Cycladia Travel Guides

Poros Sightseeing

Poros is an island very close to Athens and to the Peloponnese, which means that apart from its own attractions and monuments, its visitors can take the opportunity to admire sights and beauties of the regions close to it. The island itself has a long history and many interesting places to visit.

Churches and Monasteries

There are several chapels and churches all around Poros, but the most interesting among them are the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi and the Metropolitan Temple of Saint George. The Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, built in the 18th century, is certainly worth a visit. Situated at about 4 km. from Poros Town amongst pines and plane trees, this serene monastery of minimal architecture hosts the graves of the famous Greek captains Tobazis, N. Apostolis and An. Miaoulis.

Moreover, travelers should visit the magnificent Metropolitan Temple of Saint George, a basilica with an elevated middle aisle and an imposing dome of fifteen meters. The temple was built before 1850, but was restored in 1861. The amazing frescos in the church interior were painted by the famous Greek painter K. Parthenis in 1907.

Archeological Museum of Poros

The Archaeological Museum of Poros is located in the center of Poros Town at Korizi square. The Museum houses statues, ancient coins, objects of the ancient everyday life and important symbols like, for example, a cupreous trident of god Poseidon. It is open to the public 6 days a week (except Sundays) from 9.00 a.m. to 15.00p.m.

Folklore Museum of Poros

The Folklore Museum of Poros is a “young” museum inaugurated in July 2007 thanks to the initiative of the Women Cultural Association of Poros. The Museum aims to maintain and transmit to the next generation the customs, tradition and cultural heritage of Poros. Visitors may admire an interesting collection of rural tools, household utensils, everyday life objects, embroidery, folk house furniture, weaving and needlework of all kinds, uniforms, costumes, and photos. The Museum houses different teams involved in weaving and handcrafts, folk dances and music, fairytales and traditional desserts and drinks.

The Municipal Library

The Municipal Library is definitely worth a visit, with more than 8,500 titles of books and more than 200 DVDs. It is open to the public every day in the morning (9:00-13:00) and in the afternoon (18:00-21:00).

Poros Town

Poros Town is considered as one of the most picturesque and beautiful island capitals in Greece. In its center, the dominant element is the big Clock, which was built in 1927. The Clock is visible from every part of the island, being therefore the hallmark of Poros. The view from the top of the hill where the Clock is situated is just amazing. In addition, while walking around the streets of Poros visitors can admire beautiful traditional island houses, mansions and picturesque narrow streets.

God Poseidon Remnants

In the northeastern part of Poros, on the top of a hill with an amazing view to the island of Aegina, the ruins of an ancient temple devoted to god Poseidon are located. This temple was built around 520 B.C. and it was a temple of Doric rhythm. Its main characteristics were a big pelvis and multiple arcades, and it is considered as one of the most glorious ancient temples in Greece. Near the temple there was the ancient settlement of Kalavria.

The Russian Bay

Another renowned site with historic interest in Poros Island is the Russian Bay, where the ruins of the Russian Dockyard are found. This building was constructed by the Russian Navy and was used as a supply center for the Russian ships that were helping Greece in the effort to liberate from the Turks. The building’s interesting architecture combined with the unsurpassed natural beauty of the beach explains why this is a top destination for travelers in Poros.

Things not to be missed

There are several other places to visit very close to Poros, situated in the other islands of the Saronic Gulf and in the Peloponnese. Among them, the closest to Poros, is the famous “Lemonodasos” in Galatas, meaning “forests of lemon trees in Greek”. This is only 5 minutes by boat from Poros’ port and has been declared a protected area by the Europan Union. Other interesting destinations include Epidavros, Trizina-Devil Bridge and Ancient Mycines in the Peloponnese, and of course the islands of Aegina, Hydra, Spetses and Methana.

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