Poros Town, Athens - Mount Olympus in Athens
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Poros Town Athens

4.7
·1k reviews·, Greece

A picturesque island escape with colorful houses, a vibrant waterfront, and serene beaches, easily accessible from Athens.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for exploring

CrowdLow
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Poros Town, Athens - Mount Olympus in Athens

Poros Town Athens

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for exploring

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque island escape with colorful houses, a vibrant waterfront, and serene beaches, easily accessible from Athens.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"Poros is a charming and accessible island, perfect for a day trip or a relaxing getaway."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 Ferry Options

Fast ferries from Athens take ~1.5 hrs. Consider slower options if traveling with kids .

🚲 Bike Rentals

Rent a bike to explore, but be extra careful on the hilly terrain .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Poros Town Waterfront

Poros Town Waterfront

Main town

Stroll along the lively waterfront, admire colourful houses, and soak in the charming island atmosphere.

Old Russian Naval Base

Old Russian Naval Base

Near Askeli

Explore the historical ruins of this unique naval base, offering a glimpse into Poros' past.

Beaches of Poros

Beaches of Poros

Various locations

Relax on sandy shores like Askeli or Kanali, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Planning Your Visit

Day Trip or Overnight?

Poros is a popular day trip from Athens, easily accessible by fast ferry in about 1.5 hours.Reddit However, for a more relaxed experience, consider staying overnight to explore its beaches and nearby attractions like Andreou Winery.Reddit

Getting Around Poros

While the main town is walkable, renting a bicycle is an option, though be cautious.Reddit For exploring further, taking a short ferry to Galatas on the mainland allows for car rental.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, ideal for exploring
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, pleasant temperatures
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Should I go to Poros as a day trip from Athens?

🚢 Ferry Options

Fast ferries from Athens take ~1.5 hrs. Consider slower options if traveling with kids.Reddit

🚲 Bike Rentals

Rent a bike to explore, but be extra careful on the hilly terrain.Reddit

reddit.com

Is Poros too small for 3 nights / 4 days?

reddit.com

Any recommendations for what to do on the island of Poros?

🚗 Mainland Exploration

Ferry to Galatas for car rental to visit Andreou Winery or the horse sanctuary.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkable Town

Poros town is best explored on foot; wear comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

Should I go to Poros as a day trip from Hydra?

Tips

from all over the internet

🚢 Ferry Options

Fast ferries from Athens take ~1.5 hrs. Consider slower options if traveling with kids.Reddit

🚲 Bike Rentals

Rent a bike to explore, but be extra careful on the hilly terrain.Reddit

🚗 Mainland Exploration

Ferry to Galatas for car rental to visit Andreou Winery or the horse sanctuary.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkable Town

Poros town is best explored on foot; wear comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise Poros for its charming, colorful town and lively waterfront, making it a delightful day trip or short stay. The island offers a relaxed atmosphere with accessible beaches and interesting historical sites like the Old Russian Naval Base. Some find it a bit small for longer stays unless combined with mainland exploration.

"This is a perfect island to have a good relaxing time with family or friends.
This place is so amazing and the location is unbelievable.
The little town of Poros is very compact and with a lot of historical past. It has a very nice marina and you can see all the boats that are arriving or leaving.
A plenty of choices of restaurants with all tipe of food from traditional to sushi.
This island is a very good choice for an unforgettable vacation."

gabi luchian

"I’ve been in Poros for 3 days and will be staying one more – it’s been a great experience overall. The atmosphere is lovely, calm, and perfect if you're looking to relax and unwind. The island is quite small, so if you stay in the center, you really won’t need any transport. We booked a place a bit farther out, so I rented a quad for 30 euro per day, which was a fun way to get around. Prices can be a bit on the higher side, but the peaceful vibe and beautiful surroundings definitely make up for it. Highly recommend for a chill and quiet getaway."

Anar Cavadov

"Amazing place, highly recommended"

Rozaliya Gramatikova

What People Like

Charming colorful town
Lively waterfront
Relaxed island vibe

What People Dislike

Can be small for long stays

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can take a fast ferry from Piraeus port in Athens to Poros Town. The journey typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.Reddit Hellenic Seaways is a common operator.Reddit

Yes, Poros is a very popular and easy day trip from Athens. The short ferry ride makes it feasible to explore the town and enjoy its atmosphere for a few hours.Reddit

While you can't drive your car directly onto the fast ferries to Poros, you can drive to Galatas (across the strait from Poros) and take a short 5-minute ferry with your car.Reddit This is a good option if you plan to explore the mainland near Poros.

Ferries between Hydra and Poros are quite frequent and quick, usually taking between 25 to 40 minutes.Reddit

Yes, ferries operate to Poros year-round, though schedules may be reduced in the off-season compared to summer.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It's highly recommended to book ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and potentially get better prices. You can check schedules and book on sites like Ferryhopper.Reddit

Most attractions in Poros Town, like the waterfront and exploring the streets, are free to access. Specific historical sites or museums might have small entrance fees.

