Lush, pine-covered and just a narrow strait from the Peloponnese, Poros is one of the easiest and prettiest overnight stops on a Saronic Gulf sailing holiday. To rent a boat near Poros you charter from the Athens marinas and sail south into sheltered water, reaching the island's clock-tower town in a comfortable day's run.
Why sail to Poros
Poros sits in the calm, island-dotted waters of the Saronic Gulf, well protected from the strong summer meltemi that sweeps the open Aegean. That makes it a relaxed, forgiving destination, equally suited to first-time charterers and families who want short hops and safe anchorages rather than long offshore passages.
- Sheltered Saronic sailing, protected from the strong meltemi winds of the open Aegean.
- Short, easy hops between islands, ideal for relaxed itineraries and less-experienced crews.
- A narrow, scenic strait and a lively town quay with tavernas, cafes and a landmark clock tower.
- Quiet bays and sandy beaches (Askeli, Neorio) within minutes of the harbour for lunch or a swim stop.
- Fuel and fresh water available right in the port, so provisioning and top-ups are simple.
- Easy day-sail excursions to the Peloponnese coast opposite, including Galatas and its lemon forest.
Chartering a yacht near Poros
Poros itself is not a charter base. The nearest fleet is in Athens, roughly 48 to 50 km to the north, where Nautilia's bareboats and crewed yachts embark from the Athens (Alimos) and Marina Ag. Kosmas marinas. From there it is a straightforward sail down through the Saronic Gulf, so Poros usually features as an early stop on a week's itinerary rather than a start point.
If you would rather not skipper yourself, a crewed charter lets you enjoy the scenery while a professional skipper handles the passage. Families and larger groups often prefer a catamaran for its stable decks and shallow draft, which suits the gulf's coves and beaches.
What to see around Poros
Poros is really two islands joined by a causeway: rocky Kalavria to the north and the small volcanic islet of Sferia, where the town stands. Much of the island's history and its best anchorages sit within an easy sail or short walk of the harbour.
Poros town and Bourtzi
The charming town of Poros is both the capital and the port, its whitewashed houses climbing to a landmark clock tower with sweeping views over the strait. Just east of the harbour lies the green islet of Bourtzi, crowned by a small castle built in 1827. The Archaeological Museum of Poros holds important finds from across the island.
The Sanctuary of Poseidon
About 5 km north-east of the town stand the remains of the Sanctuary of Poseidon, a Doric temple of the 6th century BC. The islanders call the area Palatia, and it rewards the walk with an exceptional view over the gulf. In antiquity Poros was known as Calauria and led a religious league of seven cities.
Beaches and bays
Near the port, on the island's southern coast, lies Askeli, with lovely water backed by a dense pine forest; on a hill above the beach sits the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi (Kalavria). About 3 km north-west are Mikro and Megalo Neorio, sandy beaches where the pines reach almost to the clear sea.
Excursions to the Peloponnese
A narrow strait separates Poros from Galatas on the coast of the Peloponnese, an easy crossing. Directly opposite the port lies the verdant village of Galatas and, just to the south, the idyllic Lemonodasos, or Lemon Forest. From Poros you can also make excursions to the nearby coasts of Argolida.
Rent a boat near Poros
Tell us your dates, group size and the pace you want. Our charter experts will match you with the right yacht from Athens and help you plan a Saronic route that takes in Poros.
When to sail to Poros
The Saronic Gulf enjoys a long, gentle sailing season. Because it is sheltered, Poros stays comfortable even in high summer when the open Aegean can be windy, so the choice of month is more about crowds and temperature than sailing conditions.
Warm, green and quiet, with light winds and calm seas. An ideal time for relaxed, easy sailing.
Hot and busy, but the Saronic stays sheltered from the meltemi. Book well ahead for the best yachts.
Warm sea, softer light and thinner crowds. Many crews rate early autumn the finest time to sail here.
Aegina (Egina) Island, Greece
Barely an hour's sail from the Athens charter bases, Aegina is the closest of the Saronic islands…
Angistri Island, Greece
A short hop from Aegina and barely two hours from the Athens charter bases, Angistri is the little…
Poros Island, Greece
Lush, pine-covered and just a narrow strait from the Peloponnese, Poros is one of the easiest and…
Salamina (Salamis) Island, Greece
Just a short hop from the mainland and ringed by sheltered, history-soaked water, Salamina…
Spetses Island, Greece
Yacht charter in Spetses, the elegant edge of the Saronic Gulf A yacht charter to Spetses brings…
Saronic Gulf sailing itineraries
Poros sailing FAQ
Can I rent a boat directly from Poros?
Poros is not a charter base, so boats are not usually rented from the island itself. The nearest fleet is in Athens, about 48 to 50 km north, at the Athens (Alimos) and Marina Ag. Kosmas marinas. You charter there and sail down into the Saronic Gulf, with Poros as an early stop on your route.
How far is Poros from the Athens charter bases?
Poros lies roughly 48 to 50 km south of the Athens marinas. Under sail that is comfortably reached in a day, which is why it often features as the first or second overnight stop on a week-long Saronic charter.
Is Poros a good destination for beginners and families?
Yes. The Saronic Gulf is sheltered from the strong summer meltemi, the distances between islands are short and the anchorages are calm. That combination makes Poros well suited to first-time charterers, families and anyone who prefers relaxed day-sailing to long offshore passages.
What is the best time of year to sail to Poros?
The season runs from about May to October. May, June, September and October offer warm weather, lighter crowds and easy conditions, while July and August are hotter and busier but remain sheltered. Because the gulf is protected, sailing conditions stay comfortable throughout.
What should I see on Poros?
Highlights include the clock-tower town and its Archaeological Museum, the islet of Bourtzi with its small castle, and the ruins of the 6th-century-BC Sanctuary of Poseidon at Palatia. For swimming, head to Askeli beach below the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, or the pine-fringed sands at Mikro and Megalo Neorio.
Can I sail across to the Peloponnese from Poros?
Easily. A narrow strait separates Poros from Galatas on the Peloponnese coast, and it is a short crossing. Opposite the port you will find Galatas and, just south, the Lemonodasos or Lemon Forest, along with further excursions along the coast of Argolida.
Is there fuel and water available at Poros?
Yes. The harbour has a filling station supplying both fresh water and fuel for boats, so topping up is straightforward when you berth in town.
Which other Saronic islands can I combine with Poros?
Poros pairs naturally with the other Saronic islands on a week's charter, including Aegina, Angistri, Hydra and Spetses, as well as the Athens gulf itself. Short hops make it easy to link several in a single relaxed itinerary.
