Poros: Pine Coves and Island History

Two islands, contrasting landscapes

Poros consists of two islands: green Kalavria lies to the north, and volcanic Sferia to the south. This contrast alone gives the landscape a distinctive character. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can first consider which aspects of the destination you would like to shape your days there: coastal scenery and beaches, archaeological history or cultural discoveries. Poros offers several specific points of interest, without requiring you to limit your trip to just one theme.

Pine trees almost reaching the sea

Nearby, Love Bay is a small beach in a picturesque cove. Dense pine forest surrounds the cove, with trees reaching almost to the sea. This makes for a striking landscape: the forest and coast meet directly here. On the opposite coast lies the Lemon Forest, an EU-protected area with lemon and orange trees. The pine cove and citrus grove bring different qualities to the landscape and offer nature lovers two distinct themes to explore.

The small chapel of Agia Sofia is also near Love Bay. It is decorated with religious paintings by Spyros Vassiliou, a Greek painter and icon painter. Here, landscape and art come together in a specific local setting: the cove is shaped not only by its trees but also by a nearby cultural detail. When planning your days, you can combine these interests in nature and culture.

Cultural sites and history on Poros

Nearby, the 18th-century Zoodohos Pigi Monastery stands about four kilometres from Poros Town, on a pine-covered hillside. It is an example of island monastery architecture. On Poros itself, the Temple of Poseidon at Palatia is dated to around 520 BC. Different periods are represented here: an 18th-century monastery and a temple whose origins date back to antiquity.

The Archaeological Museum of Poros displays finds from settlements, sanctuaries and cemeteries in the Troizinia region, as well as from Ermioni. The collection includes artefacts spanning from the Early Helladic period to the Byzantine era. For visitors interested in archaeology, this broad timespan offers a way to explore a subject that extends well beyond a single archaeological site. If you plan to visit the museum, check the current visitor information before your trip.

Other traces of culture add to this picture. The remains of the Russian Naval Base (Rossikos) on Poros were designated a historically preserved monument by the Ministry of Culture in 1989. The dome of the Cathedral of Saint George on Poros was painted by the Greek artist Konstantinos Parthenis. Nearby, on the adjoining Diamantopoulou estate, a small church features religious murals by Spyros Vasileiou. These examples range from the remains of the naval base, designated a historically preserved monument, to the religious artworks in the cathedral and the small church.

Plan your beaches and journey

The nearby beaches also have different facilities. Askeli Beach has a lifeguard and a beach volleyball court; toilets, changing rooms and showers are also available there. Kanali Beach is equipped with sun loungers and parasols. As beach facilities can change, check what is available locally if it matters to your plans.

A car ferry takes travellers from the port of Galatas to Poros in ten minutes. If you plan to travel by car, this short crossing is a useful point to consider; check the latest timetable information before your trip. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can match these themes to the days you have planned: beaches, scenery or culture each offer a different focus. This way, you can tailor your search to the experiences that interest you most on Poros.

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