Poros

Poros is a volcanic island with rich plantation and picturesque bays of deep blue waters on the southwest of the Saronic Gulf, facing the shores of the Peloponnese. It has a total area of 31 sq. km and a population of 4.500; its climate is mild with cool summers and soft winters. The name Poros means “passage”, from the scenic sea passage of 200 m. that separates the harbor of Poros from Galatas, a town located across on the Peloponnesian coast. 

How to get there

Ferry-boats and flying dolphins set off from the Piraeus harbor every day to Poros (Port Authority tel. no: 210.42.26.000 -4). If you have a car or another means of transport of your own, you may take the Athens-Corinth highway heading for Epidaurus. Just before the crossroad to Epidaurus, you will see signs to Poros and Spetses; at this point, turn right and then left, under the bridge. Follow the new road, till you see signs to Poros; turn a little bit to the left and you’ll reach Galatas, where you will take the small ferry-boat to Poros.

A glimpse of the past

Poros, namely the ancient Kalauria, together with the whole of Southeastern Peloponnese, was first populated in prehistoric times. In ancient times Poros comprised two islands, Sphairia, a volcanic island, and Kalauria, an all-green island dedicated to Poseidon. In the 7^th century B.C., Poros was the seat of the Kalauria amphictyony. City members of this amphictyony (i.e. cultic alliance) were Hermione, Epidaurus, Aegina, Prassies, Athens and Orchomenos. This alliance was a shipping, religious and political federation, created with the purpose to protect the independence and commerce of its members from the Argives. After Alexander the Great died (323 B.C.), the Ptolemies became lords of Poros. It was then that the orator Demosthenes found refugee on the island, where allegedly he committed suicide. In 273 B.C. the volcano of Methana came to life for a final time in history and changed the morphology of the area. From 86 B.C. to 395 AD, Poros was under Roman rule. From 1453 to 1821 it was under Turkish rule, with a small period of Venetian rule in between.

Sphairia was populated around 1460 AD. Its first inhabitants were Arvanites chased by the Sultan Mohammed II the Conqueror and the vizier Mahmud. It was then that the first settlement of the island, Kasteli, was formed around today’s Clock Tower. This spot was chosen because it served as a fort and protected the population from the Algerian pirates. Since 1688 and throughout the 15-year-long Venetian-Turkish war, Poros became the base of operations for the Venetian admiral Morozini, who used the island as a naval base for his fleet. It was here that he received the news of his nomination as the Doge of Venice.

The vital role of Poros in the Greek War of Independence can’t be ignored. Its inhabitants took part in the operations on land from the moment the Revolution was declared, and they actively participated in the liberation struggle from April 1821. It’s worth mentioning that in September 1828 Poros housed one of the most crucial meetings in Greek history. The ambassadors of England, France and Russia met with Kapodistrias to discuss the borders of the New Greek State. In 1830 the harbor of Poros became the first naval base of the liberated Greece. Significant historic events take place in Poros in 1831 during the strong civil conflict between Kapodistrias and the Hydrians, which resulted in the blowing up of part of the Greek fleet anchored at Poros bay.

 Events

All year round, especially during summer, there are various events, as well as painting and sculpture exhibitions organized in the Chatzopouleios Municipal Library and in the exhibition and cultural events hall.

Every two years, late June to early July, the Navy Week is organized, and it’s the brightest feast of the island, with art events taking place in the central square, together with exhibitions of naval interest, sports events and concerts. Indicative of the touristic potential of Poros is the fact that for the past 12 years it has been hosting the annual Charter Yacht Show, an International Exhibition of Professional Yachts, unique in Greece, with a global acclaim, that has made Poros famous worldwide.   

At Mylos, the highest spot of Sphairia, locals and tourists celebrate every year the beginning of Lent (“koulouma”) on Shrove Monday. There are carnival parties and musical events organized by the Municipality, and there’s Lenten food, such as lagana (traditional bread) and halvas, and lots and lots of wine.

 Local events

On the 24^th of June, in honour of St John Kledonas, the traditional custom of “jumping over bonfires” is revived.

On the 4^th of June, a great religious festival takes place in Plaka, Lemonodasos, in honour of Panagia Eleousa, with lots of food and drink, and traditional songs and dances to make merry.


A local recipe

Lemon jam
What we need:
•    1 kilo organic lemons
•    1 kilo sugar
•    2 1/2 cups of water
•    1/4 cup of lemon juice
•    1/4 cup of glucose
What we do:
1.    Wash the lemons very well, slightly scratch their skin and cut off their tops.
2.    Cut vertically the lemon peels and pull them off very carefully to keep their shape.
3.    Wrap them in rolls and pin them with toothpicks.
4.    Put them in a small basin filled with cold water and leave them for one day and one night to soak out their bitterness.
5.    Throw the water from the basin and boil the lemons at low temperature, until they get soft.
6.    Take off the toothpicks and add the sugar; keep boiling until the syrup thickens.
7.    Remove the lemons from heat and leave them like this for 24 hours.
8.    The next day, if the syrup is not thick, we boil again. If the syrup is OK, we heat the mixture for a while, add the glucose and the lemon juice and empty the hot jam into sterilized jars.

If you are looking for quality and reasonably priced hotels in Poros, then you have come to the right place for booking a few for your forthcoming holiday. Poros is one of the best tourist destinations in the country. Basically, it’s a volcanic island consisting of rich plantation and picturesque bays of deep blue waters. This is on the southwest of the Saronic Gulf facing towards the shores of the Peloponnese. You will find a climate which comprises cool summers and soft winters.

You can find a huge variety of good hotels in Poros and you can also book them from our website. There is absolutely no need to worry because of the services we provide to our customers with safe and secure payment options for booking their accommodations.

There are a variety of options you can have with us and can book according to your needs. There are facilities for couples as well as for families and friends. There are several exciting things to do in the town that can be enjoyed by you all year round, especially during summer. You’ll also discover various events as well as painting and sculpture exhibitions to keep you engrossed.