Table of Contents:
POROS TOWN.
OUTSIDE OF TOWN
OFF ISLAND.
See Poros, right in Athen’s backyard. Approximately one hour from Piraeus (Athen’s) port by ferry, it is your small Greek Island fix.
Upon arrival, the neo-classical buildings and the pine-covered hills welcome you.
See Poros Town.
There are basically two main streets in Poros Town. The promenade (front) street follows the shape of the harbor. It has motor traffic and a lovely pedestrian promenade.
The back street is one block in from the front street and follows the base of the hillside. It is only about half as long as the front street.
Clock Tower.
Starting at the top of the town is Poros’s landmark. Dating from 1927, the clock tower is visible from just about anywhere in town. It sits at the highest point on the hill of Sphere, one of two hills the town sits on.
The walk to reach the clock is predominantly uphill between picturesque houses, several from the 15th century. You have great views over the town and towards the Peloponnese from the hilltop.
Archaeological Museum of Poros.
The Museum sits on the front street in Koryzis Square at the southern end of town. The Koryzis family donated the land to build the museum in the 1960s. Inside the small museum, you will find antiquities from the sanctuary of Poseidon and relics from nearby Hermione and Trizina. They date from the Mycenaean era to Roman times.
Hatzopouleios Municipal Library.
Located on the back street in a neoclassical building that looks centuries old, the building actually dates from 1994. Donations from Alexandros and Katina Hatzopoulou pay the cost of construction. In addition to books, the library also contains a small shell museum. Due to its size and volunteer staff, it is only open upon appointment or during exhibits. If you’re lucky, a local exhibition may be happening inside.
Monument to the Fallen Heroes.
This stately monument is on the front street, halfway between the ferry dock and the Archeological Museum. Dating from 2012, it honors Poros’s heroes. It also makes a great meeting place if your party splits up.
Municipal Market of Poros.
Just east of the monument along the waterfront is what remains of a once vibrant town market. Today, instead of a dozen stalls competing for your custom, there is one fish shop and one butcher. For nostalgic reasons, it’s worth popping your head in.
Poros Folkloric Museum.
Across from the ferry pier in the Syggrou building is this small museum. It is the creation of the local Women’s Cultural Association. Most of the museum’s collections come from their homes and include household items, traditional furnishings, costumes, and photographs. Check the door for opening hours.
The Syggrou building also has a small Amphitheatre in the back. Check for concerts while you are there.
The Old Windmill Tower.
Like windmills on the island of Crete, this tower was a place for milling bread flour. The age of the tower is unknown. From here or the nearby Saint Athanassios Holy Chapel, you can get incredible views of the island and beautiful sunsets.
Poros Town is very walking-friendly in the areas most travelers wish to see. See the waterfront, but make sure to stroll the back street if you want to see Poros Town.
See Poros Outside of Town.
Sanctuary of Poseidon.
Bring a good imagination as there is very little remaining of this 6th or early 5th century B.C. complex. During the Hellenic period, it was the center of the Calaurian League. It was also an asylum for those seeking protection from persecution. You can drive to the site from town or hike one of the few paths from town. The hike going (uphill) will take 90+ minutes. The temple sits over 600 feet above sea level in the north-central part of Kalaureia island.
The Holy Monastery of Zoodohos Pigi. (Life-giving Spring).
Dating from 1720, this monastery will play a part in the War of Independence. John Kapodistrias and other freedom fighters pray here several times. The church has a few impressive icons. You can find the graves of several fighters of the Revolution here.
Russian Dockyard.
A little over 2 miles (3.5 KM) from the bridge is what remains of the second Russian dockyard. A historical monument since 1989, it is predominantly the remaining shells of the storehouses. There is no museum on location, but a beach and bay is popular with locals and boat owners. There is a bus service from town.
Dana Lighthouse.
At the northwest edge of the island, marking the mouth of the Poros channel is this lighthouse dating from 1870. The charming stone-built square lighthouse sits approximately 30 feet above sea level. Today, it is automatically operator, and you can not go inside. You can see it from a boat. To visit requires driving to the end of the dirt road and a 15-minute hike along the footpath. There is no shade or benches so go in the morning or late afternoon.
It is easy to see Poros Island in a day. There are not many sites, and they are not too far away from each other. To fill up additional days you can do a beach or water-related activity. Or, why not venture off island?
See What’s Off Poros Island.
A 10-minute ferry ride away is the Peloponnese. Mycenean ruins, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and more await.
Lemon Forest (Lemonodasos).
Narrow roads twist and turn through more than 600 private properties spread across the hills near Galatas. In May, you can smell the lemon blossoms all the way to Poros. Unfortunately, the Lemon Forest is not what it used to be. At its peak in the 1800s, more than eight million lemons are traveling as far away as Constantinople. There were waterfalls and water mills across the area to irrigate the trees.
By the 1960s, India and Mexico exported cheaper lemons, and many of the Galatas lemon growers abandoned their orchards. Today the watermills are dry, and many orchards withered from lack of care. The annual output of lemons is around 25,000. There is a small group of volunteers hoping to revitalize the area. I really hope they succeed.
The Sunken City of Ancient Epidaurus.
Approximately 40 minutes drive from Galatas is the seaside town of Palaia Epidavros. From here, you can take sightseeing boats, kayaks, or snorkel trips to the sunken ruins of Ancient Epidaurus. The sunken city lies under 4-6 feet (1.5 to 2 meters) of water. Do not expect the underwater Atlantis of Hollywood creation. However, you can see Mycenaean tombs, parts of walls and building foundations, paved sections, and the agora.
Ancient Theatre at the Asclepieion of Epidaurus.
The ancient theater dates from the end of the 4th century B.C. It was probably the design of the architect Polykleitos the Younger. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its symmetry and beauty. With a maximum capacity of 13,000 to 14,000 spectators, the theater still hosts music, singing, and dramatic performances. The adjacent site was a place to worship Asclepius, the god of medicine.
The Athens Epidaurus Festival presents programs here and in Athens during summer.
See Naplio for additional sightseeing in the Argolis area of the Peloponnese.
See Poros Summary.
Poros deserves more than a few hours off a tour boat. Plan to experience the island and stay a minimum of one night. If you don’t, you will miss the sunset, a delightful dinner, and the charming locals.