history adds a fascinating layer, making a visit to Russian Bay one of the most memorable Poros activities.

Zoodohos Pigi Monastery

Tucked into the lush pine forest, visiting the Zoodohos Pigi Monastery is one of the best activities in Poros.

Built in the 18th century, this peaceful monastery has long been a spiritual retreat for locals.

From its grounds, you can enjoy sweeping views over the Lemon Tree Forest in Galatas, making it a picturesque spot for photos.

After exploring the monastery and taking in the scenery, you can head to the nearby Monastiri Beach to relax by the water and soak up the tranquil surroundings.

⏰ Short on time? Discover Poros Island, as well as nearby Aegina and Hydra, on this hassle-free day trip from Athens

Kanali Beach

Another one of the best things to do on Poros Island is to relax on Kanali Beach.

➡️ Recommend: 7 Best Beaches in Poros, Greece

This beach sits in the narrow canal that links the two islands of Poros, offering a stunning backdrop of mountains and Poros Town.

It’s the easiest beach to reach from the town center, making it perfect for a quick escape, and you’ll find a couple of excellent restaurants right by the water for snacks or a leisurely meal.

Hiking in Lemon Tree Forest

Finally, on this list of the best activities in Poros is hiking in the Lemon Tree Forest, which isn’t actually on Poros Island itself.

The Lemon Tree Forest is located just over the water on the mainland of Galatas – you can reach it with a quick, inexpensive ferry from Poros Town.

The trail winds through thousands of lemon and orange trees, streams, and old watermills.

I’d recommend this trail during the spring, when the air is filled with citrus blossoms.

Where to stay in Poros

Poros is made up of two interconnected islands.

The smaller island, where the ferry docks, is home to Poros Town – the hub for restaurants, cafes, and bars.

The larger island is where you’ll find most of the beaches, hotels, and resorts, as well as a much more tranquil atmosphere.

I would personally recommend staying on the larger island and walking into Poros Town.

However, no matter where you stay in Poros, you are guaranteed great value and breathtaking sea views.

➡️ For full details: Where To Stay in Poros: 7 Best Hotels & Resorts

Sirene Blue Luxury Resort

If you’re looking for a luxurious resort with outstanding amenities, look no further than Sirene Blue Luxury Resort.

Every corner of the resort boasts a breathtaking ocean backdrop, including private balconies in all the rooms.

As well as their own area of private beach, Sirene has two pools, a spa, and a wide range of activities including tennis, mini golf, yoga, and water sports.

Prices start from €230 per night.

Aegean Villas

Aegean Villas is where to stay in Poros if you’re looking for a stunning beachfront escape.

Conveniently located on Askeli Beach, these self-catering apartments are perfect for travellers who want to be close to the action, without compromising on luxury.

Prices start from €150 per night.

Panorama Apartments

This is where I stayed in Poros, and you simply cannot beat it for value.

Each room comes with a private balcony, as well as a fully-equipped kitchen. It’s one of the best views I’ve ever seen from a hotel.

Panorama Apartments are located just above Askeli Bay, so while extremely conveniently located, they still boast a tranquil sense of seclusion.

Prices start from €40 per night.

How to get to Poros

Poros Island is just 58 km (36 miles) southwest of Athens, and getting to the island is super straightforward.

The quickest way to get from Athens to Poros is via a direct ferry from Piraeus Port –

If you prefer to make the majority of the journey by land, you can also get to Poros via Galatas.

You can drive or take a bus from Athens to Galatas (located on the Peloponnese mainland), and from Galatas, there is a short 5-minute ferry across to Poros.

However, due to the long journey time, this is not the way I would recommend.

➡️ For full details: How To Get From Athens to Poros: Ferry Schedule & Price

FAQs

How many days do you need in Poros?

I spent 4 days in Poros, and I’d say that 2-3 days is the ideal amount of time to explore at a relaxed pace.

In this time, you can explore many of the best things to do in Poros, such as –

• Wander the pretty streets of Poros Old Town
• Climb the Poros Clock Tower for sunset
• Check out the beautiful beaches – Askeli Beach, Lover’s Bay, Kanali Beach, Russian Bay
• Explore ancient ruins at the Sanctuary of Poseidon

➡️ You might also like: Poros Travel Guide: Discover Greece’s Hidden Gem

Is Poros, Greece, worth visiting?

Yes – Poros, Greece is absolutely worth visiting! This charming island offers a delightful blend of scenic beauty, history, and an authentic glimpse into local life.

From beautiful beaches and pine-covered mountains to ancient temples and charming cobbled streets, Poros has something for every type of traveler.

And the best part? It’s only a 1-hour ferry from Athens.

Poros delivers the peaceful beauty, cultural charm, and variety of experiences that make for a memorable Greek island getaway – without the crowds of more famous destinations.

➡️ For my detailed review: Is Poros Worth Visiting: The Truth About Greece’s Hidden Gem

Can you walk around Poros?

I would say that, generally, Poros is walkable. However, this depends on where you stay.

I was staying in the Askeli area, and I could reach Poros Town in about 20 minutes.

If you want to explore the beaches around the island, you can certainly walk like I did. However, further beaches like Lover’s Bay or Russian Bay can take up to an hour to reach.

From Poros Town, Kanali Beach & Askeli Beach are only a 15-minute walk away.

If you want to explore further afield, or simply don’t love walking, scooters and quad bikes are readily available to rent.

What is the main town in Poros?

Poros is made up of two islands connected by a bridge and a narrow canal of water.

The main town in Poros is located on the smaller island. This is where your ferry will dock.

In Poros Town, you’ll find all of the main restaurants, cafes, and a generally buzzing atmosphere.

The majority of hotels in Poros are located around the edge of the bigger island. This is where you’ll find all the beaches, too.

You’ll find some restaurants and cafes here too, mainly in the Askeli Beach area. Fortunately, most things are within walking distance, or you can hire a scooter.

➡️ Suggested: Where To Stay in Poros, Greece: 7 Best Hotels & Resorts

Does Poros have good beaches?

From family-friendly beaches with outstanding amenities to secluded, hidden coves, Poros Island is home to beautiful beaches.

As Poros does not attract as many tourists as other islands in Greece, most of these beaches boast a peaceful atmosphere and certainly do not feel overrun.

➡️ Recommend: 7 Best Beaches in Poros, Greece

Things To Do on Poros Island: Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it! From crystal-clear beaches to ancient ruins, this post has detailed the 10 best things to do in Poros, Greece.

If you have visited Poros, Greece, I would love to hear from you – drop me a comment below or reach out to me on Instagram or Pinterest and let me know how you found it!