Poros Travel Guide: How To Get There, What To Do & Where To Stay (2026)

Planning a trip to Poros Island, Greece?

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Greece’s hidden gem, including how to get there, things to do, where to stay, and where to eat.

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

Whether you’re planning a longer Greek island-hopping adventure or are simply looking for a quick weekend getaway from Athens, Poros deserves a spot on your Greece itinerary.

After spending 4 days exploring this island, I’ve put together this Poros Travel Guide with absolutely everything you need to know.

Keep reading as we dive into what makes this island so special.

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Poros Travel Guide: Overview

If you don’t have time to read the whole guide, here is a quick summary –

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.

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How To Get To Poros

To kick off this Poros Travel Guide, let’s cover exactly how to get there.

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

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Things To Do in Poros

If you’re dreaming of a laid-back island escape that blends history, beaches, and authentic charm, Poros is the perfect Greek getaway.

With its beautiful beaches, lush pine forests, and charming old town, it has something for every kind of traveller.

➡️ Recommended: 10 Amazing Things To Do in Poros

Nature & Beaches

With lush pine forest in its center and stunning coves and beaches around its coastline, Poros is a nature lover’s paradise.

➡️ Suggested: 7 Best Beaches on Poros Island

Most beaches are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to follow the coastline and enjoy a leisurely day of beach-hopping.

Here are some of the best beaches you won’t want to miss –

• Askeli Beach – most developed, convenient location, watersports & activities
• Love Bay – most picturesque beach, surrounded by pine trees, can get busy
• Russian Bay – more secluded, interesting historical element
• Kanali Beach – between the two islands, beautiful views, great restaurants
• Neorio Beach – twin beaches, one more developed, one more secluded

➡️ Further reading: 7 Best Beaches on Poros Island

Poros is also a great island for hiking, with many coastal and inland trails.

If you want to explore a little further afield, you can also take a 5-minute ferry from Poros to Galatas to hike in the Lemon Tree Forest (the only one in Greece!).

History & Culture

If you tire of beach bumming, there are also many fascinating historical and cultural activities on Poros Island.

• Explore the Old Town – charming houses, winding streets, and colorful flowers
• Sanctuary of Poseidon – ancient ruins with breathtaking views
• Archaeological Museum of Poros – full of fascinating artifacts
• Poros Clock Tower – iconic monument & extraordinary sunset views

➡️ Further reading: 7 Best Beaches on Poros Island

Where To Stay in Poros

From stunning boutique hotels to beachfront resorts with top-notch amenities, Poros certainly isn’t short of amazing places to stay.

Thanks to its coastal layout, most hotels and resorts offer panoramic ocean views. And the best part?

Poros offers outstanding value for money, making you feel like royalty whatever your budget.

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

Sirene Blue Luxury Resort

Here’s what I love about it –

• Best luxury hotel in Poros
• Outstanding amenities – two pools, a spa, tennis, mini golf, yoga, and water sports
• Private beach with floating platform

Aegean Villas

✅ Check prices: Aegean Villas

Here’s what I love about it –

• Beachfront location
• Four one-bedroom apartments & four maisonettes – two with private pools
• Self-catering for that home-away-from-home feel

Panorama Apartments

✅ Check prices: Panorama Apartments

This is where I stayed. Here’s what I love about it –

• Incredible panoramic views from balcony
• Self-catering with fully-equipped kitchen
• Great value for money

Xenia Poros Image Hotel

Here’s what I love about it –

• Luxury hotel at great value
• Amazing amenities – gym, a wellness studio, outdoor pool & a conference room
• Conveniently located to explore the island

White Rose Hotel

✅ Check prices: White Rose Hotel

This is another hotel I stayed in. Here’s what I love about it –

• Minimalist & tranquil aesthetic
• Complimentary buffet breakfast
• Convenient location but feels secluded

Best Poros Tours & Day Trips

Check out these highly rated Poros Island tours –

Best Poros Restaurants

Next up on this Poros Travel Guide are the best restaurants on the island, for lunch or dinner.

Poros is home to some delicious restaurants, serving up authentic Greek cuisine and offering beautiful ocean views while you dine.

Whether you’re after lunch or dinner, here are my top picks that I would recommend –

• Poseidon – fresh seafood, a little more upmarket, harbour views, great for dinner
• Askeli Restaurant – located on Askeli beachfront, authentic Greek food with modern twist, great for lunch or dinner
• Apagio Taverna – traditional Greek cuisine, on the waterfront in Poros Town
• Captain’s Beach Bar – located on Kanali beachfront, beach-bar vibes, great for lunch
• Palios Platanos – tucked away in a charming square, traditional Greek food, beautiful setting

Poros Bars & Nightlife

While Poros doesn’t have the buzzing nightlife of other Greek islands, there is definitely a lively vibe here in the evenings.

Poros nightlife isn’t about wild partying, but more about sunset cocktails, laidback bars, and beachfront vibes.

Askeli Restaurant and Captain’s Beach Bar are great for beachfront cocktails as the sun is setting.

To continue your evening, head to Poros Town for a livelier vibe – I’d suggest checking out Malibu Bar.

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

How To Get Around Poros

Finally, on this Poros Travel Guide, let’s cover how to get around the island.

Poros is not a huge island, and it is very easy to get around.

While there is very minimal public transport, the island is highly walkable, and you can reach Poros Town from the majority of the hotels in about 20 minutes.

If you want to explore the beaches a little further afield, this can be up to an hour walk in each direction, but it is extremeley scenic along the coastline.

If you’re not so keen on walking, you can hire a scooter or quad bike to get around the island.

FAQs

How long to spend 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 Temple of Poseidon

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

Is Aegina or Poros better?

This question is difficult to answer, as it depends on what you’re looking for.

I actually visited both Poros and Aegina, and while each has its own charm, I personally preferred Poros for its more relaxed atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

Aegina’s town is more developed and lively, and a great option for a day trip from Athens. It’s also a must if you’re a fan of pistachios.

However, Aegina is much bigger and its attractions are more spread out.

Poros, on the other hand, feels more compact, making it easy to explore, and its beaches are far more picturesque.

Both islands have historical landmarks, but if you’re seeking beautiful scenery and a laidback vibe, Poros is the better choice.

What is the easiest Greek island to get to from Athens?

Any of the Saronic Islands are the easiest to get to from Athens, these include: Poros, Aegina, Hydra, and Spetses.

Is Poros worth visiting?

Yes – Poros, Greece is absolutely worth visiting!

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

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

Poros Travel Guide: Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it! This Poros Travel Guide has detailed everything you need ot know about Greece’s hidden gem.

If you have visited Poros, 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!