Slow luxury in Poros - Greece
In Poros, we slowed down and felt the real warmth of Greek hospitality. It’s the perfect island for slow travel. Enjoy good food, relax on quiet beaches, and take easy day trips to Hydra and Spetses with Hellenic Seaways.
Updated May 2026
An island where time slows down
When you arrive in Poros, the first thing you see are pine-covered hills above a waterfront of white and pastel houses, yachts and small fishing boats. Even though it’s only an hour from Athens, the island of about 4.000 people feels calm.
Poros has a history tied to the sea, but today it’s better known for its relaxed atmosphere. The clock tower looks out over the harbor, where life moves slowly and evenings are spent with good food, harbour walks, and views of the Peloponnese at sunset.
© Photo: Travel Magazine Belgium
Smooth transfers with Hellenic Seaways
Easy Connections to Poros, Hydra and Spetses
Transportation to and from Poros is remarkably easy via Hellenic Seaways: you can sail directly from Piraeus to Poros, and for day-trips around the Saronic Gulf the same company connects Poros with Hydra and Spetses. I booked my tickets easily via the Seamore app, but you can also book directly on the Hellenic Seaways website.
The ferries are comfortable, the crew courteous and helpful, and travel times relatively short — making these island hops both efficient and pleasant.
© Photo: Hellenic Seaways
Smooth sailing in Business Class
Ticket prices are moderate, and it is well worth travelling in Business Class. We took the Flying Cat 4 ferry for our day trips from Poros to Hydra and Spetses — apart from a few minor delays, the journeys were easy, comfortable, and perfectly suited for short island hops.
All information about the connections to Poros, Hydra and Spetses, you can find here:
© Photo: Travel Magazine Belgium
From Poseidon to the Greek war of independence
Poros has been inhabited since prehistoric times and carries a long history rooted in Greek civilization. In antiquity, it consisted of two islands: volcanic Sphairia and larger, fertile Kalavria, separated by a narrow channel. The earliest settlements date back to the Bronze Age (circa 3.000–1.000 BC), and by the 8th century BC, Poros had become part of a maritime confederation led by nearby Troezen. The island flourished during the classical period, with the Temple of Poseidon (built around 520 BC) serving as both a place of worship and a political refuge for exiled leaders, including the orator Demosthenes, who died here in 322 BC.
During the 19th century, Poros regained importance as a strategic naval base in the Greek War of Independence (1821–1829) and briefly hosted the headquarters of the newly formed Greek Navy. Many of its elegant neoclassical houses and public buildings were erected during this period, shaping the harbour’s distinctive look. Today, Poros remains a blend of myth, maritime tradition, and laid-back island life.
Poros’ Monastery
Driving around Poros, history always felt close. We visited the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, about 4 km east of Poros town, nestled on the slope of a pine forest. According to tradition, it was founded in 1720 by Archbishop Iakovos II of Athens, who was healed of lithiasis after drinking from a spring beside the future monastery. We loved how still the monastery felt — far from a tourist stop, more like a quiet sanctuary visited by locals and very few travellers. Inside the main church, beautiful frescoes and iconostasis; just outside is a small chapel that invites a moment of pause. After your visit, you can have a drink on the terrace next to the monastery. There is a modest parking lot at the entrance. The monastery opens typically from 07:30 to 13:00 and 16:00 to sunset.
© Photo: Travel Magazine Belgium
Russian Bay
From there, our car tour led us to Russian Bay, a quiet coastal spot named for its connection with past Russian naval presence in Poros -the island once hosted a Russian supply station— now a peaceful cove linking memory and landscape.
Temple of Poseidon
Then we climbed to the Temple of Poseidon on Kalaureia, dating from about 520 BC, and still offering great views of sea and island.
Talking to locals revealed the island’s growing commitment to eco-tourism. Poros strikes a balance: it doesn’t overbuild or want to lose its character. The natural slopes, the modest roads, the preservation of ancient ruins, and the recent rejection of aggressive aquaculture proposals all underscore the island’s effort to keep history and environment in harmony.
© Photo: Travel Magazine Belgium
Stay: Sirene Blue Luxury Beach Resort
Luxury accommodation on Poros is limited, with Sirene Blue Luxury Beach Resort standing out as one of the island’s few options.
Located around five minutes by car from Poros town, the hotel lies in the Monastiri area, on a hillside above the bay. On top of a green cliff, the hotel offers full sea views from most rooms and public areas. Fully renovated, the resort combines a minimal, contemporary design with a focus on comfort, more than on luxury.
Minimal and unpretentious
Facilities include a private beach with platform, two outdoor swimming pools (one dedicated to children), and a spa offering treatments. Dining covers several moods and settings: a seafront taverna for traditional Mediterranean dishes, a roof-garden restaurant with more elaborate cuisine, and a veranda bar where a limited selection of foods, drinks and coffee are served, with sea views.
A well-balanced breakfast
Breakfast is served in a large, bright room with high ceilings and big windows. You can also sit outside on a small terrace for a quieter (but hot) start of the day. The buffet offers a good choice of fresh fruit, pastries, cheeses, and warm dishes. There are no daily specials, but the food quality is good.
