Poros Island

A designated Landscape of Special Natural Beauty and a protected area of 2161.54 hectares, with a total perimeter of 39.8 km and a maximum altitude of 100 m. It has also been designated and protected as a preserved and traditional settlement (since 1993) and as a historical area. Geologically, the island is characterized by limestone, slate and volcanic rocks.

A small island with an area of 23 sq. km at a distance of only 500 m from the Peloponnese coast with easy access. It consists of two smaller islands, Sphaeria (capital – port) and Kalavria, which are joined together by a small canal. The narrow strip of sea between the island and the Peloponnese is a natural harbor with a large capacity. The settlement of Poros is built amphitheatrically on the hill of Sferia on a small volcanic peninsula of the island, opposite Galatas.

The main island is covered by 50% by stands of halepi pine of great age and high aesthetic value. It is a pine wooded area, 3 km from the settlement of Poros, in the area of Askelio in the forest of Kalavria. Here is also the monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, which dates back to the 18th century and is famous for the healing properties of the spring water located near its entrance. The rest of the area is covered in evergreen broadleaf scrub or bare rocky coastal areas with several picturesque coves and sandy beaches. From the highest points of the island there is a panoramic view of the Saronic Sea, Methana and the area of Troizinia.

The view of the island with the settlement of Poros from the coast of Galata is picturesque. The settlement retains its old character with many old stone-built (with local volcanic rock and tiled roofs) buildings. At the top of the island there are ruins of an ancient temple of Poseidon. Historical area connected with events of the revolution of 1821. Here (Vila Galini) the poet Georgios Seferis wrote the poem “”The Thrush”” in 1946. The first Greek naval station was established here in 1830 just outside the settlement and remained until 1878, when it was moved to Salamina. Scattered walking paths in the settlement, on the beaches, in the forest of the island by forest roads, dozens of organized and free beaches, modern tourist infrastructure (accommodation, restaurants, recreation) pass even the most difficult visitor. The aesthetic value of the area consists of the position of the island, the general image of the settlement, the greenery that combines with the sea.

The distance of the island from Piraeus is 29 nautical miles and communication with flying dolphins (1 hour) and conventional ships (2.5 hours) is daily. Also, the island can be reached quickly and economically by car (2 hours), as Galatas is only 150 km from Athens (National Highway Athens – Corinth, immediately after the Isthmus exit to Epidaurus, exit to Palaia Epidaurus and then to Poros – Galata) and from Galata there is a continuous connection with the island of Poros every half hour (every half hour). The increase in arrivals by car in recent years has led the Municipality to take actions to limit the movement of vehicles in the center of Poros and to promote other functional modes of transport, such as traditional boats and municipal transport. Apart from everything else, the increase in visitors is also boosted by the excellent and very organized, usually sandy, beaches of the island, such as Askeli, Limanaki tis Agapi (meaning in Greek “The Cove of Love”), the beach at the Russian Naval Base, Monastiri, Gerolimani or Mikro Neorio.

The Russian Naval Base, the Temple of Poseidon, the Zoodohos Pigi Monastery, the Clock, the Archaeological Museum, the Municipal Library and the Shells and the Sea – Permanent Exhibition, are some of the many sights of the island. Also, the Municipality of Poros, especially in recent years, organizes important cultural events throughout the summer (Poros Arts Festival, Sinoriaka, etc.), but also in the winter (Christmas Neighborhood, Halloween Events, etc.), while Easter traditions in Poros, are also important such as the meeting of Epitaphs in the port, the floating procession on the channel etc.