Ferry operating hours vary by season and operator. It's best to check the latest schedules online with companies like Hellenic Seaways or through ferry booking platforms.Reddit

The Old Russian Naval Base is generally accessible, and there isn't typically a strict admission fee, though it's advisable to check locally for any updates.

Yes, you can usually buy ferry tickets at the port of Piraeus, but booking online in advance is often more convenient and can save you time.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Beyond the charming town, you can visit beaches like Askeli and Kanali, explore the Old Russian Naval Base,Reddit and take a short ferry to the mainland to visit Andreou Winery or a horse sanctuary.Reddit

Poros is great for relaxing on the beach and enjoying a slower pace. If you want to explore more extensively, combining it with a visit to the mainland or another nearby island might be ideal.Reddit

Popular beaches include Askeli, Kanali, and Vagionia. They offer clear waters and are great for swimming and sunbathing.

Poros Town is very walkable. For beaches and attractions further out, consider renting a scooter, bicycle (with caution),Reddit or using local taxis.

The most notable historical site is the Old Russian Naval Base. The town itself also has a charming, traditional architecture.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Poros offers traditional Greek cuisine, with fresh seafood being a highlight. Tavernas along the waterfront serve local specialties.

Yes, Poros Town has numerous tavernas and restaurants, particularly along the harbor, offering a variety of Greek dishes.

Look for fresh fish, grilled meats, and local mezes. Many tavernas will have daily specials based on fresh catches.

Most Greek tavernas offer a good selection of vegetarian dishes, including salads, vegetable-based mezes, and pasta dishes.

The dining experience is generally relaxed and casual, especially at the waterfront tavernas, perfect for enjoying the sea breeze.

📸 📸 Photography

The colorful houses lining the waterfront, the clock tower overlooking the town, and the scenic views from higher points are incredibly photogenic.

Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful soft light for capturing the town and its surroundings.

Yes, the ferry ride offers fantastic perspectives of Poros Town as you approach and depart, as well as views of the Peloponnese mainland.

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for townscapes and wider views. A smartphone camera is also excellent for capturing the vibrant colors.

Yes, the ruins of the Old Russian Naval Base offer unique and atmospheric photographic opportunities.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Poros can be a pleasant destination for families, especially for a day trip or a short overnight stay. The main town is safe and easy to navigate on foot, with plenty of waterfront cafes for a break. Beaches like Askeli offer shallow, clear waters suitable for children to play in. When choosing ferries, consider the duration and type; while fast ferries are quicker, some travelers suggest slower options might be more comfortable for families with very young children.Reddit Exploring the mainland via Galatas with a rented car can also add variety, with attractions like the horse sanctuary being a hit with kids.

🚶 Day-Trippers from Athens

Poros is an ideal destination for a day trip from Athens, offering a refreshing escape with its picturesque town and relaxed island vibe. The fast ferry service makes the journey efficient, allowing ample time to explore the waterfront, climb to the clock tower for panoramic views, and perhaps enjoy a leisurely lunch. It's advisable to plan your ferry times to maximize your stay and consider booking tickets in advance to avoid queues.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Poros: Ferries & Local Transport

Getting to Poros from Athens is straightforward, primarily via fast ferries from Piraeus port. These journeys are efficient, typically taking around 1.5 hours.Reddit While convenient, some travelers note that fast ferries might not be ideal for very young children due to the seating arrangement.Reddit For those seeking a more leisurely pace or planning to explore the mainland, taking a car ferry from Galatas to Poros is an excellent alternative, offering a much shorter crossing and the ability to bring your vehicle.Reddit

Once on the island, Poros Town itself is compact and best explored on foot. Comfortable walking shoes are a must! Reddit For venturing further afield, renting a bicycle is an option, though the hilly terrain requires caution.Reddit Taxis are also available for shorter trips to beaches or specific sites. If you're considering a longer exploration of the Peloponnese peninsula adjacent to Poros, renting a car from Galatas provides the most flexibility.Reddit

Beyond the Town: Beaches & Nearby Attractions

While Poros Town captivates with its colorful architecture and waterfront charm, the island offers more for visitors. Several beaches dot the coastline, with Askeli and Kanali being popular choices for their clear waters and relaxing atmosphere. These are perfect for a day of sunbathing and swimming.Reddit

For a touch of history and unique exploration, the Old Russian Naval Base is a must-visit. These atmospheric ruins offer a glimpse into a bygone era and make for interesting photography.Reddit A short ferry ride across the strait to Galatas opens up further possibilities. Here, you can rent a car to visit the renowned Andreou Winery for a tasting experience or explore a local horse sanctuary, both highly recommended by visitors.Reddit

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