Rooms with impressive sea views
The rooms at Sirene Blue are comfortable but on the smaller side (we had a Deluxe Room), and the same goes for the bathroom. Each room has a terrace offering impressive sea views — the higher the floor, the better the panorama. The air conditioning works well, which is essential during the warmer months, and the overall design is clean and functional, with a focus on comfort rather than luxury. We recommend booking an Executive Room or a suite for a more comfortable stay.
© Photo: Travel Magazine Belgium
Relaxed dining and panoramic views
The hotel’s bar offers a modest menu, but with attentive service and unbeatable sea-views, it’s a pleasant option for a light bite or a drink.
The Roof Garden restaurant is the hotel’s highlight—check if it’s open evening when you want to visit—offering elegant ambiance and panoramic views of the Saronic Gulf. During our stay, the food quality was acceptable: the pasta with meat was OK; by contrast the sushi and sashimi were very good. Pricing reflects what you’d expect from a five-star property.
© Photo: Sirene Blue - Roof Garden
Hotel website
Set sail from Poros with Greek Sails
Renting a yacht with Greek Sails, based in Poros, is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the Greek islands.
Founded in 1983, this family-run company has built a strong reputation for its personal service and high-quality sailing experiences. Whether you prefer to sail independently, join a flotilla, or learn new skills through an RYA-accredited course, Greek Sails offers options for every level. Their fleet includes Jeanneau yachts, and itineraries cover the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs, the Cyclades, and the Peloponnese. Unlike the crowded marinas near Athens, Poros provides a peaceful and picturesque starting point — described by travel writers as one of Greece’s most charming harbours. With decades of experience, excellent TripAdvisor reviews, and a passion for sailing, Greek Sails makes discovering the Greek islands by yacht both effortless and memorable. The owners speak Greek, English, French and Dutch.
Website
Love Bay Beach, our favourite beach
If there’s one beach you shouldn’t miss on Poros, it’s Love Bay. This small, pine-fringed cove lives up to its name — a place where green slopes meet the turquoise sea.
The setting feels both intimate and cinematic, with boats gliding by and the little white chapel at the far end adding a poetic touch.
We spent a full day here and quickly understood why locals and travellers love it. The loungers are well positioned under the trees, and the simple beach menu — salads, grilled dishes, and drinks — is good. What stood out, was the professional and friendly service from two young female waiters who managed the area with quiet efficiency and charm. Stefanos, the owner, is a lovely Greek local.
If you’re visiting Poros, go to Love Bay. It’s relaxed, authentic, and beautiful— the kind of place where you can spend the whole day without noticing the time pass.
Website
© Photo: Love Bay Beach
Dining in Poros: our tried-and-tested favourites
Poros may be a small island, but its culinary scene is diverse. During our stay, we tested several restaurants across the island and found a consistent theme: good food, Greek hospitality and sea views.
Below are five restaurants we visited and can fully recommend.
Primasera (Poros Town)
Located on the waterfront in Poros town, Primasera stands out for its setting as much as for its quality. The tables are just steps from the sea, with boats gliding by as you dine. The service is warm and professional, the seafood fresh and well-prepared. We enjoyed a relaxed evening here.
Poseidon Taverna (Poros Town)
This taverna serves traditional Greek cuisine with reliable consistency. Expect grilled fish, Greek salad, and classic meze in a lively harbour setting. The team is attentive, and service runs smoothly even on busy nights. It’s a popular choice among locals and visitors, so making a reservation is advisable.
© Photo: Travel Magazine Belgium (Poseidon Taverna)
Serenità (Poros Town)
For something a little more refined, Serenità offers a more upscale dining experience at moderate prices. The presentation is elegant, the atmosphere stylish yet relaxed. Service was impeccable, with waiter John leaving a particularly professional impression. This is one of the island’s best options if you want quality and detail.
© Photo: Travel Magazine Belgium (Serenità)
Vassilis Taverna (Megalo Neorio)
Locals pointed us towards Vassilis, and we’re glad they did. This family-run taverna may not look fancy, but it serves some of the best home-style Greek food we tasted on Poros. Their moussaka was exceptional — easily the best we’ve had in a long time. Friendly, personal service and traditional flavours make it a place worth returning to.
Casanova Italian Restaurant (Poros Town)
When you’re in the mood for something other than Greek food, this Italian restaurant with a big terrace in Poros town is a great alternative. We were welcomed by a kind owner and an energetic team, and the pasta and pizzas were excellent. It’s a casual, well-run spot that offers a taste of Italy by the sea.
Parking and transport in Poros town
Before entering Poros town, turn right toward the ferry port where a large parking area offers free spaces. During the summer season, a local bus circulates around the town, making it easy to move between the port and town.
All info on the website of Visit Poros.
A smooth start with Brussels Airlines
Our journey to Poros began smoothly with a direct Brussels Airlines flight from Brussels to Athens. The airline never disappoints—friendly crews, warm smiles, and a relaxed atmosphere make flying feel like the start of the holiday itself. The three-hour flight passed effortlessly, and before take-off we enjoyed some quiet time at The Loft lounge, an excellent spot to unwind before heading to the Greek sun.